The President of All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, has reiterated a fatwa urging Muslims in India to refrain from celebrating the New Year, citing violations of Sharia principles. According to Maulana Razvi, activities like singing, dancing, and other festivities associated with New Year celebrations are considered forbidden in Islam. He emphasized that such actions are against the teachings of Sharia and advised Muslim youth to avoid participating in these events.
Maulana Razvi highlighted that New Year celebrations, which often involve behaviors deemed inappropriate in Islam such as alcohol consumption and disorderly conduct, are prohibited under the Shariat. He stressed that the New Year is a Christian festival and therefore not suitable for Muslims to observe. The fatwa pointed out that the New Year, starting in January, is part of the Christian calendar, contrasting with Islamic and Hindu traditions that mark different beginnings of the year.
In a statement to the press, Maulana Razvi stated, “Celebrating the New Year is not permissible according to Sharia. On the night of December 31, New Year celebrations take place, which involve many inappropriate activities such as dancing, singing, shows, alcohol consumption, chaos, misbehaviour, and other immoral acts. Islam forbids all of these actions.” He urged the youth to adhere to Islamic and Indian cultural values, emphasizing that the New Year holds different significance for Muslims and Hindus, marked by Muharram and Chaitra, respectively.
This is not the first instance of Maulana Razvi issuing such a fatwa. He had previously cautioned Muslim youth against participating in New Year celebrations, reiterating his stance against adopting European customs for religious observances.
