Participating in non-Muslim festivities and greeting them

Q: I live in India. In my locality most of the people are non-Muslim and I want to know if it is okay to take them as close friends and participate in their religious gatherings or festivities and alike? 

Very few greet by saying Namaste how to reply to it? 

A: It is totally impermissible to join them in their festivals. Coming close to them is also incorrect. 

If you are not going to be close to them then they will not greet you in this way. On some occasion you should make it known to them that you do not appreciate this greeting.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)