Question :
A question was asked about whether or not Muslims should congratulate non- Muslims during the latter’s festivals (a‘ayad).
Fatwa in Brief: It is illegal to congratulate
non-Muslims during their religious festivals. In so
doing one shares in sin, and [their] corruption.
The Permanent Committee, 313/3
See Shaykh Sa‘id ‘Abd al-‘Azim,
www.alsalafway.com
Response:
There is no harm in congratulating non-Muslims with whom
you have a family relationship, or that are neighbours
of yours. Regarding their festivals, however, do not
participate in the rituals (tuqus) of Christians,
or those in a similar religious category [i.e.
non-Muslims].
Commentary:
In two verses from the Holy Qur’an the nature of
relationships between Muslims and others are laid down
(Q. 60:8-9). These verses apply directly to the
polytheists and idol-worshippers (mushrikin
wa’l-wathaniyyin)
“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who
fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your
homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for
Allah loveth those who are just”.
“Allah only forbids you with regard to those who
fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your
homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from
turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is
such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do
wrong”.
These two verses distinguish between, on the one hand,
the peaceful (musalamin) and, on the other
hand, the warriors (muharibin). Regarding the
peaceful [non-Muslims], the law recommends behaving
justly with them, this, in turn leads to charitable and
kind dealings. On the other hand, the second verse
forbids loyalty to the warriors. This is because they
have taken Muslims as enemies, have fought with them and
have driven them out of their homes.
The two Shaykhs [i.e. Bukhari and Muslim] report a
hadith in which Asma’ (r.a.) the daughter of Abu
Bakr, came to the Prophet (upon him be peace) and said:
“O Messenger of God, my mother has come to me, and she
is a polytheist (mushrika), and she wants to
remain in contact with me, should I stay in touch with
her?” The Prophet (upon him be peace) replied, yes, stay
in touch with your mother. This hadith is agreed
upon.
[We note that] This is the Prophet’s attitude towards a
polytheist (mushrika); however, Islam’s approach
to the People of the Book [i.e. to Jews and Christians]
is known to be more lenient. Indeed, the Qur’an permits
Muslims to be the dinner companions of Jews and
Christians, and [even] to marry them. Obviously, in the
latter case, an affectionate relationship is required.
Further [as mentioned already], motherhood privileges a
woman in her role over her children. The children [of a
non-Muslim mother] will congratulate her on her festival
days, and behave well towards her. The generous Prophet
(upon him be peace) advises us “to treat people kindly”
[lit: “with strong ethics”). He said “treat people”, and
not just Muslims with kindness.[1]
Hence, if someone congratulates a Muslim during one of
their feast, we are to respond to his greeting with a
better, or at least an equal greeting. For God Almighty
says:
“When ye are greeted with a greeting, [you should]
return [this] with a better, or at least an equal
greeting”. (Q. 4:86.)
Another motive to respond to the non-Muslim’s greeting
is that, if Muslims want to call them [the non-Muslims]
to Islam - which is an obligation upon all Muslims –
one’s relationship with them should obviously be
cordial. While in Mecca, the Prophet (upon him be peace)
was well-mannered, and polite to the polytheists of the
Quraysh. He behaved like this despite the fact that they
wished to hurt him, and were plotting against him and
his Companions. Indeed, he was so polite and decent with
them that they trusted him with their valuables (wada‘i’).
So, there should be nothing to prevent a Muslim from
congratulating them verbally, or through letters that do
not involve religious words or symbols. [This should not
be difficult as] The greetings used to congratulate on
such occasions do not normally pertain to religion;
instead, they involve well-known complimentary messages.
Likewise, there is also nothing to prevent a Muslim from
accepting a present from non-Muslims, and [even]
rewarding them for it. The Prophet (upon him be peace)
accepted presents from non-Muslims. Hence, he accepted a
gift from (among others) al-Muqawqas, the greatest of
the Copts in Egypt. Likewise, we may accept presents on
the condition that they are not forbidden by God, such
as alcohol and pork.[2]
Regarding days set aside for national and social
festivals, such as Independence Day, Children’s Day,
Mother’s Day, and so on, a Muslim is free to
congratulate non-Muslims at these times. If he is a
citizen in this country, he is even free to participate
in them, as long as he avoids the illegal acts that may
occur during these occasions.
Dr. Yassir ‘Abd al-‘Azim
[1]
Al-Tirmidhi includes this in his hadith
collections. He claims that it is hasan
and sahih.