Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Brother Burhan,

Assalama Alaikum,

I will directly go to my question which is as follows.

We live and do business in India among the non muslims (Mostly Hindus) As you know nowadays Hindu fanatism is growing a lot. We are forced to contribute financially whenever any Hindu festival comes. To avoid any problem for our businesses and any harm to our families (specially Ladies and children) we have to co-operate with them. Some times to pretend that we are also with them we attend some of their festivities also. Although from the heart in our hearts we deplore it but because of the `Maslihat` we do it. I want to know what we are doing is right or wrong? Just to protect our selves can we keep on doing or plainly refuse and accept the consequences that comes our way. we are in very vulnerable condition and an small argument or dislike by them can ruin our lives and livelyhoods. Pls. guide us in the light of Quran and Sunnah.

Awaiting your quick response.

Your Brother in Islam 

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Believers forced to celebrate pagan festivals

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: I want to know what we are doing is right or wrong?

My beloved brother in Islam, if in your heart you deplore the celebration of pagan gods and festivals; but due to circumstances which might adversely affect your livelihood or your lives, you are forced to co-operate with the pagans to save yourself from their harm; you will not bear the responsibility or be accountable in the least in the Just Court of the All Knowing Lord for the deeds that you did to save yourself and your business.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 3 Surah Ale Imraan verses 28-29:

28 Let not the believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers; if any do that in nothing will there be help from Allah; except by way of precaution that ye may guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (to remember) Him, for the final goal is to Allah.

29 Say: "Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it Allah knows it all. He knows what is in the heavens and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things.

Beloved brother, rest assured that Allah Subhanah is well aware of the situation of everything in existence, and He knows even the secrets of our hearts. Thus if you are forced by necessity to take your precautions against harm from the pagans, and in doing so you are forced to contribute to their festivals, etc.; there will be no sin upon you in such a situation.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan