02/01/2026
IMITATION OF NON-MUSLIMS IN CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS:
THE POSITION OF AHLUS-SUNNAH WAL-JAMĀ‘AH – A MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH OF KETE-KRACHI
All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon the final Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ.
In recent times, it has become very worrying to witness some Muslims in Kete-Krachi, especially the youth who identify themselves as Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah, actively participating in Christmas and New Year celebrations—including fireworks (pantoo popping) and street entertainment—under the excuse of “fun” or “social activities.”
Let it be made very clear:
This is NOT from the Sunnah. This is FITNA.
❖ The Islamic Principle
Allah has perfected our religion and gave us a complete identity. Islam does not need to borrow celebrations, rituals, or symbols from others.
Allah says:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.”
(Qur’an 5:3)
❖ Prohibition of Imitating Non-Muslims
The Prophet ﷺ warned us clearly:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Abu Dāwūd – Hasan)
Celebrating Christmas or New Year—events rooted in non-Islamic beliefs and practices—is a clear form of imitation, even if one claims “no intention of worship.”
Allah says:
“And never will the Jews or the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their religion.”
(Qur’an 2:120)
❖ Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah Have Their Own Path
A true follower of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah adheres strictly to the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, not emotions, trends, or peer pressure.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“You will surely follow the ways of those before you, step by step…”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
This Hadith is a warning, not a recommendation.
❖ Entertainment That Leads to Fitna
Islam does not prohibit joy—but it prohibits harām environments, wastefulness, loud immoral gatherings, fireworks, free mixing, and celebrations rooted in disbelief.
Allah says:
“And do not follow the footsteps of Shayṭān. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.”
(Qur’an 2:168)
Pantoo popping, street partying, and joining non-Muslim festivals in the name of entertainment slowly erodes īmān and destroys Islamic identity.
❖ A Sincere Advice to the Youth of Kete-Krachi
Dear brothers and sisters, especially the youth:
If you truly love Islam and identify as Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah, then stand firm.
Allah says:
“O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire…”
(Qur’an 66:6)
We are not losing anything by staying away from these celebrations—
We are losing everything by imitating them.
❖ Conclusion
Islam has Eid al-Fiṭr and Eid al-Aḍḥā—nothing more, nothing less.
Anything beyond that from non-Muslim traditions is bid‘ah, imitation, and fitna.
May Allah guide our youth, protect our community, and keep us firm upon the Qur’an and the Sunnah according to the understanding of the Salaf.
وَاللَّهُ الْمُسْتَعَانُ
