Is It Permissible to Attend Christian Festivals?

Question: 11427

Is it permissible to attend the celebrations of Christian festivals and congratulate them?

Summary of answer

It is not permissible for the Muslims to attend the festivals of the polytheists, according to the consensus of the scholars. It is also prohibited to greet the non-Muslims on Christmas and other religious holidays.

Answer

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family.

Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“It is not permissible for the Muslims to attend the festivals of the polytheists , according to the consensus of the scholars whose words carry weight. The jurists who follow the four schools of Fiqh have stated this clearly in their books… Al-Bayhaqi (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated with an authentic Isnad (chain of narrators) from `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: “Do not enter upon the polytheists in their churches on the day of their festival , for divine wrath is descending upon them.” And `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also said: “Avoid the enemies of Allah on their festivals.” Al-Bayhaqi (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated with a good Isnad from `Abdullah ibn `Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: “Whoever settles in the land of the non-Arabs and celebrates their new year and festival and imitates them until he dies in that state, will be gathered with them on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ahkam Ahl Adh-Dhimmah, 1/723-724)

With regard to congratulating them on their festivals, this has already been answered in Question no. 947 , which we advise you to refer to.

And Allah knows best.

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Source:

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid