Fajarasia.co – Secretary of the Directorate General (Sesditjen) of Islamic Guidance at the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag), M. Fuad Nasar said, interfaith marriages are not a form of tolerance for inter-religious harmony or the practice of religious moderation that is being intensified by the government.
This was confirmed by commenting on the case of interfaith marriages which had gone viral some time ago in Surabaya.
“Interfaith marriages have nothing to do with the religious moderation program initiated by the government in order to maintain harmony in the country. Interfaith marriage is an independent legal event,” said Fuad Nasar in an official statement in Jakarta, Sunday (26/6/2022).
“In this matter, the state is faced with a legal dilemma. There are religious norms that adherents believe and the state is obliged to protect them according to the constitution,” added Fuad.
Fuad encourages the role of parents to guide their children in choosing a partner and educate about the basics of marriage.
“This is where the role of parents is to provide understanding to children who are growing up about the criteria for choosing a mate, the basics of marriage and the formation of a family according to religious teachings,” he said.
Fuad admits that young people with different religions and love each other will find it hard to sacrifice love because they obey religious laws and marriage laws that limit interfaith marriages. He said the obstacle was a sacrifice.
“But the sacrifice (avoiding interfaith marriages) is nothing compared to sacrificing the religious guidelines adopted regarding marriage and the formation of a family that is pleasing to God. In addition, the feelings of the majority of parents who let their children marry different religions,” he said.
Previously, it was known that the Surabaya District Court recently granted interfaith marriages.
The Surabaya District Court reasoned that the decision was issued with the consideration that religious differences are not a prohibition for marriage.****
