Mother Bank is a project by Badan Kajian Pertanahan (BKP) or Land Study Agency at Jatiwangi to address the dig another hole to cover the previous one phenomena thats done by surrounding townspeople who mostly work as day workers. The practice has become an alternate solution to fulfil their pressing daily needs due to its relatively easier loan terms.
This practice is presented by Kiai Imam Nakha’i, the commissioner to Komnas Perempuan in Agrarian Assessment #2 with the theme of Understanding the Fiqh (Law) of Banking: Weighing the Perspective of Justiceas a series of activities of Biennale Jogja XVI on Saturday afternoon (25/9/2021).
Organized by BKP Jatiwangi, this study was held with hybrid method. The event was attended in person by the female members of Mother Bank at Kebudayaan Tanah Museum of Jatisura Village, Jatiwangi, Majalengka. It was also broadcasted through Zoom by Biennale Jogja XVI.
As seen through the virtual room of Zoom, the ladies sat in a circle inside a room. By their side was the host, wearing a peci and white koko suit. With a mask on too, of course. He opened the event with a prayer and salawat.
Afterwards, Kiai Imam conveyed his views regarding Mother Bank through fiqh law. According to Kiai Imam, fiqh is divided into two, fiqh of worship that talks of the relationship between humans and God such as shalat, zakat, hajj, etc.; and fiqh muamalah that regulates the relationship between humans such as trade, marriage, justice, etc.
The most important thing (about fiqh) is that its in accordance to principles. If not, it is haram. The principles can be realized through many acs. For example, handover through instant messaging applications, telephones, even shaking hands, they already symbolize agreement, said Kiai Imam Nakhai while smiling towards the participants.
Kiai Imam then explains the four principles of fiqh muamalah, which are not to cause harm, not endangering, doesn’t speculate too high, and not to cause riba or interest. He stressed that agreement between the two parties is the most important aspect in relationship between people, including in the act of borrowing and lending.
In the act of borrowing and lending, riba or interest often becomes a matter of debate. According to Kiai Imam, riba in the perspective of banking is the addition to the original amount of loan without profit sharing in bank interest management. To this matter, the Islamic scholars share three opinions, which are that it is haram because it is the same as riba, bank interest is not riba, and running away.
At Mother Bank, there is a plus value because it is part of protecting of ones self. If we do something to protect ourselves, its a part of takwa (piety). As long as it doesn’t go against the previous four principles, then Mother Bank is good because its a form of empowerment. Insyaallah, it is safe,he ended the statement without further questions from the participants. (Vattaya Zahra | Teresa Vita)
