VOXPOP Never mind what conservatives say, Muslim Malaysians met by Malaysiakini are happy to wish their Christian friends a merry Christmas.

In fact, they say, Muslims are encouraged respect others and can participate in Christmas feasts and celebrations as long as it is not religious.

This goes against calls by some in Muslim NGO Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), who said wishing others Merry Christmas is admitting that God has a son and breaches belief in Islam’s belief in monotheism.

Beyond wishing others Merry Christmas, Samsuddin Ismail who spoke to Malaysiakini this week said he offers holiday breaks for employees who celebrate the festive season.

“Christians celebrate Christmas, so there is nothing wrong with me wishing ‘merry Christmas’,” said the supervisor.

Although he does not celebrate the holiday, he is happy to have the day off to spend with his family.

Mohammad Kassim (left in picture) is even willing to tuck into some Christmas fare.“We can attend Christmas feasts, so as long as the food is halal. This is to pay respect to our fellow non-Muslim friends.” said the salesperson, emphasizing the cultural part of Christmas.

‘Not a taboo’

Mosque official Amaluddin Rose opined that it is not a taboo to wish ‘Merry Christmas’ and it is up to the individual whether to do so or not.

He encouraged making the day special for those who do celebrate Christmas by “wishing without making that wish into a prayer”.

“As long as the wishing is sincere, then it’s okay,” Amaluddin said, emphasizing the need to be earnest and respectful.

Having lived in the United States in the 1970s, Amaluddin said he participated in various festivities including the celebration of Thanksgiving.

“If you happen to be a guest, just observe (the celebration).

 

"If a prayer is said by a member of the family, just be there and don't say anything."

Ridzuan Salim, 26, said he usually joins his friends at the Christmas table because it is cultural celebration.

“It won’t be wrong to hang out with friends and wishing them ‘Merry Christmas,” the engineer said.

‘Just like Valentine’s Day ’

Nuraini Abdul Rahid, meanwhile, enjoys the lively atmosphere at Christmas feasts.

Like Valentine’s Day, the customer service operator said that it is fine to participate in it as long as it is not done religiously.

“If others can join in our festivals, why can’t we do otherwise?” she asked.

Wishing ‘Merry Christmas’ to Christians also helps forge national unity, a Muslim respondent who only identified as Z said.

“Just as how the Christians wish Muslims ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ (during Eid), I don’t have an issue wishing ‘Merry Christmas’ to them.

“We don’t intend to ignore others’ cultural celebrations,” the 32-year old said.

Non-Muslims met also share Z’s view.

“Is it wrong of me to wish a Muslim ‘Selamat Hari Raya’? If he wished me ‘merry Christmas’ is there anything wrong with him?” retiree, Mark Yap asked.

He said wishing someone Merry Christmas or Selamat Hari Raya is no different to wishing someone ‘good morning’.

Merry Christmas to all

Fellow retiree K Maniam also rubbished the Isma activists’ call.

“We are Malaysians. When I wish ‘Merry Christmas’, I wish it to everybody!” he said.

The commentary published on Isma’s website prompted backlash from cabinet minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who condemned the views as extreme.

In response, Isma’s central committee member Mohd Hazizi Ab Rahman said the minister’s arrogance will be punished by God.

However, Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman said the call not to wish ‘Merry Christmas’ is not Isma’s official stand but the personal views of its activists.

JAKE CARTER is a trainee reporter at Malaysiakini .