Guidelines for Muslims Participating in the Religious Celebrations of Non-Muslims
Decision: The 68th Muzakarah (Conference) of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia held on 12th April 2005 has discussed the guidelines for Muslims participating in the religious celebrations of Non-Muslims. The Conference decided that: In determining the celebrations of Non-Muslims that can be attended by Muslims, a number of criteria must be set as a guideline to avoid contradiction with the teachings of Islam. These criteria are as follows: 1. The ceremony must not be accompanied by rituals that contradict with the Islamic creed. The phrase "contradict with the Islamic creed" means any single thing, act, speech or situation if performed will compromise the creed of a Muslim. Examples: i. Using religious symbols such as the Cross, lighting lamps, candles, Christmas trees and others. ii. Singing songs of a religious nature. iii. Putting on any symbol of a religious nature on one's forehead or other symbols on the body. iv. ...