Seasonal greetings

Q:

  1. Is it permissible to send seasonal greeting cards to non-Muslims at the time of Christmas so long as there are no religious symbols on them and without the intention of celebrating or supporting Christmas?
  2. Can the following from al-ashbaah be used as a justification for sending seasonal greeting cards at Christmas time?

In al-ashbaah it states that if a person says regarding a non Muslim: "May Allah let his kingdom last for a long time" and his intention is that he may be given hidayat in future, or that the Muslims could benefit through his contributions of jizyah etc, then this is permitted. 

bismillah.jpg

A:

  1. Muslims should strictly avoid this. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم (the one who emulates a people will be counted from amongst them (in the sight of Allah Ta’aala)). Hence, it is not right at all for a Muslim to share in the happiness of non Muslims by sending them cards or wishing them at the time of their religious festivals. Refer to http://muftionline.co.za/node/4318
  2. This quotation does not prove in any way the permissibility of wishing kuffar on their religious festivals.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)