Fatwa ID: 08184

Answered by: Moulana Ateiq-ur Rehman

Question:

My oldest son is in second grade of elementary school. In about 2 weeks, a carnival will be celebrated at his school. Attendance is compulsory as it is officially part of the curriculum. Elements involve wearing a costume and listening to and singing locally traditional carnival songs. I’d rather he didn’t participate in it at all due to the hadeeth “whoever imitates the disbelievers is one of them.” One option for him would be throwing a sickie, but this would also entail lying. I don’t think teachers would make an exception to exempt him from class because of his religious background. How can I figure out this dilemma? Barakallahu feek.

Answer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

This is indeed a challenging situation, but with wisdom and careful handling, insha’Allah, you can navigate it in a way that aligns with our Deen.

The majority of our Fuqaha have said it is impermissible to attend celebrations which do not align with our faith.

First of all, it would be best to write to the school. Advise them that you do not wish for your son to participate in the carnival. Here in the UK, parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious activities under section 71 of the School Standard Framework Act 1998. Sixth form students are able to withdraw themselves without the need for parental consent. So, if the carnival has religious connotations, then you can use this act to have your son excused. Seek advice from your local authorities or the school to find out if any such act is present in your country. If it is an annual event, consider discussing a long-term arrangement. If these issues persist, try considering other schooling options like Islamic schools and homeschooling.

If he must attend the carnival, there are certain steps you can take to limit the effects of the carnival.

Allah mentions in the Quran:
“They are˺ those who do not bear false witness, and when they come across falsehood, they pass ˹it˺ by with dignity.” (Furqan:72)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“He who copies any people is one of them.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 4031)

From the above Quranic verse, Allah explains that at times we may come across situations where we need to be careful not to fall into the Haram taking place around us, passing by it with our faith intact. Educate your son on the Islamic celebrations and why Islam has placed certain boundaries in place to preserve and protect our Imaan. When spending time amongst non-Muslims, we must still maintain our Islamic identity and morals, not being complicit in their Haram actions or copying them. A colleague of mine is a teacher in a school where they celebrate many different celebrations, and he must attend them as part of his role. He has given some tips on how he navigates these situations.

1. Clarify Your Intentions:
Make it clear to the school and your child that he is only attending due to necessity and is not engaging in prohibited activities.

2. Maintain Islamic Identity:
If possible, have your child dress in a way that visibly reflects his Muslim identity (e.g., modest clothing, a small Islamic emblem).

3. Avoid Active Participation:
Politely excuse your child from singing and wearing costumes. He may remain present without engaging in the rituals.

4. Remain Respectful but Firm:
Teach your child to be courteous while excusing himself from activities that contradict Islamic principles.

5. Engage in Dhikr and Du’a:
Encourage your child to silently remember Allah and seek His protection while in such an environment.

6. Seek Forgiveness:
If forced into participation beyond his control, remind him to seek Allah’s forgiveness afterward.

These few points will help him navigate such situations due to necessity at work or school.

Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.

Written by: Maulana Ateiq-ur Rehman
Checked and approved by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham

يَكْفُرُ بِوَضْعِ قَلَنْسُوَةِ الْمَجُوسِ عَلَى رَأْسِهِ عَلَى الصَّحِيحِ إلَّا لِضَرُورَةِ دَفْعِ الْحَرِّ وَالْبَرْدِ وَبِشَدِّ الزُّنَّارِ فِي وَسْطِهِ إلَّا إذَا فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ خَدِيعَةً فِي الْحَرْبِ وَطَلِيعَةً لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ وَبِقَوْلِهِ: الْمَجُوسُ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا أَنَا فِيهِ يَعْنِي فِعْلَهُ وَبِقَوْلِهِ النَّصْرَانِيَّةُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ الْمَجُوسِيَّةِ لَا بِقَوْلِهِ الْمَجُوسِيَّةُ شَرٌّ مِنْ النَّصْرَانِيَّةِ وَبِقَوْلِهِ النَّصْرَانِيَّةُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ الْيَهُودِيَّةِ وَبِقَوْلِهِ لِمُعَامِلِهِ الْكُفْرُ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا أَنْتَ تَفْعَلُ عِنْدَ بَعْضِهِمْ مُطْلَقًا، وَقَيَّدَهُ الْفَقِيهُ أَبُو اللَّيْثِ بِأَنْ قَصَدَ تَحْسِينَ الْكُفْرِ لَا تَقْبِيحَ مُعَامَلَتِهِ وَبِخُرُوجِهِ إلَى نَيْرُوزِ الْمَجُوسِ

كتاب الفتاوى العالمكيرية = الفتاوى الهندية (2:276) المكتبة الشاملة

حدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو النَّضْرِ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ ثَابِتٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَسَّانُ بْنُ عَطِيَّةَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُنِيبٍ الْجُرَشِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Sunan Abi Dawud 4031

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