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  • Is Christmas More Problematic Than Diwali? A Question On Wishing Non Muslims

    Posted by Abdul Gafoor on June 24, 2025 at 4:17 am

    Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullah. I understand that Ghamidi Sahab has not issued a specific fatwa on Diwali but has provided principles that allow for ijtihadi judgment—such as differentiating between polytheistic rituals (like Lakshmi Puja) and cultural elements (like celebrating the return of Ram, as even Arya Samajis do). My question is: when we compare this with Christmas, which is fundamentally based on the belief in the divinity or sonship of Jesus (peace be upon him)—a core concept of shirk according to Islam—does that make Christmas more theologically problematic than Diwali? Even some Christian groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid celebrating Christmas for theological reasons. I seek clarification to better understand how to apply the same principles consistently when it comes to participation or greetings related to such festivals. Jazakum Allahu khairan.

    Dr. Irfan Shahzad replied 6 days, 15 hours ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • Is Christmas More Problematic Than Diwali? A Question On Wishing Non Muslims

  • Dr. Irfan Shahzad

    Scholar June 25, 2025 at 2:17 am

    The event of the coming of Jesus, the prophet of God, is an event related to Muslims, too. If there is no objection to celebrating the birthday of the holy prophet Muhammad, there is no objection to celebrating the birth of Jesus. There are two connotations with Christmas, one comes from Christians and one from Muslims. When a Muslim says ‘Happy Christmas’, everyone knows in what context he says it.

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