Who holds that it is haram?

Ibn al-Qayyim and many scholars following him: Congratulating others on a religious festival approves of its beliefs.

Who holds that it is halal?

European Council for Fatwa and Research and many contemporary scholars: A courteous greeting to neighbours and colleagues is kind treatment (Qur'an 60:8) and does not endorse beliefs.

Can I greet others on Christmas or Diwali?

Scholars differ. Scholars differ on congratulating others on their religious festivals.

Scholars differ · Everyday life · From the Halal or Not? rulebook, checked 28 September 2026

The views, and who holds them

Held by	Verdict	Reasoning
Ibn al-Qayyim and many scholars following him	Haram	Congratulating others on a religious festival approves of its beliefs.
European Council for Fatwa and Research and many contemporary scholars	Halal	A courteous greeting to neighbours and colleagues is kind treatment (Qur'an 60:8) and does not endorse beliefs.

Worth knowing

Taking part in the religious rituals themselves is prohibited by all.

Quick answers

Can I greet others on Christmas or Diwali?: Scholars differ. Scholars differ on congratulating others on their religious festivals.
Who holds that it is haram?: Ibn al-Qayyim and many scholars following him: Congratulating others on a religious festival approves of its beliefs.
Who holds that it is halal?: European Council for Fatwa and Research and many contemporary scholars: A courteous greeting to neighbours and colleagues is kind treatment (Qur'an 60:8) and does not endorse beliefs.

Sources

Halal or Not? rulebook topic “Greeting others on their religious festivals (Christmas, Diwali)”, live answer (checked 28 September 2026)
Ibn al-Qayyim and many scholars following him
European Council for Fatwa and Research and many contemporary scholars
Qur'an 60:8

Information, not a fatwa. Where scholars differ, this shows the main views so you can follow the one you already follow or ask a scholar you trust.

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