Christmas is a celebration that brings together people of all races. With the holiday season just around the corner, JAKIM has recently shared guidelines specifically for Muslims on what to avoid during the festivities.
In a post shared by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), they emphasised the importance of Muslims staying true to their faith and being sensitive in their actions, especially when it comes to celebrating other religions’ holidays.
Guidelines for Muslims celebrating non-Muslim holidays
In a statement, the 68th Conference of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia discussed the guidelines for Muslims celebrating non-Muslim religious holidays.
The conference decided that to determine which non-Muslim celebrations Muslims can attend; there are a few important rules to follow to ensure they do not contradict Islamic teachings.
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Activities that go against Islamic beliefs
According to them, the event shouldn’t have any activities “that go against Islamic beliefs”, meaning anything (actions, words, or situations) that could affect a Muslim’s faith.
These criteria are as follows:
- The event should not include religious symbols such as crosses, lights, candles, Christmas trees, and so on
- Singing religious songs
- Placing any religious marks on the forehead or other parts of the body
- Giving speeches or gestures praising the religion of non-Muslims
- Bowing or performing actions that seem to honour the religious ceremonies of non-Muslims
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“Muslims aren’t allowed to wear red clothing like Santa Claus”
They went on to explain that the event shouldn’t include anything that “goes against Islamic law“, meaning actions, words, or situations that go against the teachings of Islam followed by the Muslim community.
These criteria are as follows:
- Wearing red clothing like Santa Claus or other attire symbolising religion
- Serving alcoholic beverages or intoxicating food
- Creating sounds or decorations like church bells, Christmas trees, temples, or breaking coconuts
- Organising events involving gambling, idol worship, superstitions, and so on
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“Unrestricted mixing of genders without etiquette”
They also pointed out the event shouldn’t include anything that “conflicts with the development of moral values and culture of the Muslim community” in the country. This means any actions, words, or situations that go against the values and norms of the Muslim community here, who follow the teachings of Islam based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
These criteria are as follows:
- Mixing of men and women without respect for proper behaviour or manners
- Wearing revealing clothing
- Singing songs with vulgar lyrics and worship themes
- Organising programs like beauty pageants, cockfighting, and so on
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“Anything that could offend Muslims about their beliefs”
The event shouldn’t have anything that might “touch the sensitivities of the Muslim community,” meaning anything (whether it’s actions, words, or situations) that could offend Muslims about their beliefs and practices.
These criteria are as follows:
- Speeches or songs promoting non-Islamic religious propaganda
- Remarks that insult Muslims
- Remarks that insult Islam
- Performances intended to mock the religious beliefs of Muslims
They also mentioned that event organisers and the public should check with religious authorities before organising or attending non-Muslim religious celebrations.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
