Celebrating the Gregorian New Year: What Is Its Ruling in Islam?

Every year, at this time, various media platforms—television, radio, and print—actively promote programs and invitations for people to participate in New Year celebrations. Public and private spaces are adorned with elaborate decorations, and specific venues are set up for these festivities. This compels scholars and students of knowledge to clarify the Islamic ruling on such practices. For this purpose, I have compiled relevant Quranic verses, Prophetic traditions, and scholarly opinions, organized with minor additions, to present the matter clearly. I begin by seeking Allah’s assistance:

1. The Perfection of Islam as a Religion

One of the fundamental principles of Islam is the belief that Allah has completed His religion and perfected His favor upon humanity. Allah says:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)

There is no true religion now except Islam, as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Allah states:

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them—out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in account.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:19)

He also says:

“And whoever desires other than Islam as religion—never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:85)

Imam Ibn Jarir Al-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) explained:

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, believing it to be true, Allah will not accept it, and such a person will be among those who deprive themselves of Allah’s mercy in the Hereafter.” (Tafsir Al-Tabari, 3/241)

Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) commented similarly:

“Allah informs us that He does not accept any religion except Islam, which is to follow the messengers and their teachings. After the advent of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), all paths to Allah are closed except through him.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2/19)

2. Following Non-Muslim Practices

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) foretold that some members of his Ummah would imitate the practices of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians). Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah raise his rank) reported that the Prophet said:

“You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, hand span by hand span and arm’s length by arm’s length, to the extent that if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” We said, “O Messenger of Allah, do you mean the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?” (Reported by Bukhari 3381, Muslim 6732)

Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) explained:

“The comparison of a hand span and an arm’s length symbolizes extreme conformity. The imitation refers to sinful practices, not disbelief. This is a clear prophecy of events that occurred as foretold by the Prophet.” (Sharh Sahih Muslim, 16/189)

Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) emphasized:

“The intention behind these reports is to warn against adopting the prohibited words and actions of the People of the Book, even if the Muslim’s intention is good, as outward resemblance is discouraged.” (Al-Bidayah wa Al-Nihayah, 2/142)

3. The Islamic Concept of Celebrations

Islam defines its festivals as acts of worship, drawing people closer to Allah. The only recognized celebrations in Islam are:

1. 1. The weekly Friday prayer.

1. 1. Eid Al-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan).

1. 1. Eid Al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice).

Abu Hurairah (may Allah raise his rank) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Indeed, Friday is a day of Eid, so do not fast on this day unless you fast the day before or the day after.” (Reported by Ahmad 7983)

When the Prophet arrived in Madinah, he saw the people celebrating two festivals from the pre-Islamic era. He said:

“What are these two days?” They replied, “We used to celebrate them in pre-Islamic times.” The Prophet said, “Allah has replaced them with two better days: Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr.” (Reported by Ahmad 11750, Abu Dawood 1135)

4. Avoiding Imitation of Non-Muslims

Islam encourages Muslims to differentiate themselves from the practices of non-Muslims. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Change your gray hairs and do not resemble the Jews and Christians.” (Reported by Ahmad 8611)

He also said:

“Trim the mustaches and let the beard grow. Be different from the polytheists.” (Reported by Muslim 555)

Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) noted:

“The Prophet initially adopted certain practices of the People of the Book when there was no command otherwise. However, after the conquest of Makkah, he preferred to differentiate from them entirely.” (Fath Al-Bari, 4/771)

Conclusion

The widespread adoption of non-Islamic celebrations today is partly due to the technological advancements and cultural influences of the West. With the ease of media transmission, these practices have become ubiquitous, even in Muslim-majority countries. However, as Muslims, we must remember the prophetic warning:

“Woe to the Arabs for an evil that is coming. Tribulations will be like the dark portions of the night. A man will wake as a believer and sleep as a disbeliever, selling his religion for a small worldly gain. The one holding onto his religion during these times will be like one holding a burning coal.” (Reported by Ahmad 8982)

Islam provides us with a rich, fulfilling way of life. As Muslims, we must remain steadfast in our faith and distinguish ourselves in both our practices and celebrations.

May Allah guide us to what is right and protect us from what leads us astray. Ameen.