Explore Haram And Halal Christmas Greetings

Husein Ja'far Hadar (Instagram / @ husein_hadar)

JAKARTA - "Actually, for you as a Christian, is it important not to receive Christmas greetings from friends who are non-Christian?" I asked colleagues at the office. I wrote this article in a sitting position opposite him.

To be honest, tolerance is very real to us. I came to the office to fill the position of friends who are celebrating Christmas today. And he is an overseas child. Instead of lying in the boarding house, he chose to accompany me in the office to fill his Christmas day.

"From me, it doesn't matter. Everyone has the right to stand on their belief, whether they want to say (Christmas) or not. Besides, it seems more important, religious holidays such as Christmas or Eid are actually moments for friendship. Christians at Christmas or fellow Muslims at Eid, "he said.

Before arriving at the office, I walked around since morning visiting the residence of several other relatives who were celebrating Christmas. With one of them, I was involved in a conversation about this view. Like the question I asked a colleague I met at work, a Christian relative also made a similar statement.

He admits that, as a minority, Christmas greetings make him feel more welcome in the community. However, he admitted that he was relaxed. For him, everyone's belief is very important to be respected.

"I am only logical. If in Islam it does not allow (someone) to say Christmas, why should we be disturbed. The principle of respect is like that. I want my teachings to be respected, cook I am disturbed by the teachings that other people believe," he said.

Honestly, today's friendship with Christian brothers made me realize that social media is just the worst place to reflect. The commotion that occurs on social media regarding the chanting of Christmas is very irrelevant. In reality, we all get along better. Moments like this make me even more convinced that Indonesia is actually doing well.

Islamic view

Regarding Christmas greetings, I then asked Husein Ja'far Hadar, the Director of the Cultural Islamic Academy who is also a writer on philosophy and religion at the State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta. We will not mention what is truth and what is not. We just want to know where there are differences in the views of Muslims who allow and forbid Christmas greetings.

According to Husein, the two views basically have strong theological arguments. For those who believe in the prohibition of saying Merry Christmas, the scholars usually adhere to the view that Christmas is believed to be the birthday of Jesus as the child of God. This clearly contradicts the Islamic belief that Jesus is a Prophet sent by Allah.

"The scholars, for example, are many. Then, the argument is feared that it will damage or at least interfere with our faith. Because we are different (views). We see Jesus as a Prophet, while they (Christians) see (Isa) as children of God, "said Husein when contacted by VOI, Wednesday, December 25.

"What is a problem for me, those who forbid but the basis is hatred. So, they are intolerant groups. So they are part of propaganda to build a fortress between us, Muslims and Christians," added Husein.

Meanwhile, those who allow Christmas greetings also have an equally strong argument. According to Husein, the views of the scholars who legalize speech are usually based on the times. Those who justify see a change in context in this view.

Husein also explained that in the past when Christmas greetings were forbidden, Muslims were involved in a crusade. This condition requires Muslims to affirm their identity. "So, it is prohibited to say Merry Christmas is part of our culture to build patriotism to build our Islamic identity when conditions are at war," said Husein.