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| Muhammad Arif Zuhri, Lc., M.H.I M.H.I provide an explanation of Merry Christmas greetings for every Muslim (Foto : Istimewa) |
By years, to say Merry Christmas has been a huge debate among Indonesian. Responding to this problem, a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Religion (FAI) at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Muhammad Arif Zuhri, Lc., M.H.I explained. In his view, to utter a feast celebration of other religions besides Islam is unclear. Therefore, Islamic scholars have different perspectives. Some say it is acceptable, while others do not.
Arif, as he is affectionately known, explained that according to the Muhammadiyah's tarjih fatwa, the law on saying non-Muslims a Merry Christmas is something that is not recommended to do because it is doubted. However, there is some surah that discusses the topic of the prohibition to say the Christian’s feast. The first one is surah Al-Hujurat (The Rooms) verse 13, which states that Allah SWT created humans in various ways. Therefore, it is hoped that humans can know each other and do good to others.
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"This argument becomes fundamental for the permissibility of saying other religions’ feast greetings. But this permissibility is also based on certain conditions. The first requirement is a Muslim who is in a place where most non-Muslims are. Second, to say other religion feast greetings, which has become a tradition, will lead to enmity between religious communities if it is not carried out. If one of these conditions is met, then it is permissible to congratulate other religions to maintain human relations," said the Riau lecturer
Regarding the argument that does not allow it, Arif said this was stated in the letter Luqman verse 15. The surah contains an appeal to stay away from polytheists, in which to say other religion feast greetings. But the surah also ordered them to maintain good relations with fellow humans according to their decency.
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“In the two arguments cited, the conclusion is that there should be no bargaining regarding aqidah or belief, meaning that one belief should not be mixed with another. But in worldly muamalah affairs, it is still permissible to mingle with other people. The point is not to exaggerate in saying Merry Christmas," said the chairman of the PCM Dau Tabligh Council.
As an Indonesian society consisting of various ethnicities and religions, Arif said that Muslims must respect the celebration of other religions. Don't turn differences into endless debates. He emphasized that in the future, we must cultivate a good attitude and not force our will and thoughts on others.
"The form of tolerance that we can apply is not to interfere with other religious worship processions. In Surah al Kafirun (The Disbelievers), there is a sentence stating, ‘for you is your religion, and for me is my religion.’ So, we must respect people of other religions in carrying out the feast day according to their beliefs calmly and comfortably," he said. (tar/syi/wil)
