Vocabulary of Islamic Jurisprudence Terms are being Developed for Disabled Communities

Jakarta: The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs are developing a standardized vocabulary for deaf and speech impaired individuals. The Indonesian Islamic Sign Vocabulary (KOSMIN) program aims to create and establish Islamic sign language terms that have not yet been standardized.
 
The Director General of Islamic Community Guidance, Abu Rokhmad, cited the lack of consensus on religious theology and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) signs as their motivation to develop KOSMIN.
 
“It is said that even the basic concepts of heaven and hell do not have a standardized sign. This also applies to daily Islamic jurisprudence terms like menstruation, postpartum bleeding, istihadhah, and even wet dreams. As such, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (feels as though it is necessary) to standardized (these terms),” wrote Abu in a statement, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
 
Abu added that KOSMIN serves as an extension of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' inclusion program. His office claims to have already translated the Qur’an in sign language, complete with linguistic components.
 
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has committed to standardize the Islamic sign vocabulary by the end of the year, which would allow for comprehensive religious literacy for the deaf and speech impaired.
 
The KOSMIN also serves to further the Ministry's effort to fulfill Act 18 of 2018, concerning Persons with Disabilities.
 
Article 14 of the Regulation established five distinct religious rights for persons with disabilities: the right to embrace and practice religious teachings based on their personal beliefs; access to places of worship; access to religious services; access to the Holy Scriptures; and access to active participation in religious organizations.
 
In line with the Islamic New Year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has implored the younger generation, notably Gen Z Muslims, to fill the coming days with positive and inclusive affirmations to advance Indonesia, with the youth looked upon as the mobilizers of society that must dismantle the barriers that obstruct access to religious education for disabled persons.
 
“We encourage the younger generation, especially Gen Z, to fill today and the days ahead with positivity. It will serve as a guide to navigate your life ahead, which will be filled with challenges far greater than those from our youths," said Abu.
 
He also advised the youth to continue their bout to advance Indonesia, empowered through consistent prayer and recital of the Quran.
 
The program commenced during the KOSMIN Kick-Off event, which coincided with the Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448 Hijri, at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta. The initiative is seen as an inclusive gift for all Indonesians alike.
 
The kick-off event concluded with a symbolic procession, followed by an applause from the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, Echelon I officials, special staff, and all participants, including the Indonesian Muslim deaf community.
 
The gesture exhibited the Ministry of Religious Affairs' commitment to creating fair, affirmative, and inclusive programs.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)