Celebrations are welcomed by Muslims all over the world. The Muslim religion allows celebration of its rituals but doesn’t permit the celebration of non-Islamic events. The reason for this is that non-Islamic events are discarded o stop the involvements of Muslims inactivities which are certainly not the part of their beliefs and scripture.
New Year is a non-Islamic event just as Eid and Ramadan are Islamic events. We have not seen non-Muslims celebrating these events with Muslims, so why is it necessary for the Muslims to celebrate New Year with non-believers? Muslims have never forced others to celebrate their rituals with them, but they are criticized quite a bit when they fail to take part in New Year’s celebrations or Christmas.
Quoting verses regarding the celebration of non-Islamic rituals for Muslims, Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, “It is not permissible for the Muslims to attend the festivals of the mushrikeen, according to the consensus of the scholars whose words carry weight. The fuqaha’ who follow the four schools of thought have stated this clearly in their books… Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab that he said: “Do not enter upon the mushrikeen in their churches on the day of their festival, for divine wrath is descending upon them.” And ‘Umar also said: “Avoid the enemies of Allaah on their festivals.” Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a jayyid isnaad from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that he said: “Whoever settles in the land of the non-Arabs and celebrates their new year and festival and imitates them until he dies in that state, will be gathered with them on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/723-724).
At the same time, Islam doesn’t stop Muslims from being happy and supporting others over their beliefs. But this doesn’t mean that Muslims should forget their individualities and be part of other’s lives. Islam is a clear and distinct religion, it emphasizes he oneness of the Almighty and follows its scripture. In Islam, we do not waste money on worldly desires and occasions, but we are bound to please Almighty by helping his poor and needy people. The money which we spend on worldly desires by making lavish clothing and decorations can be spent on the education of the poor children. Islam stresses justice and equality. By spending huge money and time on worldly desires, we’ll create further gaps between the rich and poor. Moreover, we’ll be distracted from the actual goals of the life.
The Muslim community is a vast community which has its own rituals to celebrate such as having Eid-ul Fitar (fast-breaking festival), Hajj (Pilgrimage) and Holy month of Ramadan where Muslims observe fasts.
In recent years, since the media has brought the world together, it has been seen that many youngster are celebrating the New Year extensively, but inside them, it is crystal clear that it’s not a part of Islamic culture to take part in such activities which distract us from real agendas.
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