Ustazah Asma Harun reshares 2020 Federal Territory Mufti guidance on Muslim Christmas participation
INDEPENDENT preacher Ustazah Asma Harun has reshared religious guidelines originally issued by the Federal Territory Mufti’s Office regarding Muslim participation in Christmas observances, bringing renewed attention to the 2020 guidance during this festive season.
The guidelines, first published on the official website on December 21, 2020, clarify the Islamic position on various aspects of Christmas participation, from wearing festive attire to attending social gatherings.
Ustazah Asma Harun’s Instagram post has reignited discussion about the boundaries of interfaith participation, particularly as many Malaysian Muslims navigate workplace celebrations and social invitations during the Christmas period.
The reshared guidance addresses common questions from the Muslim community about appropriate conduct during the festive season in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
According to the Federal Territory Mufti’s Office, Muslims should refrain from wearing Christmas-related items such as Santa hats or displaying Christmas decorations, including trees. The guidance explains that such practices signify acknowledgment of the religious celebration itself.
“There is no necessity to wear such items, especially in environments where Muslims form the majority, such as certain homes, offices, or public spaces,” the statement notes.
The religious authority emphasises that while maintaining religious boundaries, Muslims should use the holiday period to strengthen unity among Malaysia’s diverse communities.
The guidelines make important distinctions about permissible interactions during the Christmas season.
Muslims may extend Christmas greetings or festive well-wishes to Christian individuals when necessary, as part of maintaining good interpersonal relations. However, several conditions apply:
- Greetings should be offered only when appropriate or required
- They must not convey acceptance of Christian religious beliefs
- They should avoid praising or glorifying Christian theology
- Religious symbols or emblems should not be included in the greeting
The Mufti’s Office also clarified when Muslims may attend Christmas-related gatherings, drawing distinctions based on location and purpose.
Attendance is permissible at functions held outside places of worship—such as in community halls, offices, or homes—particularly for social purposes like meals where halal food is served.
However, the guidance states it is makruh (discouraged) for Muslims to attend gatherings held within places of worship on religious festival days.
The Mufti’s Office reiterated that actively celebrating Christmas is haram (prohibited) for Muslims, as the holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ as understood within Christian theology, and Islamic teachings do not permit participation in the religious celebrations of other faiths.
The resharing of these guidelines by Asma reflects ongoing efforts by Islamic educators to help Malaysian Muslims navigate the complexities of living in a multi-faith society.
Malaysia’s diverse population includes significant Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and other faith communities, making interfaith interactions a regular part of daily life, particularly in workplaces and mixed neighborhoods.
Religious authorities periodically issue such guidance to address practical questions from Muslims about appropriate conduct during various festivals celebrated by Malaysia’s diverse population.
The guidelines aim to help Muslims maintain their religious identity and principles while participating respectfully in Malaysia’s multicultural society—demonstrating that religious boundaries need not prevent harmonious coexistence and mutual respect among different faith communities.
As the Christmas season continues, the reshared guidance serves as a reference point for Muslims seeking clarity on how to navigate festive invitations, workplace celebrations, and social interactions in accordance with Islamic principles.
