Authored by: Dr. Muhammad Ziaur Rahman A‘zami (رحمه الله)
It is not permissible for a Muslim to offer congratulatory greetings to Christians or other non-Muslims on the occasion of their religious festivals, such as Christmas, Easter, or Diwali.
✿ Such greetings fall under the category of cooperating in sin, which is explicitly prohibited in the Qur’an.
Allah ﷻ says:
وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ
“And do not assist one another in sin and transgression.”
(Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:2)
✿ It may imply approval of their religious beliefs and festive rituals, which are against the core tenets of Tawḥīd (Islamic monotheism).
✿ Such actions may reflect affection, seeking love, or emotional alignment with non-Islamic creeds, all of which are prohibited.
Allah ﷻ says:
لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ...
“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers, sons, brothers, or kindred...”
(Surah al-Mujadilah, 58:22)
And:
قَدْ كَانَتْ لَكُمْ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ...
“Indeed, there is for you a good example in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: Verily, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship besides Allah. We have rejected you, and there has appeared between us and you hostility and hatred forever, until you believe in Allah alone.”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah, 60:4)
The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta (al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah) stated:
Congratulating disbelievers on their religious occasions is impermissible.
(Fatwa No. 11168)
✔ Congratulating disbelievers on their religious celebrations is not a matter of mere politeness—it carries deep theological implications.
✔ A Muslim is obligated to maintain distinction in belief, values, and expressions, while still being just and kind in general dealings.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
❖ Ruling:
It is not permissible for a Muslim to offer congratulatory greetings to Christians or other non-Muslims on the occasion of their religious festivals, such as Christmas, Easter, or Diwali.
❖ Reason:
✿ Such greetings fall under the category of cooperating in sin, which is explicitly prohibited in the Qur’an.
Allah ﷻ says:
وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ
“And do not assist one another in sin and transgression.”
(Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:2)
❖ Implications of Congratulating on Their Festivals:
✿ It may imply approval of their religious beliefs and festive rituals, which are against the core tenets of Tawḥīd (Islamic monotheism).
✿ Such actions may reflect affection, seeking love, or emotional alignment with non-Islamic creeds, all of which are prohibited.
❖ Qur’anic Prohibitions on Loyalty and Affection Toward Opponents of Islam:
Allah ﷻ says:
لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ...
“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers, sons, brothers, or kindred...”
(Surah al-Mujadilah, 58:22)
And:
قَدْ كَانَتْ لَكُمْ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ...
“Indeed, there is for you a good example in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: Verily, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship besides Allah. We have rejected you, and there has appeared between us and you hostility and hatred forever, until you believe in Allah alone.”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah, 60:4)
❖ Scholarly Verdict:
The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta (al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah) stated:
Congratulating disbelievers on their religious occasions is impermissible.
(Fatwa No. 11168)
❖ Conclusion:
✔ Congratulating disbelievers on their religious celebrations is not a matter of mere politeness—it carries deep theological implications.
✔ A Muslim is obligated to maintain distinction in belief, values, and expressions, while still being just and kind in general dealings.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
