FT Mufti draws 7 guidelines of dos and don’ts for Muslims who wish to join in Christmas do

 

GREETINGS everyone, I suggest that the government abolishes religious festival holidays fort Muslims (except for Hari Raya Aidilfitri).

Only non-Muslims go on holiday while government offices remain open so we’re not directly involved in the holidays celebrating the religious festivals of other faiths.

Hopefully the mufti can urge the government to abolish the public holidays for Christmas, Thaipusam, Deepavali by limiting these holidays to only followers of those religions.

Such was the sarcasm – or rather, an ingenious proposal – left behind on the comment section of the Federal Territories (FT) Mufti Office following its issuance of guidelines and Islamic ruling on the involvement of Muslims in Christmas celebration

Issued against the brouhaha sparked by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) ban on Christmas decorations at halal premises in the state, it hopes the guidelines would enable Muslims to draw their boundaries so as to maintains social relations and harmony without compromising on their faith and identity.

Specifically, the guidelines and Islamic ruling encompass seven areas which are often regarded as ‘hot potatoes’ in the run-up to the Yuletide season:

Attending Christmas gatherings: Fine if they are held outside places of worship, intended to strengthen social ties and the food served is halal; Makruh (discouraged) if gatherings are held at places of worship during a deemed religious festivity.

Christmas carolling: Haram (prohibited) because such activity is part of the Christian propagation and ritual that contain praises and doctrine of faith that run foul of the Islamic faith.

Wearing/displaying Christmas-related apparatus/decor: Haram to be associated with the Christian cross, don Santa Claus’ robe/cap, headband with reindeer antlers, Christmas bells or any symbols that signify Christmas.

Giving and receiving Christmas gifts: The Secret Santa public tradition is a no-no nor should Muslims give away liquors to non-Muslims as Christmas present.

Muslims organising Christmas parties: Discouraged to prevent Muslims from behaving like Christians.

Planting pine trees as décor: Fine only to beautify the landscape. But Muslims are advised to avoid indulging in activities that can spark slanders and public misconception.

Greeting others “Merry Christmas”: Fine to preserve cordial relationship in a plural society among people/family members of diverse race and faith without recognising and glorifying the Christian faith. Discouraged if there is no clear intention or can spark slander or confusion of faith. Haram if the greeting is intended to praise, glorify and recognise other faiths.

‘Compliance can be a hassle’

Well, a quick glance at the comment section of the FT Mufti Office’s FB post highlighted a few intriguing reactions.

In addition to the above comment which is sensible given the restrictions are understandably too tedious to comply, one commenter teasingly wondered “how to ensure Muslim staff turn out for work during non-Muslim religious festivities for they’re the ones most eager to balik kampung during every festivity”.

That aside, one commenter voiced concern over Muslim staff at business premises donning Christmas symbols in the likes of the red-and-white Santa cap and reindeer antlers every December.

“I request JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) and the mufti office respond and do something about this matter,” she urged.

“From year to year we find this happening as if there is nothing wrong when it’s indeed wrong and should be stopped completely. If this is left unchecked, then it’ll gradually become normal.”

One commenter asked for prayers given her family wishes “to engage with other family members who’re celebrating Christmas with the intention of not only fostering family bond but also to dakwah (to spread a good word on Islam). ”.

At the end of the day, it is hoped that while the guidelines will be enlightening to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike instead of further polarising or widen racial and religious divide in this plural Malaysian society. –  Focus Malaysia