Mufti Sahab, Assalamualikum, Please guide whether greeting christian people on 25/Dec —MERRY CHRISTMAS is correct or not??? also tell about other religion festivals like diwali etc….if it’s is not jayaz,then what is the best way of wishing non muslim on their respective festival?Since non muslim friends/neighbour/collegue greets us on our festivals like eid etc,Is it not our courtesy to greet them also on their festival. Please guide in the light of shariah. 2. Also advise wishing someone (muslim & non muslim both) HAPPY NEW YEAR on Ist Jan is also correct or not?????
Answer
(Fatwa: 50/48=B/1429)
Wishing ?merry Christmas? to Christians on 25 December is not right. Likewise, congratulating people of other religions on their festivals is not correct. Yes, one can express his wishes in good words like praying for peace and tranquillity or for security of the country or mutual unity and integrity.
It is also not proved to wish someone with Happy New Year on 1 January.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband