MUI urges Muslims to boycott preacher Habib Alwi bin Abdurrahman Assegaf

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on the Muslim community to stop inviting and attending sermons by Habib Alwi bin Abdurrahman Assegaf. KH M Cholil Nafis, Vice Chairman of the MUI, issued the warning following the viral spread of video clips containing controversial remarks.

The controversy stems from footage in which the preacher discussed his lecture fees, claiming his lowest rate is Rp75 million. Additionally, the clips show him making remarks perceived as degrading toward women, including comments about seeking a fourth wife among female students (santriwati) and disparaging remarks regarding female congregants over the age of 60.

Cholil Nafis stated that such narratives do not reflect the ethics or exemplary nature of a religious leader and could damage the image of Islamic proselytization (dakwah) and the spiritual well-being of society. He emphasized that a preacher's social status does not justify content that violates standards of politeness and decency.