Festivals are part of the religion

27-1-2010 | IslamWeb

Question:

We were surprised with an official circular in the department we work at stating that the following two dates ( 12/25 and 7/1) according to the Gregorian calendar, are considered as official yearly festivals. This is the first time something like this happens in our country, and I would like for you to clarify the Islamic ruling on this matter and the ruling of those who obey the authorities in this regard, while they are able to refrain from doing so. Also, the ruling of the scholars who remain silent towards this evil.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

Festival are part of religious legislations; Allaah Say (what means): {To each of you We prescribed a law (legislation) and a method.} [Quran 5:48]. Therefore, a Muslim is not allowed to adopt the festivals of non Muslims as his festivals.

Anas narrated that when the Prophet,  arrived to Al-Madeenah, people had two days which they used to celebrate, so he inquired: "What are these two days" People said: 'These are two days we used to celebrate during our pre-Islamic era', Thereupon, he said: "Indeed, Allaah Has replaced them with two days that are better than them; 'Eed Al-Adh-Ha and 'Eed Al-Fitr" [Abu Daawood].

Scholars are not allowed to remain silent regarding this evil. Every person is obliged to forbid evil according to his/her ability. Abu Sa`eed Al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allaah said, "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand (physically); if he is  unable to do so, then with his tongue (speak out); and if he is unable to do so, then (he should detest it) with his heart; and this is the weakest form of Faith". [Muslim].

Allaah Knows best.