Official labels calls to desist from greeting non-Muslims nonsensical

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.