Q: I want to ask being a Muslim; can we greet our Christian colleagues “Merry Christmas OR Seasonal Greetings OR Happy new Year”? And can we Eat their Christmas Cakes with them or not?

A: It is not permissible to greet nor wish one’s Christian neighbours or colleagues well on Christmas day  whether one had mentioned the actual festivity, “Happy Christmas” or not as it is automatically understood from the context that the festivity is of “Happy Christmas”.

The Fuqahaa (Jurists) have stated that there is a fear of one losing his Imaan if one wishes the adherents of other faiths well in their festivities as that is an expression of inclination towards Kufr.

Displaying good character to non- Muslims does not mean one should compromise in his Islamic values.

If the cakes have got any decorations that allude towards Christianity then don’t accept such gifts.

Extreme caution should be exercised about consuming haraam. Therefore as a matter of precaution such food presented to one by non-Muslims should not be consumed.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
 
Was Salaam

M.D. Mangera (Mufti)              Shafiq Jakhura (Mufti)     
Fatwa Dept.                               Fatwa Dept.