CHRISTMAS is around the corner and we are already warming our vocal cords to give the biggest, heartiest “Merry Christmas” greeting ever, ideally better than last year.
But what happens if you are a muslim? Will the invisible angel sitting on your shoulder shake his head in disagreement while he writes reproachfully into a tiny notepad?
Fear not, because according to the Mufti of Penang, associate professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman, giving greetings for non-Islamic festivals is not wrong, as long as there are no religious symbols or expressions contradicting Islamic principles.
He said that the permissibility of such greetings should be viewed within the context of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society, particularly in the state in question.
He emphasised that Muslims are encouraged to reflect Islam as a friendly religion to all, which may attract non-Muslims to the faith.
“However, this permissibility is subject to the condition that the greeting does not contain religious symbols or expressions contradicting Islamic principles,” he said in a statement.
Sukki also stated that visiting open houses of non-muslims during their religious celebrations is permissible, provided the event does not involve practices contradicting Islamic beliefs, such as religious symbols or idols.
He noted that the event should not include actions contrary to Islamic morals and culture, such as inappropriate mixing of genders or actions that could offend muslim sensitivities, such as speeches or songs promoting non-Islamic religious beliefs, or the presence of forbidden foods like alcohol or pork.
Regarding involvement in preparations for non-Islamic religious festivals, he clarified that it is prohibited in Islam if the preparations include religious elements contrary to Islamic teachings.
However, assisting in cultural celebrations requires a detailed evaluation to ensure there are no conflicting religious beliefs.
“If the religious elements dominate, muslims should avoid participating in the preparation of such celebrations,” he added.
He also clarified that it is haram for muslims to wear clothing related to other religions’ celebrations that are closely tied to their religious beliefs and expose the aurat, such as Santa Claus costumes, priest or monk robes, or crosses.
“However, clothing that is part of other cultures but not specifically tied to their religion, such as saris, kurtas, samfoos, or cheongsams, is generally permissible as long as it does not glorify another religion and the aurat is preserved.”
Nevertheless, he advised muslims to avoid wearing such clothes on non-Muslim festivals to prevent any potential for imitation, based on the principle of sadd al-zari’ah.
That said, enjoy your Christmas and wish your non-muslim friends to the very best of your ability.
On a separate note, there are a number of far larger issues Malaysians could be concerned with than the thought of whether it is permissible to wish people “Merry Christmas.”
Take our dear friend, JAKIM, for example in this article. —Dec 24, 2024
Main image: slate.com
