Question
Is it permissible to say 'Merry Christmas' to non-Muslims? The meaning of this phrase is simply 'Happy Birthday to Jesus'. A Mufti says that it is permissible since it no longer has religious connotations. Quoting Sheikh Yusuf Qardawi, the Mufti says: • If the intention is to create harmony and peace with non-Muslims, remove religious hostility and tensions between them or for creating love and sympathy towards Muslims in a non-Muslim society. • To eliminate unfavourable conditions or perceiving hope of Hidayat for a Kafir.
Answer
It is not permissible to greet with kuffaar forms of salutations whether of religion or non-religious significance. The Mufti has erred. Qardawi was a liberal. For 'harmony and peace with non-Muslims' it is not permissible to emulate their customs and practices. The arguments of Qardawi are typical of bootlicking molvis and sheikhs. Emulating kuffaar is haraam. The kuffaar will not gain hidaayat by Muslims acquitting themselves with bootlicking stunts.
Hidaayat is from Allah Ta'ala. Muslims are required to implement the Shariah meticulously without diluting it with aspects of kufr. Furthermore, the Qur'aan Majeed states that the Yahood and Nasaara will never be satisfied with Muslims as long as they do not fully emulate them. Then the Qur'aan commands Muslims to 'fear Allah', and 'not to fear the kuffaar' "if indeed you are Mu'mineen".
The type of fatwa the Mufti issued relying on Qardawi and similar other obscurities is the effect of Imaani deficiency and lack of Yaqeen. Our Izzat (honour) and protection are in the control of Allah Ta'ala. There is thus no need for bootlicking stunts.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- Awake! Ramadaan 1446 (2025)
- PDF page
- 92
Appears under MERRY CHRISTMAS STUNTS.