A news from Thrissur district of Kerala has created a stir in social media and religious circles. Here a Muslim female teacher advised her students to stay away from Onam celebrations. In an audio message sent on WhatsApp, he said that Muslim children should not participate in such festivals, because it is in the eyes of Islam "Shirk" Is. After this statement, an FIR was lodged against the teacher and has been suspended.

It is worth noting that till now religious Ulema and Maulana have often advised to keep distance from non-Muslim festivals, but such a call by a teacher has come into the limelight for the first time.

What is Shirk?

Shirk is the word of Arabic, which means making someone partner. The basic principle of Islam is monotheism. To consider Allah alone, Almighty and Ajar-Amar. It is clearly stated in the Quran and Hadith that it is the biggest sin to consider someone else to be revered with Allah. According to Islamic belief, Allah in the end can forgive most of the crimes, but never forgives Shirk and Nahk blood.

Non-Muslim festival and Shirk’s debate

The question has been arising for a long time whether it would be considered as Shirk by Muslims to join the festivals of other religions. Ulema is not unanimous on this. Some scholars consider it directly against Islamic principles, while many call it just part of social conduct.

What did Mufti Shamashuddin Nadvi say?

Mufti Shamshuddin Nadvi says that everything in Islam is based on intentions. If a Muslim is involved in a festival like Onam, Diwali or Holi with a friend or colleague, but does not consider any deity to be revered by the mind, then it cannot be called Shirk. He raised the question that just as a Hindu does not become a Muslim by joining the Eid feast, in the same way a Muslim does not get away from his religion only by performing social etiquette.

What did Mufti Abdurrahim Kasami say?

Mufti Abdurrahim Kasami is of the opinion that external methods do not change anyone’s faith. Wearing a hat or applying tilak does not cause conversion. He says that if a Muslim while celebrating Diwali, believes that the source of wealth and prosperity is not Allah but Goddess Lakshmi, then it will be Shirk. But if he is involved only to play social relationships, then there is no crime in this.