Muftiate of Dagestan let Muslims voice Happy New Year wishes

A Muslim may wish other people a Happy New Year and even Merry Christmas, but with the selection of an appropriate format not to violate Islamic norms, the Fatwa Department of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Dagestan announces.

There are both supporters and opponents of the New Year celebration among residents of the Muslim regions of Northern Caucasus. In 2012, in Dagestan, some residents called it a pagan holiday, which should not be celebrated by Muslims.

This year, Talgat Tadjuddin, the chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, called on Muslims to rejoice together with people of other religions.

"We have one God with Christians, we just call Him differently ... The recommendations for believers in the New Year night are as follows: do not drink alcoholic beverages, like on other days of the year, do not rage, and pray for the epidemic to end," emphasized Talgat Tadjuddin as quoted by the RIA "Novosti".

In some cases, it is even recommended to voice Happy New Year wishes to people of other religions, for example, if a person shows interest in Islam, the SAM of Dagestan notes.

Shamil Alyautdinov, Imam of the Moscow's Memorial Mosque, believes that Muslims may not only wish other people a Happy New Year, but also take part in celebrations. "In modern Russia, this is just a secular family holiday not associated with any religion," Shamil Alyautdinov explained in a video posted on the tvumma YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, Kamil Samigullin, Mufti of Tatarstan, believes that Muslims should "prevent the celebration of such holidays" in their families.

Many users of social networks expressed their indignation at the statements voiced by the Imam of the Moscow's Memorial Mosque. "Shamil Alyautdinov is misleading weak Muslims. Please, do not be fooled by his delusion about the New Year," Alik Madjidov called on other users.