Islam is the perfect religion, (Al-Maidah Verse 3). The perfection of Islam has become a strong symbol of a belief that originates from God's revelation. There is no religion on earth whose truth and perfection are as bright as the rays of the sun during the day, like the light of Islam. The light that illuminates the corners of the universe with rays of truth. The truth is a teaching that protects all its adherents.
As a perfect teaching both creed, its systems and beliefs, Islam often faces clashes with ideologies, beliefs, and convictions that exist outside of Islam. These clashes of beliefs and convictions give rise to polemics within the Muslim community itself, especially concerning creed or belief.
One example of a clash of beliefs or faiths that often triggers unrest is saying Merry Christmas to Christians. Christmas greetings are often expressed by "some" Muslims on December 25th, which Christians commemorate as the birth of the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). Christians who wish them a Merry Christmas are seen as normal, ordinary, and do not violate their faith.
Conversely, in Islam, a Muslim wishing a Christian a Merry Christmas could invalidate their faith. This, of course, raises controversy when a Muslim considers wishing Christians a Merry Christmas to be normal and not affecting their faith. However, this assumption, intended to demonstrate "tolerance" toward other religions, is baseless.
Herein lies the crux of the matter. The word 'tolerance' is being touted as primary cause When Muslims express Christmas greetings, it's undeniable that some Muslims even participate in Christmas celebrations under the guise of "tolerance" or respect for followers of other religions to maintain civic harmony within a multicultural framework.
Nevertheless, this problem has received a lot of attention among contemporary scholars. Buya Hamka For example, they strongly opposed Muslims celebrating Christmas together in the name of religious tolerance. This led to the issuance of a fatwa by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on March 7, 1981, prohibiting Muslims from celebrating Christmas with Christians. This fatwa was subsequently rescinded under pressure from the government at the time.
Nowadays, the fatwas of prominent Islamic scholars like Buya Hamka are starting to be considered irrelevant. This also applies to several Muslim scholars, religious teachers, and some Islamic movement figures. Some of them, on the other hand, condone (allow) communal Christmas celebrations in the name of tolerance. They even accuse Muslims who don't wish each other a Merry Christmas or who refuse to participate in communal Christmas celebrations as intolerant, extremist, hard-line groups. God forbid
Regarding this, Ustadz LS Mokoginta Person a converts to Islam who turned into an Islamic preacher, giving tips to Muslims who come into contact with Christians when they have to say something when the moment comes, either via WhatsApp or verbally. He advised us not to say it āMerry Christmasā, but say āMay Allah give you guidance on this day!ā
According to this Christologist from Manado, prayer This will be a weapon for us Muslims. Because praying for people outside of Islam, so that they get guidance It's permissible as long as they're still alive. (Read https://www.panjimas.com). Ustadz Insan Mokoginta's opinion is simple and logical. Even if Muslims live side by side with Christians, it's enough to pray for them to receive Allah's guidance.
Likewise, Buya Hamka's opinion regarding the prohibition of participating in Christmas. In this case, Buya Hamka, as a cleric and a Muslim, has a big responsibility in terms of protecting and justifying it creed His community and personal beliefs. He wanted Muslims to realize that celebrating Christmas was the right of Christians, not Muslims.
There will be significant repercussions for Muslims if this matter is not clarified and clarified. Numerous subhat (inappropriation) and violations of faith will make Muslims increasingly determined to transgress boundaries. creed themselves. Let Christians celebrate what they believe in. And we can simply detach ourselves from what they believe and believe.
There's no need to justify yourself in the name of religious tolerance or moderation. The concepts of religious tolerance and moderation have long been a bogeyman used to marginalize Islam. Leading Christologist Sheikh Ahmad Deedad emphasized very loudly in his speech. "Islam ruled Egypt for approximately 1,000 years. Islam ruled India for over 1,000 years. Islam ruled Spain for over 900 years. If your argument is that Islam was spread by the sword, then there would be no Christians, Hindus, or any religion other than Islam left on earth."
This means that Islam has become "Teacher" Tolerance and moderation for other religions and beliefs. Islamic civilization is the only system that guarantees the lives, families, and children of adherents of other faiths to live in peace and tranquility. This is historical evidence of the goodness of Muslims. Such goodness is not found in teachings of religions other than Islam.
Wallahua'lam bis Shawab
1 comment
The controversy surrounding Christmas greetings in the context of religious tolerance is indeed interesting to discuss. In your opinion, how important is an understanding of faith in determining our attitude toward other religious celebrations, and how should Muslims behave without compromising their faith?