Gulf | Bahrain
Official labels calls to desist from greeting non-Muslims nonsensical
Bahrain's Islamic Affairs Undersecretary Shaikh Fareed Al Miftah has shrugged off as "nonsensical" calls not to offer festive and New Year greetings.
- By Habib Toumim, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 December 26, 2005
Manama: Bahrain's Islamic Affairs Undersecretary Shaikh Fareed Al Miftah has shrugged off as "nonsensical" calls not to offer festive and New Year greetings.
"Every year as people celebrate Christmas and the New Year, Muslims in Bahrain and elsewhere are bombarded with messages by zealous brothers not to offer greetings to non-Muslims on the occasions. That is intolerance. There is no objection to Muslims congratulating non-Muslims, be it orally or through cards," Al Miftah said in a press statement coinciding with Christmas and New Year festivities.
"There is no problem with giving or receiving gifts, either." According to the official, the only condition is that cards should not carry icons or symbols that contradict Islamic principles, such as the cross.
Hundreds of leaflets distributed in front of mosques and chat forums have called upon Muslims not to wish non-Muslims on Christmas or New Year.
News Editor's choice
-
UAE upholds values of free trade
Recently released statistics confirm an established fact, namely that of the UAE embracing the free trade principle in general and imports in particular
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Children killed in Syria attack
World condemns latest Syrian horror as monitors find bodies of 32 children among 92 killed
