وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
This is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This He has instructed you so that you may become righteous [6:153]
Rasulullah ﷺ said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they enter the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too.’ We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?’ He said: ‘Who else?’” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Rasulullah ﷺ said Whoever imitates another nation is amongst them. (Abu Dawud)
As we are living in the western world, we are aware of customs and celebrations of the non-Muslims, which occur throughout the year. It is important we understand the prohibition in taking part in other religious celebrations. Alhamdulillah, our deen has taught and guided us in every matter. We have our own celebrations. It is not allowed for Muslims to participate in the traditions of the non-Muslims especially when it is related to their religion.
Allamah Qurtubi r.a mentioned that Allah Ta’aala gave Rasulullah ﷺ everything. We will find guidance of everything in the Quran and sunnah. We do not need to seek other people’s faith for assistance.
To subtly take part in celebrations of the non-Muslims is a dangerous step, it is these slow small steps that eventually lead to misguidance. Remember, when Shaytan was sent to the world, he promised Allah that he would mislead and deviate mankind. One of the ways he does this is by imitation of the non-Muslims. This is one of the traps and plots against this Ummah.
The effect of something small eventually causes a big impact. Rasulullah ﷺ said: Those who live and stay near camels will have a sense of arrogance. Generally, camels are haughty animals and their character rubs off to an individual. Sheep are generally soft animals, therefore, grazing them leads to a sense of humility. We learn from the hadith, that being involved in matters will affect us. If people can be affected by animals, then indeed partaking in celebrations will have an effect. Therefore, safeguard yourself and avoid such doubtful steps.
Imitation is not a light matter. It is the start point of drifting away from Islam. Once Rasulullah ﷺ drew a straight line then smaller lines on the right and left. He ﷺ said; These lines on the right and left are the pathway of other individuals. My pathway is the straight line, so follow it. The pathways that take you away from the straight path, do not follow them.
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ خَطَّ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خَطًّا بِيَدِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ هَذَا سَبِيلُ اللَّهِ مُسْتَقِيمًا قَالَ ثُمَّ خَطَّ عَنْ يَمِينِهِ وَشِمَالِهِ … وقال ثُمَّ قَرَأَ وَإِنَّ هَذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ رواه أحمد
Taking part in Christmas celebration and greeting is something we should avoid. Our belief of Eesa a.s is very different to the beliefs of the Christians. Allah Ta’aala discusses Eesa a.s. in the first 90 ayats in Surah Al-Imran and other parts of the Quran. We should study these ayats to understand our belief about Prophet Eesa a.s.
Allamah Ibn Taymiyyah r.a wrote a book called ‘Iqtidaus Siraatil Mustaqim li Mukhalafati Ashabil Jaheem’. A large section of the book contains content regarding how we should not take part in celebrations of the non-Muslims. This matter is not light.
Islam encourages kindness towards the non-Muslims. We should respect them, visit them when sick, give them food and help them. This is termed as Mudarat. This does not mean we should be sacrificing our deen in order to make them happy by following or taking part in their religious activities. This is termed as Mudahanat, which is prohibited. We have a beautiful religion, why would a person want to do that which displeases the Almighty. So, people, follow the way of success. That is the seeratul mustaqeem (straight path).
In conclusion, Islam is a complete and upright religion that provides clear guidance in all aspects of life. We Muslims are blessed with our own identity, values, and celebrations, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. Participating in the religious practices of non-Muslims may weaken iman and compromise Islamic identity. True success lies in steadfastness upon the path Allah Ta’aala has set for us and in preserving our Islamic identity with sincerity and obedience.
May Allah Ta’aala grant us firmness upon the truth, protect our iman from all forms of deviation, and enable us to follow the Quran and Sunnah.
The above is an edited summary of a Jumuah speech by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Nawab delivered on 20/12/19. Link to the full speech https://saleemnawab.com/jumuah-bayans/ (audio no.60)
