Seems a convincing article, but...

Merry Christmas to All, including Muslims, The Jakarta Post article written by Mohammad Nafik, seems a convincing article. It is questioning MUI at Buya Hamka's era decree. Considering Buya Hamka's knowledge I think it would be better to agree to Hamka, than to agree to Nafik's opinion, yes opinion. Even because of this decree Hamka had to resign from MUI, it was a great pressure from Soeharto's Government to lift up the decree, but he insist not to do it.


Here are my opinion why I do not agree to this article:
A. Commenting "If we are consistent in our faith, recognizing Jesus as a prophet in Islam, we should not hesitate to join his birthday celebrations. Whether our own celebrations are held in a different manner to Christians' is not an issue"

1. Christmas, which is celebrated on Jesus' birthday is not a celebration in Islam. There's no single evidence that this matter is taugh in Islam, even Prophet Muhammad's S.A.W birthday celebration (Mauludan) is still questionable.
2. There is some evidence that 25th December is not Jesus' Birthday. Perhaps it is a glimpse from The Da Vinci Code, but it is not, there is a Christian sect that celebrate Jesus' birthday on a day in January.
3. Further more Christmas was banned during puritan clerics ruled England, even it was also prohibited in particular England colony in America.
   

B. Commenting on "While Jews accused Jesus' mother Maria (Maryam, Mary) of adultery and rejected his presence on earth, Islam considered him one of the Ulul Azmi (five supreme prophets) comprising Muhammad, Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Noah (Nuh) and Isa (Jesus)."
I'm sure this journalist has a vast knowledge in Islam. But according to A., there's nothing related to christmas

C. Commenting "For example, when Indonesian Moslems observed Idul Fitri on Oct. 13-14, many Christians sincerely greeted them. These wishes were conveyed by leaders on television, through newspaper advertisements and other media facilities."
So, logically in respect we are muslim must greet other religion related to their religious rites? No. There is nothing can be logically inferred from this.


So, I think I must convince myself that this article is not convincing, and agree to 1981 MUI decree that banning Muslim to greet Christian on Christmas. It just Christmas why bother, there are many more things to be done together education, poverty, equality before the law, corruption, and many more. Want to flame? Want to make something hot, cabeeeee deh....

May God bless you, buya Hamka.