Can Muslims Celebrate or Wish Chinese New Year?

In short: Yes, Muslims can celebrate it.
CHINESE NEW YEAR DECORATIONS
Photo by Addie Douglas

Chinese New Year is a colorful, lively festival celebrated globally. It’s a time for family reunions, feasts, and cultural traditions. For Muslims, especially those living in multicultural societies, a common question arises: Can we celebrate or wish others a Happy Chinese New Year?

The short answer is yes—but with clear boundaries. Since Chinese New Year is largely cultural (not religious), Muslims can participate in its joyful aspects. However, avoiding rituals tied to other faiths or superstitions is key. Let’s break this down.

Is Celebrating Chinese New Year Permissible in Islam?

Islamic teachings encourage kindness, community harmony, and respecting local customs. Chinese New Year, like birthdays or national holidays, focuses on cultural pride, family bonding, and hope for the new year. Greeting friends, sharing meals, or enjoying decorations are harmless acts of goodwill.

But there’s a catch: Muslims must avoid any practice tied to non-Islamic beliefs. For example, praying to ancestors, burning incense for deities, or believing zodiac signs control destiny are religious/superstitious acts.

These clash with Islam’s core principle of worshiping Allah alone. Stick to the cultural, skip the spiritual.

Do’s and Don’ts for Muslims

  • Saying “Happy New Year” or sending kind wishes.
  • Attending family dinners or public events (lion dances, parades).
  • Exchanging gifts or red envelopes (as gestures of generosity, not luck).
  • Wearing red clothes or decorating homes (if viewed as cultural, not symbolic).
  • Joining rituals involving prayers, offerings, or worship of deities.
  • Believing in myths (e.g., zodiac predictions dictating life events).
  • Using items tied to other religions (e.g., deity statues, blessed charms).

Evidence

  • Scholar’s Statement: Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad (Malaysia) confirms Chinese New Year is cultural, not religious, making it permissible.
  • Quranic Guidance: “To you, your religion; to me, mine” (Surah Al-Kafirun 109:6) promotes peaceful coexistence without compromising faith.
  • Prophet’s Example: The Prophet (PBUH) respected non-harmful local customs in Medina, like the Ansar’s pre-Islamic harvest festival.

Datuk Dr. Zulkifli’s ruling aligns with Islamic principles: cultural joy is fine, religious rituals are not. The Quranic verse reminds Muslims to stay firm in their beliefs while respecting others’. Similarly, the Prophet’s acceptance of Medina’s cultural festivals shows that harmless traditions can foster unity.

For instance, giving a red envelope to a child is like giving Eid gifts—it’s about kindness, not superstition. But offering food to ancestors’ spirits crosses the line. Always ask: Is this act cultural or spiritual?

Bottom Line

Yes, Muslims can celebrate Chinese New Year and exchange wishes—but only the cultural parts. Enjoy the food, laughter, and time with others. Avoid rituals, superstitions, or anything implying belief in other faiths.

Keep your intentions clear: celebrate unity, not religion. When unsure, consult a scholar. Festivals like Chinese New Year are chances to build bridges, express kindness, and appreciate diversity—all within Islam’s boundaries.

Got a question? Feel free to ask mufti and get quick answers.

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