Christmas decorations in Muslim-owned stores

Question

Many Muslims are decorating their stores nationwide for the Christmas season, including halal food outlets, during a period of major sales and discounts — what should be said to them?

Mufti Sajid · Accepted Answer

*Wa alikumus salaam.* It is not permissible (haram) for a Muslim to decorate their shop or business specifically for Christmas, because this constitutes showing honour to non-Islamic religious symbols, imitating the religious practices of non-Muslims, and participating in their religious festival. However, neutral, non-religious decor (e.g. general end-of-year sales signage not tied to Christmas symbolism) may be permissible if it carries no religious meaning.

Bada'i' al-Sana'i (2/272): "It is disliked to sell anything used for their festivals or anything that honours their religious symbols, because it is assisting them in their sinful acts."

Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar (4/254): "We have been forbidden from resembling them in their religious holidays."

*And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.*

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