By Mumini Abdulkareem
Muslims have been warned to be circumspect and vigilant by engaging in actions that may question their comprehensive understanding Islam especially in matters of celebrations.
The Imam of General Hospital Mosque, Ilorin, Imam Khalid made this observation during his Khutbah (sermon) on Friday shortly before the observation of the two units of congregational prayer to mark the service.
According to him, celebration in Islam is worship and act that attract the pleasure or displeasure of Allah depending on when and how it was done adding that as Muslims, the two Eids approved for us by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) should suffice.
The cleric who noted that deeds in Islam are only accepted based on two conditions when done with pure intention (Ikhlas) for Almighty Allah alone and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet (SAW).
He said it is very disturbing that Muslims are now oblivious of their religion and today are champions and experts of proponent of celebrations in other religions other than Islam adding that it is regrettable that celebration of Christmas and New Year that many Christians don’t celebrate is now a rallying point of sort for Muslim who try to erroneously use Islamic text to rationalise their action.
“Pastor Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Bible Church has challenged the Christendom that the celebration of these events is unbiblical and even went ahead to posit that those engaging in it will not make Heaven. Yet, many Muslims are behaving like they are more Roman than the Pope. This is a matter of faith and not issue of intolerance or hatred. We are allowed to celebrate with our Christian friends, colleagues or relations in other social matters like House Warming, naming ceremony, graduation and any other life achievements or successes but when it comes to the yuletide, that is totally different.
“But today, you see Muslims engaging in special nawafil to usher in the new-year or holding crossover nights and New Year parties among others. This is very unfortunate.
“Allah said in the Qur’an that the only religion with Allah is Islam and whoever comes with any other religion, it will not be accepted from him.
“So that we are Muslims whether by conversion, birth or profession is the greatest gift Allah can bestow on His servant. But that is not enough to guarantee us success in hereafter.
“But we must be very mindful of two things which is that we do all things for Allah alone and purify our faith for Him and not for the praise of anybody. This is the first criteria.
“Anybody that is well versed in the Quran and knows how to read it very well but didn’t purify his intention will be thrown in hell. Secondly is the person who is spending heavily in the cause of Allah to assist the Deen and the downtrodden and lastly those who are martyred in the cause of Allah. All these done without Ikhlas will not be accepted and those affected will be rejected on the Day of Judgment.
Secondly is that the works or deeds must be done in according with the sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)”, he noted.
He said Eids in Islam is considered a religious act, which brings one closer to Allah and not just about having fun.
