Q: Is it permissible for a Muslim business owner to give his staff Christmas/new year bonuses?
A: A Muslim business owner should not give his staff Christmas presents as this celebration is not recognized in shariah. If a Muslim wishes to give his staff presents, then he should give it at the time of Eid, Ramadhaan, etc.
Note: The thirteenth cheque that is given to the employees is not a Christmas gift, but rather part of the salary of the employee that has been agreed upon by both parties and is included in the employee's contract. Hence, it is permissible for one to give this thirteenth cheque to the employee, but one should not refer to it as a “Christmas gift” or “Christmas bonus”. It will be better for one to give this thirteenth cheque in another month, besides December and January, so that it does not have any resemblance with a Christmas gift or Christmas bonus.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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