Christmas 'fatwa' sparks debate

23 Dec 2012, 7:04 pm   -   Source: Bill Code, SBS

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There's debate in the Muslim community after a Sydney organisation appeared to tell its followers not to engage in any Christmas celebrations with neighbours.

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There's debate in the Muslim community after a Sydney organisation appeared to tell its followers not to engage in any Christmas celebrations with neighbours.

Islamic leaders have distanced themselves from the comments, while the organisation at the heart of the row says it's all been a terrible mistake.

Just days before Christmas, and Sydney's Lakemba Mosque has found itself at the centre of another storm.

Newspaper readers woke on Sunday to read of a so-called Fatwa against Christmas, a religious edict following a sermon given at the mosque.

Community leaders were quick to distance themselves.

"When you see your neighbour and they're having a festive occasion, you should be happy that they're happy," said Keysar Trad from the Federation of Islamic Councils.

The furore stems from postings on the Facebook page of the mosque, which called on Muslims not to exchange Christmas greetings with Christians.

This followed a sermon given on Friday where some attendees expressed concern at a sermon which suggested Muslims should steer clear of any Christmas celebrations.

As comments - many vitriolic - gathered on the Facebook page - Australia's Grand Mufti was keen on clearing a few things up.

"The principle of Islam says if you are given a greeting then return the greeting, or even, give a better greeting,' said Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohammad.

He says the ideology behind the sermon has its roots as far back as the 12th century - when Muslim lands were being invaded -  and he quesitons its relevance in 2012.

"There's nothing wrong with studying it, but it would be a serious mistake to apply history out of context."

It's not the first time the mosque has been in the spotlight, but this time the association running its Facebook page said the posting was unauthorised and not representative of its views.

The Lebanese Muslim Association said the sermon was only encouraging Muslims to maintain their religious identity - and the Facebook post was put there by a junior staff member without permission.

"He is not well-versed from an Islamic perspective to actually know whether this is something he should have on there or not," said Samir Dandan, president of the Lebanese Muslim Association.

"It's not reflective of the board, not reflective of the Lebanese Muslim Association, nor reflective of Muslim leaders.'

He said the festive greetings in the sky above the mosque, were nothing but coincidence.

Lakemba Mosque , Christmas

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stupid stupid stupid!!!

Ryan - from earth, 5 months ago

I'm not sure what they do in the rest of the world but here in Australia Xmas is not about what religion you are it's about getting the family together, eating good food and having a good time!!!!!

History

Lee - from Sydney, 5 months ago

"He says the ideology behind the sermon has its roots as far back as the 12th century - when Muslim lands were being invaded - and he quesitons its relevance in 2012. " WHy do Muslims always go back to the crusades? The first crusade was in defence - of Muslims invading European lands.

Merry Christmas

Kerem - from Melbourne, 5 months ago

Merry Christmas to all. And I'm Muslim. Greetings with love and respect. Cheers.

research the Islamic teachings

concerned citizen - from Sydney, 5 months ago

after downing 3 years studying Islamic teachings there is no doubt left that the teachings incite hate of non-Muslims, that lying is allowed through what is called taqiya meaning your allowed to lie of it is in defence of yourself, family or religion and that Muslim fundamentalist wish to establish sharia law worldwide and create a global caliphate. I can understand that most people are ignorant of this as I was before reading the Qur'an and Hadiths but if people would just read it they would see that it is incompatible with the freedoms we hold dear. Please, start looking into it.

Islam and christmas

oncewas - from bribie island, 5 months ago

Would be a good idea for Muslims to steer clear of Christmas. It is alien to their beliefs. Would be a good idea for Christians to do the same thing. The current thought seems to be that Christmas is NOT about giving [ please attend sales]any more, but is about FAMILIES. And there I was thinking it was about Jesus Christ and salvation. Seems it was hijacked many years ago. Good Christians tell me to ignore all that and celebrate Christ, and then proceed to buy up lots of food, drink and gifts?

Respect our Country please!

True Blue Ozzie - from Gladstone Q, 5 months ago

Please respect our country and our way of life, we are Australians, we are proud of our christian traditions and christian way of life. If you embrace our country as your home, you must respect and embrace our cultures values. Surely you must realise by now our christian belief's are what make our country one of the greatist in the world. If you dont like our hertiage and triditions please leave our country and go home.to yours. We wont accept new comers, trying to fit Australians around them NO

quotes from the koran

bacchus - from Perth, 5 months ago

Quotes from the Koran with surah numbers for verification. Kill disbelievers wherever you find them. If they attack you, then kill them. Such is the reward of disbelievers. ) 2:191-2 Intermarriage is forbidden. 2:221 Don't believe anyone who is not a Muslim. 3:73 Those who ascribe a partner to Allah (like Christians do with Jesus and the Holy Spirit) will not be forgiven. They have "invented a tremendous sin." 4:48, 4:116 Oppose and admonish those who refuse to follow Muhammad. 4:63 Have no unbelieving friends. Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them. 4:89

budvv

Marty - from Perth, 5 months ago

Typical response from "the leaders" of the muslim community. They don't have any leaders worth their salt, otherwise they would do something more constructive. This is an afront to Australian society.

So the debate leaves us where exactly...

Bob - from Perth WA, 5 months ago

"…some attendees expressed concern at a sermon…" So was the Facebook page a quote of the sermon? Or did it express what the sermon meant? Or did the sermon mean something else? Or was the Facebook page quoting some other text? Arabic language seems to be almost gymnastic in its ability to twist meanings.

Typical!!!!

Bob Bingle - from Liverpool, 5 months ago

when thet get caught out,,, there's always an excuse.

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