Question: I have many Christian friends.
Some of them are very interested in Islam. I am working on them. I am hopeful
that some of them might convert. In this situation, can I wish them "Merry
Christmas" on Christmas?
Answer: There is no harm in wishing
your Christian friends on Christmas even if they are not interested in
Islam. Socializing with them is something very desirable. It gives a chance
to the two greatest religious communities of the world to come together
and understand each other’s viewpoint. This helps in removing many misunderstandings
which prevail between the two. Furthermore, until and unless social relations
develop between these two, there is little chance that sympathy and concern
will develop between them – which, I believe, is the pre-requisite for
any religious dialogue and discussion.
As such, interacting with them on
a festival as Christmas can prove very helpful.
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