JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—A senior Nahdlatul Ulama official has condemned the use of a Surah Ad-Duha recitation challenge in an alcohol giveaway at a Jakarta music festival. He called the incident a serious and regrettable mistake that must not happen again.

Ulil Abshar Abdalla, chairman of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization’s executive board, addressed the controversy at the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) office in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 12.

Online video footage appeared to show an alcohol-brand booth challenging visitors to recite Surah Ad-Duha, the Qur’an’s 93rd chapter, for an alcoholic beverage.

The incident reportedly occurred during The Sounds Project, which ran at Ancol in North Jakarta from August 7 to 9. This information is according to the festival’s official website.

Ulil described the episode as an error but said he did not believe the people involved had deliberately intended to insult Islam.

“Yes, it was a mistake—a regrettable mistake. I believe they intended no malice, no wrongdoing, and no error,” Ulil said.

Ulil suggested the challenge may have emerged spontaneously amid the festival atmosphere. He stressed that spontaneity could not justify placing Qur’anic recitation within an alcohol promotion.

“I am sure neither the MC nor the event organizer had bad intentions,” he said.

“Perhaps it was spontaneous because the atmosphere was cheerful, and they came up with the initiative. But it must not happen again,” Ulil added.

Ulil’s comments distinguished between intent and responsibility. Although he did not accuse the organizers of deliberate religious hostility, he said everyone involved in public events must treat the Qur’an with respect. Furthermore, they must prevent sacred texts from becoming promotional gimmicks.

Publicly available information has not conclusively identified who conceived or authorized the challenge.

At publication time, the festival organizer and the alcohol brand involved had also failed to issue a detailed public explanation.

Islam prohibits the consumption of intoxicants. In Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90, the Qur’an instructs believers to avoid intoxicants and gambling.

“Alcohol is not permitted for consumption in Islam, let alone offered as a prize. It is inappropriate, especially as a reward for memorizing Surah Ad-Duha,” Ulil said.

Surah Ad-Duha contains 11 verses and offers reassurance to Prophet Muhammad. The surah then instructs Muslims to care for orphans, treat those in need compassionately and acknowledge God’s blessings.

Its religious significance intensified objections to its use in a commercial alcohol giveaway.

“We remind everyone that such a thing is wrong because it treats the Qur’an in an inappropriate manner,” Ulil said.

The controversy highlights the need for event organizers, sponsors and promotional teams to review audience activities before presenting them publicly.

Ulil’s response also urged restraint: acknowledge the offense, establish responsibility and prevent repetition. He added that the public should not assume malicious intent without evidence.