Diwali is a religious celebration of the Hindus in which the return of Lord Rama is commemorated, along with Sita and Lakshmana,from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana.
In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom by bursting firecrackers.
It is also said that the festival honours the Indian goddess of wealth Lakshmi.
As Muslims, we are sensitive to our faith (aqeedah) and values. We do not compromise in our aqeedah and do not show complacency to anything contrary to our aqeedah. We are different from the Hindus in our aqeedah and in our values.
During Diwali time, if a Hindu friend invites a Muslim to his home and offers him sweets, it is obvious that it is to share the Diwali celebration with his Muslim friends.
A Muslim participating in any Diwali celebration demonstrates respect (ta’zeem) for the occasion, and in view of the polytheist’s practices, it also exemplifies complacency with Shirk thus compromising with ones tawheed. It is therefore Haram for a Muslim to take part in any part of Diwali including just the meals or sweets. We tolerate different religions practices but do not respect (ta’zeem) them.
As Muslims, Allah Taa’la has showered his mercy upon us by bestowing us with the wealth of Islam. Islam is the way of life that is perfect and complete. Hence selling such products that advertise false views will be totally against the sense of honor of a Believer and undesirable.
Likewise, It is not permissible to wish non-Muslims during their festivals.
The non-Muslims display acts of Kufr during their festivals. To wish them in their festivals is a sign of complacency to Kufr.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim