The arrival of the New Year is celebrated globally but for Muslims, questions often arise about the permissibility of saying “Happy New Year.”
Is it haram? Does it contradict Islamic teachings, or is it simply a polite and harmless gesture?
Muslims are not allowed to exchange greetings on the occasion of the Gregorian New Year, nor can they celebrate it. Both issues pertain to emulating non-Muslims, and we have been prohibited from doing so.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated:
“Whoever resembles a group is considered part of them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 4031; authenticated as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud)
Additionally, extending well-wishes on this annual occasion falls under the category of celebrating it and treating it as a festival, which is also prohibited.
Let’s delve into this topic together, unpacking the concerns and exploring how Islam addresses such matters.
Understanding the Concept of Haram in Islam
Before jumping into specifics, let’s clarify what “haram” means. In Islam, haram refers to anything explicitly prohibited by Allah in the Qur’an or through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
On the flip side, permissible actions, known as halal, form the foundation of our day-to-day lives unless otherwise stated.
Surah Al-Baqarah emphasizes this balance beautifully:
وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلَّا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلَّا مَا ٱضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ ۗ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًۭا لَّيُضِلُّونَ بِأَهْوَآئِهِم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ ١١٩
“He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you except under compulsion of necessity.” (Qur’an 6:119)
This verse reminds us that Islam’s prohibitions are clear and that matters of doubt require thoughtful consideration.
The Origin of the New Year Celebration
The calendar most of the world follows today is the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.
Its roots are tied to Christianity and the solar system’s calculations.
However, over time, the Gregorian calendar became the global standard for economic, administrative, and social purposes, transcending religious boundaries.
For Muslims, the Islamic (Hijri) calendar remains spiritually significant. It is based on the lunar system, marking key dates like Ramadan, Hajj, and Eid.
So, some argue that acknowledging the Gregorian New Year might detract from Islamic identity. But is merely wishing someone “Happy New Year” an act of religious compromise?
The Essence of Intentions in Islam
One of the critical principles in Islam is niyyah (intention). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1)
If your intention in saying “Happy New Year” is purely to extend goodwill and kindness, without any inclination toward un-Islamic practices, can it still be deemed haram?
Many scholars argue that intentions play a crucial role in determining the permissibility of actions.
Is It a Religious Statement?
Saying “Happy New Year” is not inherently religious. It is more of a cultural expression, similar to wishing someone well on their birthday or congratulating them on an achievement.
It does not involve worship, shirk (associating partners with Allah), or acts that contradict Islamic teachings. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Qur’an 60:8)
لَّا يَنْهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُقْسِطِينَ ٨
This verse highlights that Islam encourages kindness and goodwill, even toward non-Muslims, as long as it does not compromise one’s faith.
The Importance of Upholding Islamic Identity
While wishing someone “Happy New Year” may seem harmless, some Muslims worry about losing their distinct Islamic identity by participating in such greetings. The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of maintaining our unique identity as Muslims:
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَـٰٓئِرَ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى ٱلْقُلُوبِ ٣٢
“And whoever honors the symbols of Allah indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” (Qur’an 22:32)
In this context, honoring Islamic symbols means prioritizing our religious practices and values.
However, this does not necessarily mean isolating ourselves from the broader society or rejecting universally accepted norms like the New Year celebration.
Balancing Cultural Norms and Religious Values
Islam is not a rigid faith that forces believers to reject all cultural norms. Instead, it provides a framework to navigate cultural practices while staying true to Islamic principles.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) interacted with various tribes, acknowledging their customs as long as they did not conflict with Islam.
For instance, when the people of Madinah celebrated specific festivals, the Prophet redirected them toward Islamic celebrations like Eid, yet he didn’t condemn their cultural practices outright.
Scholarly Opinions on Saying “Happy New Year”
The Islamic scholarly community has diverse opinions on this matter. Some scholars argue that since the New Year is not rooted in Islamic tradition, it’s better to avoid such greetings.
Others contend that it is permissible as a form of goodwill, provided there is no association with un-Islamic practices.
Reflecting on Practical Examples
Imagine a non-Muslim colleague wishes you a Happy New Year. How would you respond? Ignoring them might come across as rude, whereas returning the greeting with a smile fosters goodwill and understanding. Islam encourages building bridges, not walls.
The Qur’an reinforces this:
“And speak to people kindly…” (Qur’an 2:83)
Engaging in polite and respectful exchanges can strengthen relationships and dispel misconceptions about Islam.
The Role of Cultural Sensitivity
Living in a multicultural society requires cultural sensitivity. While Muslims should prioritize Islamic values, they can also acknowledge the traditions of others in ways that do not compromise their beliefs.
A simple “Happy New Year” can be a gesture of inclusivity, reflecting the Prophet’s example of engaging positively with diverse communities.
When to Exercise Caution
While saying “Happy New Year” is not inherently haram, participating in un-Islamic celebrations (e.g., drinking alcohol, engaging in inappropriate activities) is undoubtedly prohibited.
Muslims must distinguish between harmless greetings and actions that violate Islamic principles.
The Qur’an warns:
“And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire…” (Qur’an 11:113)
This verse serves as a reminder to avoid actions that might lead to compromising one’s faith.
Final Thoughts: Is It Haram?
After exploring the various perspectives, it becomes clear that saying “Happy New Year” is not explicitly haram. It boils down to intention, context, and maintaining Islamic values.
If the greeting is exchanged out of politeness or goodwill, without participating in un-Islamic practices, it aligns with Islam’s principles of kindness and respect.
At the same time, Muslims should strive to uphold their unique identity, emphasizing Islamic milestones like the Hijri New Year.
Balancing these aspects allows us to navigate modern life while staying true to our faith.
Ultimately, Allah knows best, and seeking His guidance in all matters is paramount. Let’s remember the Qur’anic advice:
“So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Qur’an 16:43)
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