Can Muslims Celebrate Holi?
No, Holi cannot be celebrated by Muslims. Holi is not a color fun day, but a religious Hindu festival. Islam prohibits the participation in the ceremonies of other religions. However, you may be at peace with neighbors and not participate in their rituals. Holi involves throwing colored powder or even being close to bonfires. Therefore, these are things that Muslims should not do.
You are an Indian. Naturally, Holi is all over. It is bright, noisy and happy, and it is culturally significant. Also, your non-Muslim neighbours and friends participate in large numbers. So, the question whether Muslims can celebrate Holi may be natural.
Holi appears to be harmless, yet it is rooted deep in Hindu mythology. It is the day that Holika, the demoness, is burnt and celebrates the victory of good over evil.
You are a Muslim, and you believe in Quran and Hadith. These readings guide you; thus, they inform all aspects of your life, including the aspect of living with other people. Islam allows you to co-exist with other people who hold other beliefs, but it also draws a line when it comes to celebrating religious festivals that are not Islamic.
In this article, we are going to examine this subject through the religious, social and cultural perspectives. Moreover, we shall find out why Holi is not only fun but also why Muslims can not even participate in it in the name of friendship.
What Is Holi?
Holi is a religious festival by the Hindus. It is an invitation to spring and the story of Prahlad and Holika. The holiday is filled with religious content. Plus, their customs include people setting up bonfires (Holika Dahan), singing bhajans, and throwing color.
In reality, Holi is not merely a cultural and large party. Rather, it is a ceremony that is associated with a different religion. Due to that, it may seem offensive to Muslims.
What Does Islam Say About Celebrating Non-Islamic Festivals?
Islam is clear on this matter. According to Sahih Hadith:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Abu Dawood, 4031)
So, participating in the Holi or any other festival that is not Muslim will be a copy of the religion. This is not permitted in Islam.
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Every nation has its festival, and this is our Eid.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 952)
Clearly, Muslims also celebrate their festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These religious festivals are also worship acts. In contrast, Holi is founded on notions which are contrary to Tawheed.
Common Arguments and Their Clarification
“But it’s just for fun”
Indeed, some of them believe that Holi is all about color and fun. But, even where color is your chief design, you still form a part of a religious ceremony.
As a result, it is religious and thus Islam does not allow anyone to participate in it.
Similarly, the same applies to all those people who come to a church just because of music. That is also a religious involvement.
“Everyone in my society celebrates it”
The pressure of society exists, and no one likes to appear rude or cold. Still, it is more important who you are as a Muslim.
Even if you live in diverse communities, you are able to demonstrate respect without sacrificing your beliefs. In fact, the long term effect of standing your ground in your faith is usually respect.
Social Coexistence Without Compromise
Islam does not preach renouncing your religion but coexistence. For example, you may say hello, share food, or even visit during the holidays, but you are never obliged to participate in the religious practices.
Likewise, the non-Muslims are allowed to observe Eid with Muslims but do not have to offer Eid prayers or Qurbani.
Similarly, you may even preserve peace, respect and friendship without attending Holi parties, using colors, and burning bonfires.
Historical Opinions of Scholars
Importantly, classical scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Imam Malik clearly stated:
“A Muslim must avoid the festivals of non-Muslims, their rituals, and even greeting them for such occasions.”
Furthermore, in Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah (Fatwa No. 8840), Saudi scholars declared:
“It is not permissible for the Muslim to participate in Holi or any other non-Muslim religious festival.”
Thus, both classical and modern scholars agree: Holi is off-limits for Muslims.
How to Respond Respectfully
If someone invites you to a Holi event, respond with kindness. Simply put, say:
“Thank you for the invite, but I don’t celebrate religious events outside my own faith.”
To clarify, this doesn’t mean you dislike them. So, it shows that you value your religion and still respect theirs.
Conclusion
Holi is not merely a color festival, but it is a religious festival. Due to that, Muslims need to avoid it. Nonetheless, we are also required to coexist with members of other religions in peace.
We must be able to balance our beliefs with respect to other people to live as Muslims in a world of so many cultures. Therefore, by not participating in Holi, we must do so in a dignified, respectful and kind manner.
