Daijiworld Media Network - Bareilly

Bareilly, Dec 29: Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), has once again issued a fatwa advising Muslims in India not to participate in New Year celebrations, stating that such observances contradict Islamic law.

Sharia, the Islamic legal and moral framework derived from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet, governs both religious duties and daily conduct. According to the fatwa, activities like singing, dancing, alcohol consumption, and other festive behaviors associated with the New Year are considered haram, or forbidden, under Sharia.

Speaking to reporters, Razvi said, “Celebrating the New Year is not permissible according to Sharia. On December 31, celebrations involve dancing, singing, shows, alcohol consumption, chaos, misbehavior, and other immoral acts — all of which are prohibited in Islam.”

He emphasized that the New Year is a festival tied to the Christian calendar and traditions, and thus Muslims should refrain from adopting it. “For Muslims, the New Year is marked by Muharram, and for Hindus, it is Chaitra. The December 31 celebrations are European, not Islamic or Indian,” Razvi said.

The fatwa advises Muslim youth to avoid attending any New Year events and warns that participation would be considered sinful. This is a reiteration of a similar advisory issued by Razvi last year, highlighting his continued stance against observing Western-style New Year festivities.