FIQH INTERACTING WITH NON MUSLIMS [PART1]

Assalamualaikum. This article is translated from the malay book: Fiqah berinteraksi dgn non-muslim by Mohammad Nidzam Abd. Kadir, published by Telaga Biru Sdn Bhd 2009.

First and foremost, please pardon me for any mistakes in my attempt to translate the malay article to be an english one. I'll be stating the most important points only, as the way that I understand the book. Anyone who wishes to borrow the book from me, please pm me and I'll be more than happy to lend it to you. May Allah guide me to do my best, so that this article will be useful and helpful to everyone. InsyaAllah...

Can we celebrate their celebration?

It is not harus for us to celebrate whatever celebration with them such as Deepavali or Chinese New Year. There are several guidelines to which celebration a muslim can attend to:

1. The location: The celebration must not be held in churches, temples or places of the same sort, as this will lead the celebration to be a religious one. The purpose of us muslims to celebrate with them is just to tighten the friendship between us, and nothing more. If the celebration is held just in a hall or at our friend's home, then it is okay for us to join the celebration as long as it does not become religious.

2. Niat: We must set in our minds the true reason why we're celebrating with them, that is just to tighten the friendship. If ever our niat(will) becomes more than that, then it is forbidden for us to join him/her in their celebration.

I'll be updating this article from time to time, so please come back to check on the updates. Jzkk. =)