In the mix of culture we are sometimes overtaken by events.
Muslim are now living among non-Muslim neighbours. They work with non-Muslim colleagues and socialise with non-Muslim friends. It is the reality of a multicultural society.

How far can we participate in festivities which are not Islamic?

It is commonplace to see a Muslim shop advertising an “Easter” or “Christmas” sale. “It is just a marketing strategy,” one would argue. At a social level we are also caught trying to “wish well” friends, neighbours and colleagues in their religious festivities.

What is Islamically acceptable? Do you cajole in matters of belief? Do you just “tell it like it is” that these are pagan-rooted practices?

Understanding is required in handling situations of this nature where sometimes you have to decline an invitation on belief grounds and you have to be excused for not participating in your corporate-organised “Christmas Ball” and many other situations we find ourselves in.

We are fortunate that we are living in a society which respects sensitivities of others and that our inability to take part in “faith-based” events of the nature contrary to our beliefs would largely be well understood.

Beyond excusing oneself from such events is the obligation of Dawah.
Wisdom is important in using every opportunity to highlight the origins of the many festivities which are rooted in ancient heathen practices and in the modern day, are steeped in irreligious materialism albeit with a smattering of divine worship.

It is important that we politely call to the true worship of monotheism remembering that: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Ahmad)
Our days of festivities are but the two eids. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam once saw the Ansaar celebrating a certain day. He inquired about that and was informed: “This is one of two days that we used to celebrate in Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance) and we continue to do so.” He replied: “Nay! Allaah has substituted for you two better days: the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adhhaa.” (Ahmad, an-Nasaa’i, and others)

A Muslim’s role is to invite humanity to the Straight Path. Imitating others can take us out of the fold of Islam.