Please Refrain from Celebrating Non-Islamic Festivals

Assalam 'Alaikum, Just a brief reminder to my brothers and sisters: taking part in celebrations that originated with non-Muslims-like Christmas, Halloween, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and the like-is considered impermissible according to scholarly consensus, and many classify it as a serious matter. In the Qur’an Allah praises those who avoid falsehood and evil, and the Salaf understood “falsehood” to include festivals of non-believers and other sinful practices. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have advised distancing oneself from the enemies of Allah during their festivals, saying that Allah’s wrath can descend upon them at those times. Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet ﷺ came to Medina during two days people used to celebrate in the pre-Islamic period. He asked about them and was told they were days of ignorance. The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah has replaced those days with two better days: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. The Messenger ﷺ also warned that whoever imitates a people is counted among them. Scholars like Ibn Kathir explained that these reports show we should not imitate disbelievers in their customs, celebrations, clothing, or worship when those things were not legislated for us. Instead of joining such festivals, we should focus on our own blessed occasions, remember Allah, and celebrate within the bounds of Islam. May Allah guide us to what pleases Him. Wassalam.