Christmas presents to non-muslims
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Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Are we allowed to give Christmas presents to our non-muslim neighbours as a
gesture of good-will?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits. There is nothing
wrong with giving presents to one's non-Muslim neighbors, friends, and
co-workers. Rather, this is from the sunna of being good to one's neighbors and
others whom one has relationships with. [Mulla Khusro, Durar]
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the
rights of neighbors and those one has any kind of relationship with in numerous
hadiths, and these do not distinguish betweeen Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors.
However, the proper way to give presents during these festive seasons, is
to make one's gesture general or seasonal, rather than relating to their
specific religious celebrations. Thus, one would say, for example, "Seasons
greetings," or "Happy New Year," or other general expressions, as our ulema
explain.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani
saiyed shahbazi
www.shahbazcenter.org
