The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has officially labeled Israeli dates as haram (forbidden). "Do not sell Israeli products, including dates. Dates are actually halal and delicious. I myself am a lover of dates. Their essence is halal, but they become haram because the proceeds from sales are used to kill Palestinian civilians," said Sudarmoto, the Chairman of MUI's Department of Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, as quoted by detikcom on Tuesday (12/3/2024).
In Fatwa Number 83 of 2023 on the Law of Support for Palestine, MUI has urged people not to buy products affiliated with Israel. "Food, drinks, all Israeli products should be boycotted. This is one form of pressure that we can exert," he added.
By boycotting Israeli products, Sudarmoto continued, the community can weaken Israel's power. The hope is for Israel to cease its aggression in Gaza, Palestine.
Moreover, MUI has also issued a recommendation to Indonesian sellers not to sell products that support or are affiliated with Israel.
Similarly, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah, Dadang Kahmad, agreed with MUI's decision to prohibit Israeli dates. This decision serves as a sanction against Israel's atrocities in Palestine. "Boycotting Israeli products is one of the sanctions we can impose," said Dadang on Sunday (10/3).
Country of Origin for Indonesia's Date Imports
Consuming dates is a recommended practice for breaking the fast, as well as during suhoor (pre-dawn meal). According to a hadith, Prophet Muhammad SAW advised consuming dates when breaking the fast.
Dates are believed to be a rich source of fiber, potassium, and calcium, making them not only delicious but also nutritious.
Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), dates fall under HS 08041000 (dates, fresh or dried), with total imports amounting to US$80.52 million in 2023. In January 2024, the imports were recorded at US$13.65 million.
Indonesia primarily imports dates from Egypt, totaling US$23.03 million or approximately 28.6% of the total imports under HS 08041000.
These figures are also lower compared to the 2022 data, where the total date imports from Egypt amounted to US$30.5 million.