The use of cryptocurrency assets has been banned for Muslims, according to the Indonesian Religious Council, Bloomberg reports.
The National Ulema Council has stated that all operations with cryptocurrencies are now considered haram, or banned. The head of religious decrees made this statement after the expert hearing that was held on Thursday.
The main issue with cryptocurrency is its ability to show a clear benefit; hence, it should not be traded and is strictly prohibited by Sharia.
MUI is considered an authority on Sharia in Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population. The country's regulators, like the finance ministry and central bank, are always working with the Council on financial topics.
The decision of the council does not necessarily mean that trading in the country stops now. The decision on the status of financial operations with digital currencies will be made by the finance ministry. Previously, the Bank of Indonesia was preparing to release a central bank digital currency, but it has not confirmed its decision to do so in the future.
Alex Dovbnya
Yuri Molchan
Gamza Khanzadaev