Can We Wish Islamic New Year? Is It Haram to Say Happy New Year? What is the Ruling on Offering Congratulations for the Hijri New Year ?
The Ruling on Offering Congratulations for the Hijri New Year
In Islamic tradition, the Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, starting with the month of Muharram. While it holds historical and spiritual significance, questions often arise regarding the permissibility of offering congratulations or greetings to others on this occasion. Esteemed scholars have addressed this matter, providing clarity based on Islamic principles.
Responding to Congratulations
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) explained that if someone offers congratulations for the Hijri New Year, it is permissible to respond to them. However, initiating such greetings is not recommended. He stated:
“If a person says to you, for example, ‘Happy New Year,’ then you can respond with, ‘May Allah make it a good and blessed year for you.’ But initiating this greeting is not encouraged. This is because there is no evidence from the early generations of Islam (the salaf) that they congratulated one another on the occasion of the new year. In fact, the salaf did not recognize the first of Muharram as the start of the new year until the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).”
This perspective highlights the importance of adhering to practices that are rooted in the Sunnah and avoiding innovations in religious matters.
Praying for Others
Shaykh ‘Abd al-Karim al-Khudayr added insight into the matter, emphasizing that offering general prayers for another Muslim is acceptable, provided it is not treated as a ritualistic act. He explained:
“Praying for another Muslim in general terms, using phrases that are not intended as a specific ritual for occasions such as ‘Eid, is permissible. This is especially true if the greeting is meant to foster friendship and goodwill among Muslims. Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned, ‘I do not initiate the greeting, but if someone greets me, I return it. Responding to a greeting is obligatory, but initiating congratulations is neither Sunnah nor forbidden.’”
Key Takeaways
- Responding to Greetings: If someone greets you with “Happy New Year,” it is permissible to respond with a kind and positive prayer, such as, “May Allah bless your year.”
- Avoiding Initiation: Initiating such greetings is not a Sunnah practice and should be avoided to stay aligned with the actions of the salaf.
- Intent Matters: If the greeting is offered with good intentions, such as fostering unity and friendship, it is acceptable to respond in kind.
In conclusion, while the Hijri New Year is an important marker in the Islamic calendar, Muslims are encouraged to prioritize actions rooted in the Sunnah and avoid introducing practices without precedent in the early generations. Maintaining goodwill and fostering unity remain key principles in all interactions.
