Matthew Fulton

A question for Muslims who think wishing Hindus “Happy Diwali” is fine because you don't believe in it yourself and are just being nice. If you saw a non-Muslim drinking alcohol, would you say, “Have a good one, mate”? If you saw someone entering a betting shop, would you say, “Hope you win big”? Of course not. Because alcohol and gambling are haram, and we don't encourage people to engage in haram. Yet anyone who has read the Qur'an knows that shirk is a far greater sin than drinking alcohol or gambling. Indeed, it is the one sin Allah says He will not forgive if someone dies without repenting from it. Call me a killjoy if you like, but this is simply about taking Islamic teachings seriously. If you're not bothered about those teachings, then go ahead and wish people Happy Diwali, Merry Christmas or whatever else. But if you genuinely care about following Islam, then surely the appropriate course of action is obvious. I'm not preaching from some position of perfection. I'm far from perfect myself, and I don't expect perfection from other Muslims. But surely, as Muslims, we should at least make an effort to understand the rulings of our religion and reflect them in our public conduct. May Allah guide us all, insha Allah.