Celebrations: Understanding The Shariah

Part 1: Introduction

In this post, I will be discussing another of today's most controversial topics, one that is often infuriating for both sides of the argument. And that is the issue of celebrations. A source of that mentioned frustration lies with the large grey area that envelops the fiqh of celebrations. As such, many Muslims find themselves confused on its permissibility. This is not made any better by leaders in the ummah who, espouse such views without backing them up with any robust evidences.

It is generally prohibited for Muslims to imitate cultures that are not our own. This includes from their dressing, to their distinctive cultural practices, and to their celebrations. This is especially true for practices that go against the foundational belief of Islam - tawhid. However, living in times where many of us live in "melting pots", the distinction between culture and religion becomes blurred. Nonetheless, it would be unwise to be hasty in our decision-making. Before we go "fatwa shopping", we must first consult ourselves and identify our personal desires and shortcomings. But the truth is, this is more than just simply a religious issue. It has also got to do with our personal morals, character, principles and rationality - amongst other considerations (as I will discuss below). Therefore, there are strong arguments to be made, even if religious verdicts were to be put aside. We should try to understand why fatwas on the subject are what they are; learning the objectives of the Shariah along the way. At the very least, we, as Muslims should be clear what we are getting into.

Part 2: Discussion Points

Iman

Islam came as an honour for mankind: it calls us to follow the Straight Path, the path that leads to goodness and righteousness. As such, Muslims should be proud for celebrating their two ordained festivals, 'Eidul-Fitr and 'Eidul-Adha, giving them their due rights and celebrating them with vigour. This is because the two 'eids are distinguished symbols of Islam, celebrated in association with two periods of immense acts of worship. Namely, the month of Ramadan and the observance of Hajj. Celebrating 'eid is also an act of worship itself. During 'eid prayers we glorify Allah, show the strength of the Muslims as we - men and women, young and old - crowd masajid and fields to worship Him openly. The prayers can also be seen as a celebrating the establishment of Allah's religion in its finality on Earth.

However, we see now that Muslims are having it the other way around. Increasingly, they are thinking of the 'eids as a chore and a troublesome event, whilst they get excited by the holidays that are not their own. There is also an aversion to accepting the ruling on celebrating other festivals (ie. their impermissibility), accusing scholars of being impractical, misinformed or insensitive. Yes, while our scholars are not infallible, they are the most knowledgeable of Islam, and purer in intent to preserve it (as compared to us). To think in such a way is a symptom of a weak iman. In this case, it is the lack of the belief in why our tradition has always placed a red tape around such matters (ie. it is to preserve our religion).

While iman and intention is internal, and the opinions of scholars may vary, we are only able to realize our heart's state through our actions. So after all is said and done, what can be said about those who look forward, get hyped up, seeks and finds joy in celebrating the festivities of other cultures and religions instead?

Self-Esteem

Whether you realise it or not, almost every religion or philosophy tries to propagate itself by offering to be the best way of life that everyone should adopt or acknowledge. But at the same time, we live in a society that out of respect, do not want to impose on each other. I believe this to be true for the most part, so we should really stop and think before doing something that compromises on our beliefs. Even if we did feel imposed to do something against our beliefs, would it be worth it?

We all answer to Allah alone. If someone doesn't respect your boundaries, that gives you even more (not less) reason to pay them no heed. Sure, you may get raised eyebrows for opting out of something 'normal' (by the way, it has only become 'normal' because the Muslim ummah has failed you). But you decide how much you allow that to bother you. There is a whole psychology revolving around not worrying too much what others think of you, and that it affects how others view you. Regardless, Muslims shouldn't be afraid to be proud of their Islam, displaying their confidence and certainty in knowing that Islam is the Straight Path - even if it means putting ourselves in an uncomfortable or unfavourable position from time to time. If done right, it has a positive effect on your character: it increases your value as a person, and it shows others that you are confident in taking a stand for your own principles. At the very least, we should try to be steadfast in our religion as best as we are able to.

Logic

Celebrating others' religious beliefs is not a form of dawah. To think about it logically, it also does not make any sense. How are you inviting others into Islam by affirming their own beliefs (by being present and sending your blessings upon their practices)?

Unfortunately, some Muslims see it the wrong way, and take the 'easier' route. Which is to "give in" and join festivals they are invited to, giving excuses such as "it's easier to teach Islam by getting closer to them". Yes, we are supposed to invite others to Islam by being kind and easy with them. There are many prophetic examples for this such as showing good character, sharing knowledge with wisdom, being patient and avoiding arguments. But none of them includes being involved in their religion.

Truth is, the main reason we are not allowed to celebrate the festivals of other religions is because they directly contradict our beliefs as Muslims. Sure, festivals may seem like a lot of fun. But it would not suffice for us to only see what is apparent and not realise the reality. Anyone who takes their religion seriously should know this. In fact, this applies to any religion, and not just Islam. Even for pluralistic or polytheistic religions who believe that there are "multiple ways to the Truth" or "every religion is true" or that there are multiple gods, there are still logical boundaries that should prevent them from celebrating every religious festival. Especially since Islam for example, believes in pure, strict monotheism: in a way, Muslims believe that their religion is the only path to God. To put it plainly and objectively, it is only logical (and unsurprising) if other religions take umbrage that Muslims believe that their religion is false. Likewise, each religion has its own concept of God, and will never accept something from another religion that contradicts it.

Each religion also has its own values: what may be holy or sacred in one may be considered blasphemous in another. Taking a famous example: Hindus view cows as sacred animals, while Muslims view their sacrificial slaughter on 'eid as a virtue! Traditional religions keeps a lid on modesty, while individual choice is celebrated in New Age spirituality. Divination and fortune-telling is seen as a form of guidance in some, but seen as witchcraft and superstitious in others. Now, it would be a hyperbole to say this would mean that we need to be at each other throats. Rather, it is basic human decency to have mutual respect for each other's religious choices. But what business do we have celebrating and wishing joy upon others for celebrating something that insults our religion?

As for those who despise others for their religion, they will continue to harbour such feelings in their heart whether or not you acknowledge theirs. In fact, doing so will just encourage their beliefs rather than soften their heart towards yours. Living in society, there are many things that require mutual understanding of each other, such as our physical and mental conditions, life choices and diet. So why when it comes to religion, it is seen as something that should be compromised? But alas, secularism has diminished the value of religion, and many of us see religion as something 'optional' or "less important".

A Matter of Principle

Sometimes, we may think, "Ah, what's the big fuss, it's just harmless fun". This easy-going mentality may come from good intentions: to prevent Islam from being viewed as a strict, rigid and insensible religion. Most may be aware of the controversy in Islam around such matters and do not want to be a part of it. But perhaps they may not be aware of Islam's reality: it is a religion of principle. To protect against shirk, raising our Prophet's grave, peace and blessings upon him, although merely as a form of praise is impermissible. To protect against zina, men and women abide by dress laws, are not supposed to mix around (even in masajid) and put their guard down around each other, let alone touching even to shake hands. To protect society against lawlessness, the thief risks getting his hand chopped off (as a maximum punishment). The Sharia is full of laws that are strict or 'excessive' on what may otherwise seem 'harmless'. And the goal is to protect the interest of the greater good, seeking to eradicate evil in society. More or less, the dangers of the "slippery slope" is recognised in Islam: it does not leave things up to chance. Allah has warned us of our sworn enemy: innumerable in tactics, relentless in the pursuit to swerve us astray. And The Creator knows of Mankind's weakness. So yes, partaking in an unIslamic celebration may seem "harmless" and does not lead to shirk. Well... maybe to you. But one cannot say that such actions will preserve Islam's integrity for everyone and for generations to come. Iman is something that varies amongst people and degrades over time if not preserved. And the most effective way to preserve it is by holding on to our principles.

The Fiqh

Following the 'stricter' approach, some adopt the position that it is only permitted to celebrate the two 'eids. And that might seem easier to adhere to in some Muslim societies. But not only a matter of convenience, is that approach really the only 'correct' one?

There is in Islam a legal maxim which dictates that everything is permissible unless proven otherwise. And that includes, of course, cultural and traditional practices. But in that case, are school graduations, newborn and wedding anniversary celebrations (or any celebration for that matter) all haram? Are birthday celebrations haram? The answer is that unless something contradicts the shariah or is not said to be a part of religion, then it not haram. Following that strain, it is reasonable to posit that a celebration can be either halal or haram, depending on the intention and how it is practiced. However, it is also part of Islam that we are not to follow the practices of non-Muslims (religious or not) such that it seems that we are imitating or resembling them.

And the truth lies somewhere in between those two legal maxims, and Allah knows best.

(I will refrain from giving a direct answer for any particular celebration)

Cultural or Religious?

Now. Some people take that liberty to the extreme and say that "Well, many of the religious festivals of today have become cultural, or has lost it's religious aspect". And it is true to say that if that is the case, then the celebration becomes halal. It is also true that many practices Muslims around the world perform today have religious origins. They have become permissible because they have completely departed from their religious intent to the extent that it has become forgotten. They are also so widely practiced that it has become normal and not distinct from the culture of the Muslims. In that case, we must really consult ourselves on our choices. It is one thing to throw the "it's only cultural" card and another to throw our religion under the bus. Think of all the sacrifices our Prophet, peace be upon him, his companions and the righteous people of the past went through at the hands of those who wished to oppress the light of Islam - just to bring the path to eternal salvation at our shores. And how do we show appreciation? By brushing it aside for a little fun?

Anyway, saying that "it's fine because it was only religious in the past" is a weak argument. If your neighbours insulted your mother and made a celebration of it, would you attend the celebration 10, 20, 30 years later even if it has lost it's original meaning? Why not? Isn't it "in the past"? If not, then what about those who insult Allah, who has more right over you and more deserving of your love, respect and submission (than your mother)? And more than that, what if a celebration originally started as as something satanic but over time has evolved into something joyful and widely celebrated, and got renamed or 'rebranded' into something unassuming of its origins? The popularity of such events or whether or not the celebrations started ages ago becomes irrelevant. To put the matter of aqidah aside and look at it from another perspective instead: Muslims wouldn't want to be involved in an Oktoberfest celebration right? And yet, nowadays many Muslims do not find it an issue to enjoin in celebrations that ascribe partners to Allah. Names, no matter how cheerful they might sound, may sometimes be used on purpose to repackage immorality into something more palatable and appealing to the masses; yet they belie their sinful nature all the same. If strip clubs can be called "gentlemen's bars", drunkenness as "happy hours", prostitutes as "escorts" and sexual immorality as simply "love", religious celebrations are just another name for shirk. And indeed, shirk is the most heinous of actions Mankind has committed against Allah.

The Case for Social Cohesion

There are many who justify celebrations for the sake of unity and good neighbourliness, especially since many of us live in pluralistic societies. Well, I can't deny that there is a certain level of peer pressure to be a part of such celebrations. Yet, in my entire life, I can't think of a single person (whom I value) that I have lost my relationship with - over for not sending them good wishes on their beliefs. As a Muslim, you too would also not expect others to wish you on our two Eids nor be upset if no one did. I believe that our society is (or should be) gracious and understanding enough to respect that we all have our own beliefs, not wanting to impose on each other. Tolerance does not mean that acceptance. That statement is not meant to be seen as divisive or harshly critical; it is just a matter of fact.

In any case, we should always refer to the Qur'an and the sunnah when seeking proper guidance. And indeed, Allah has made halal the actions which foster bonds between our families, friends and neighbours of different faiths. Some examples are exchanging gifts, visiting them when they are sick and offering a helping hand when they are in need. Check on them regularly, greet them with a smile and do not harm them, even if it's as simple making the walkway in front of your house neat. In fact, a hadith states that Prophet Muhammad thought that the neighbour deserved so much right that he might have a share in his inheritance. So let us enjoin upon those acts instead - acts which are sorely missed in our increasingly individualistic society.

Part 3: Conclusion

This discussion is an ongoing one; no doubt it will be revisited time and again. It is also a rather challenging one as it involves a lot of nuances due to it's nature. It is not my place to determine its ruling, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. What is halal and haram has been made clear and we are strongly advised to stay away from indulging in grey areas lest we fall into the haram (as is prevalent in the ummah today). I understand that it can sometimes be hard to go "against the grain", especially when it comes to peer pressure or society. But at the very least, you can now make an informed choice, inshaAllah.

May Allah make it easy for us to be steadfast in His religion, amin.

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