Emulating the Kuffaar

Muslims Attending Interfaith Programs and Prayers

Q: Is it permissible for a Muslim to participate in an interfaith prayer or program which takes place in a church, temple, synagogue, or any other place? Similarly, please explain whether it is permissible for a Muslim to pay tribute to a non-Muslim by attending his funeral ceremony or by being present at the burial in a non-Muslim graveyard. 

Lately, there has been a lot of talk and discussion around this issue, and some Ulama of JUSA mentioned that for political interests, it is permissible to take part in such interfaith programs, keeping in mind that we are a Muslim minority living in a non-Muslim country. Hence, in order not to be viewed negatively in the eyes of the non-Muslim government, there is scope of permissibility in deen for a Muslim to take part in such gatherings, where one will also have an opportunity to present Islam to people of different religions. 

The aalim of JUSA also presented the fatwa of Mufti Kifaayatullah (rahimahullah) as his proof for the permissibility of taking part in such gatherings. Does the fatwa of Mufti Kifaayatullah (rahimahullah) show permissibility, or is his fatwa being quoted out of context? Could Mufti Saheb also explain whether taking part in such a gathering will cause one to become a kaafir and come out of the fold of Islam? 

Throwing food at the groom before the wedding

Q: When people in my family get married, they normally make a big thing with the groom. They splash him and throw food on him and make a big noise. This is before the nikaah. When he gets married then they trouble the couple and on the first night they peep and other things.

Would this be emulating kuffaar? I hate participating in this, but they force me to and get angry when I don’t participate and really give it to me. How should I combat this?

Imitating the kuffaar

Q: There was a fun run race this past month that is called colour run. Basically the people run a fun run where along the way colour powder gets thrown at the runners. This is a global event which is now becoming prevalent in the Muslim community. The purpose as per their website is celebrating healthiness, happiness and individuality. I would like if Mufti can maybe give a general view on the harms of doing such races and also expanding on the nature of which this is similar to a Hindu custom (Holi)?

Emulating the kuffaar

Q: From the below ibaarat it is understood that the following two things will be with tashabbuh:

1) قصد (to be مشابه)

2) ميلان

So if the any of the above is not found this will not be tashabbuh. Is this correct?

Emulating the kuffaar

Q: What does emulating the kuffaar mean? Is it only confined to clothing or does it also relate to other aspects of one's life? We see the kuffaar driving cars and eating and drinking in plates and cups and we Muslims also do the same. Is this not also emulating the kuffaar in our actions?