Should Muslims celebrate Christmas or wish people merry Christmas? This is one debate which has engaged some Nigerian Muslims on the social networks today, with people looking at the issue from different angles.

However, in Australia, the debate is more heated following a fatwa (a definite religious ruling that often results in death for those who contravene it) posted on the Facebook page of that country’s biggest mosque, warning Muslims that it is a “sin” to wish people a merry Christmas.

According to the post, “Many times Allaah has mentioned the details of the birth of ‘Eesaa (Jesus) in the Qur’an but He did not mention any celebration to be done on their occasion.

“Therefore a Muslim is neither allowed to celebrate the Christmas Day nor is he allowed to congratulate them.”

The message immediately caused an uproar after it appeared on the Facebook wall of Lakemba Mosque (see photo of mosque). It was however removed as tension rose and after being condemned by Muslim leaders.

One report said the Facebook post “followed a controversial lecture at the Sydney mosque at Friday prayer, when head imam Sheikh Yahya Safi reportedly told worshipers not to have anything to do with Christmas.”

Officials at Lakemba Mosque said the message was posted by a youth worker who had copied the text of a fatwa from another Islamic website.

He told The Sydney Morning Herald: “Anyone who says otherwise is speaking irresponsibly. There is difference between showing respect for someone’s belief and sharing those beliefs.

“We are required to have good relations with all people, and to congratulate them on their joyous events is very important.”

Community leader Dr Jamal Rifi, who joined priests at a Christmas celebration in the capital last night, said: “We can share the festivities with friends and families and neighbours – I don’t think there is any civil, religious or ethical reason not to.”

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