GEORGE TOWN: After a PAS leader cautioned Muslims against making the Christmas greetings except to their Christian neighbours, a mufti said there was a need for a fatwa to clear the air and preserve religious harmony.
Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said while Muslims should not celebrate non-Muslims’ religious festivities, there is nothing wrong to wish them.
He said that a fatwa should declare it “harus” (acceptable) for Muslims to extend Christmas greetings.
Speaking to FMT, Salim said a fatwa is based on current circumstances including place and culture, and is needed to protect public interest.
He said while Christmas has its origins in Christian teachings, it is today a universal celebration.
“Now, based on this, the current situation in Malaysia dictates that good relations between citizens should be preserved for fairness and mutual respect for each other,” said Salim.
He said the fatwa would assure Muslims in Malaysia that there was nothing wrong in Christmas greetings.
He was responding to PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Hadi, who said Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus, a central figure in Christianity who is also revered by Muslims, was contrary to Islamic teachings.
Khalil, who is the son of PAS strongman Abdul Hadi Awang, said this was because Christians believe Jesus was the son of God and it therefore amounted to shirk, or associating others to God.
He said while it is allowed to wish a Christian neighbour out of respect, a Muslim should not liberally take part in such greetings including on social media.
“It is as if we are endorsing their religion,” Khalil said. - FMT
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