Why should we join in their festivals?

Shaykh Bali's answer — the greeting is in fact an endorsement of a belief, and the Qur'an itself has declared that belief false.

How the question comes up

For a Muslim living in a non-Muslim country, these days are hard — lights, cards and greetings everywhere.

A colleague says with a smile, "I want a greeting from you too."

You feel that if you don't give one, the relationship will be spoiled, and you will seem rude to yourself. So a sentence slips out of your mouth.

The question was brought to the Shaykh — How do we make people aware of this matter?

The Shaykh's answer

We have two Eids — Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Apart from these, no religious festival is ours.

The Prophet ﷺ said: Do not imitate the Jews and Christians; and whoever imitates a people is one of them. (Sunan Abi Dawud, hasan chain)

Here the Shaykh specifically mentioned the Christians' "Eid al-Qiyamah" — their belief that Isa (peace be upon him) was killed and crucified, and then brought back to life. The Qur'an has directly declared this belief false.

Evidence — the ruling on imitation

مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ

Whoever imitates a people is one of them. (Sunan Abi Dawud 4031 — hasan chain)Copy

The Qur'an says — They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; rather, the matter was made doubtful for them. (Surah An-Nisa, verse 157)

What to do

1. Refrain from greeting and taking part in religious festivals — this is a question of aqidah.
2. Make your own two Eids joyful at home and with your family.
3. Keep up good conduct with neighbors and colleagues — rudeness is not the Sunnah.
4. Teach your children the Qur'an's account of Isa (peace be upon him).

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Source: Based on the talk of Shaykh Wahid Abdussalam Bali

Translation and compilation: Raqi Faisal Ahmed Sabit — Al Qur'an Ruqyah Healing Center