Question: Every morning my job is to burn incense for the prayers of my Buddhist master. How is the law?
Answer: The law of origin for living incense is basically permissible. And it can have certain legal implications if it is intended for certain purposes which will be punished based on the objectives.
So, if turning on incense is meant for worship which has no provisions in Islam, and is even contrary to Islamic teachings as asked, then the law is basically haram. It is feared that it could damage a Muslim's faith. Or at least, fall into the category of "at-ta'awun 'alal-itsmi wal-'udwan" or helping each other in sins.
Then what is the attitude of a Muslim woman who works as an Indonesian migrant worker (PMI) domestic worker (PRT) for her non-Muslim employer and orders her to commit this haram thing?
In this respect there are two conditions. First, PMI has not entered into a work contract with a non-Muslim employer. Second, they have signed a work contract.
If PMI has not signed a work contract, then it may require points in the work contract, or provide a special agreement, that they are not required to do work that is contrary to their human rights as a religious community. In this case, a good Muslimah should always prioritize religious matters over every other interest when she wants to work.
Meanwhile, if the contract has already been signed, and there is no point of special request, then the employer can refuse orders with good methods and explanations. And of course by continuing to ask Allah Ta'ala to soften the heart of the master.
But if the employer still insists on ordering it, then do it while maintaining faith in your heart, because faith is the most valuable treasure owned by humans. In this case, the Muslimah PMI can be categorized as a Muslimah who is in a state of necessity.
Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an, surah an-Nahl (104) verse 106: "Whoever disbelieves in Allah after he believes (he gets the wrath of Allah), except those who are forced to disbelieve even though his heart remains calm in faith ( he is innocent). But the person who enlarges his chest for disbelief then the wrath of Allah befalls him and for him is a great torment. "
Sumber: Mandiri Amal Insani's book "Daily Jurisprudence Questions and Answers for Muslim Migrant Workers."
