I AM writing this article on a Friday morning on Christmas day.

Just got a WhatsApp message from the mosque that only twelve people (imam and other officials only) are allowed for Friday prayers because we are in a red zone. 

As for Christmas, yesterday Jakim said there is no specific ban on Christmas greetings on products certified as halal, but they should not to be displayed in premises that are halal certified or on products marked with the halal logo. I also received messages from friends stating it is not proper for Muslims to offer Christmas greetings.

Jakim may have reasons for its decision but is it in line with Islamic principles or earlier fatwas? The National Fatwa Council at its 78th meeting in 2007 concluded that sending greetings through cards, emails or text messages to non-Muslims during their festive seasons was permissible. 

There have been many nuances, ambiguity and conflicting fatwas that have confused Muslims. Emotional Spiritual Quotient (ESQ) Leadership training module was banned by the Federal Territories’ fatwa committee in 2009, followed by Perlis. But in 2010, the National Fatwa Council allowed ESQ organisations. Smoking cigarettes, shisha and vape is haram but we still see imams smoking. 

And, if Jason – whose shop is halal-certified, puts up a merry Christmas sign, does it make his products non-halal or is it sensitivity?

Actually, Christmas is not really the birthday of Jesus as no one knows the exact date. To some, it was a pagan tradition infused into the Christian culture. Christmas had also been celebrated by the early church on January 6th, when they also celebrated the Epiphany (which means the revelation that Jesus was God’s son) and the baptism of Jesus.

Islam has commanded humankind to be kind to one another. God commands justice and the doing of good to all mankind. 

“God forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loveth those who are just” (Quran 60:8). 

“For you is your religion, and for me is my religion” (Quran 109:6).

Further, in Islam, deeds are always judged based on the intentions behind them. Sadly, many have abused Islam, took it out of context and used it for their own personal gains.

In this beautiful month of Jumadil Awal, when our beloved Prophet Muhammad took Khadijah Khuwailid as his wife, I would suggest that the respective religious bodies to be more proactive, review and come up with non-conflicting fatwas and use the mass media effectively to disseminate information. Every year big budgets were allocated, so please use the money wisely and meet the vision and mission statements. 

Meantime, please have a chat with the National Security Council to see whether they can allow my friends and I to attend Friday prayers since mini markets can allow more than 12 customers at any one time. In mosques we maintain distancing but at mini markets they rub shoulders and even touch goods that they are not buying. 

What say you…

Season’s greetings and Happy New Year to all Malaysians. – December 25, 2020.

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.