HIBAPRESS – Barcelona: Omar Razzini
With the approach of the New Year, the religious and social debate has returned to the forefront regarding the issue of congratulating non-Muslims on their holidays, a topic that is renewed every year and provokes a divergence in positions between those who see congratulation as an expression of human tolerance and those who consider it a violation of Islamic doctrine.
While some religious voices refuse to offer congratulations on occasions such as Christmas or New Year's, others believe that a kind word does not affect the essence of faith, but rather reflects the values of mutual respect and coexistence between the components of society.
Many observers point out that this controversy coincides with a converging social reality, where Muslims and Christians live side by side in European and Arab cities, sharing work and daily life. It is also noted that many non-Muslims exchange congratulations on Islamic occasions such as Ramadan and Eid al-Adha without embarrassment or religious sensitivity.
From a religious point of view, a number of scholars and thinkers emphasize that Islam calls for good treatment with all people, citing the Almighty’s saying: “And speak to people good words.” They consider that congratulations fall within the framework of social courtesy that demonstrates the morals of the Muslim and enhances the values of harmony within diverse societies.
On a social level, researchers in coexistence issues see that such occasions represent an opportunity to consolidate a culture of peace and acceptance of others, especially in light of the challenges facing multi-religious and multicultural societies.
With the continuation of the divergence of opinions, the holiday season remains an occasion that reminds everyone that understanding and tolerance begin with the simplest things — from a kind word that may restore warmth to human relations.
