Q&A Religious Enquiries Can Muslims wish merry christmas?

Can Muslims wish merry christmas?

Number: 4
Publication: 2020-02-09
Answer
Praise be to Allah s.w.t.

In extending our rahmah towards our non-Muslim friends, we are encouraged to share food, exchange gift and wish each other good will. As for wishing them on their festive seasons, it is not an act that is prohibited in Islam. Those who call against Muslims from wishing their non-Muslims friends a joyous celebration on their religious festivals generally warn that such practices may render one to commit shirk or act of disbelief that may render one’s faith to be nullified. Such viewpoints are incorrect.

One does not profess nor subscribe to the belief of the other religious communities by merely wishing them well on their religious or traditional festivals. Congratulatory expressions on the celebration of other faiths are meant to cement better social relationship among Muslim and non-Muslims. It is not about agreeing to the religious doctrines or subscribing to the other faith’s creed and belief system.

Contemporary scholars such as Shaykh Abdallah Bayyah and the Mufti of Wilayah Persekutuan, Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, also hold the same views on the issue.

Allah knows best.

Source: Contemporary Irsyad Series