Q: Please, could you bring me Hadiths or Ayats saying about greeting Christians with their holidays is Haram. I mean greeting, not taking part in celebration. If it is Haram, how would you explain why greeting is considered as participation and imitation of their traditions?
A: Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم (the one who emulates a people will be counted from amongst them (in the court of Allah Ta’aala)). Hence, it is not right at all for a Muslim to share in the happiness of non Muslims celebrating their holy days and festivals.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
عن ابن عمر قال قال رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم (سنن أبي داود 2/559)
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)