Mosques for All: Nahdlatul Ulama and the Promotion of the Rights of People with Disabilities

Abstract

Fatwa is an aspect of Islamic law that addresses all aspects of Muslims lives into details. It has significant influence in bridging divine will with mundane affairs. This study focuses particularly on the advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities in Indonesia through Nahdlatul Ulama’s (NU) fatwa s. Based on primary data obtained from documents, observations, and interviews, this study describes the inclusion of the disability issue in this Indonesian traditional Islamic organization. The research describes how issues of the rights of people with disabilities proposed by disability-rights activists is adopted, modified, and formulated in the form of a typical NU religious fatwas called Fiqih Penguatan Penyandang Disabilitas . It argues that NU's fatwa s can provide theological basis to promote the rights of people with disabilities in Indonesia and has been well accepted by public. Ministry of Religious Affairs has republished the book and distributed to their offices across the country.