THE PERCEPTION OF TRADITIONAL ULEMAS' BOARDING SCHOOL IN TASIKMALAYA IN RESPONDING TO MUI FATWA AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES DEALING WITH COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

During the Covid-19 pandemic, ulemas from Islamic boarding schools in Tasikmalaya will be interviewed to learn about their views on MUI fatwas, government regulations, and health protocols. The COVID-19 pandemic has now reached every part of the world's population. Indonesia is a country that has been affected by the pandemic. The arrival of Covid-19 has fundamentally altered the course of human history. Not only in economic and social concerns, but also in religious concerns. The ulemas of Islamic boarding schools are the prominent figures with significant direct or indirect responsibilities and influences in the problem of addressing COVID-19. Interviews with Islamic boarding school ulemas in the City and District of Tasikmalaya serve as the data collection strategy for this qualitative study. This study indicated that ulemas at Islamic boarding schools have diverse perspectives on a variety of topics, including those relevant to MUI fatwas. There are those who fully embrace, socialize, and practice fatwas, while others accept and respect fatwas, as well as socialize them to the public, but believe they are not implemented and are not required to be practiced because they are not legally binding. The perceptions of other ulemas are to accept and respect the fatwas with no obligation to socialize and not necessary to practice them. Regarding government policies during the Covid-19 pandemic, they are divided into two perceptions, namely, fully supporting with notes as long as they are beneficial for the community. Health precautions were put into action during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are two responses: that the practice of health programs is viewed as a form of government obedience and also as an endeavor for health. In the meantime, there are also some clerics who argue that the practice of health protocol is only a tribute to the government.