Muslims Can Convey Christmas Greeting

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister, Suryadharma Ali said, Muslims can convey Christmas greetings to Christians.

"It is not unusual to convey Christmas greetings to Christians," said Ali on Monday.  
    
This statement is not in line with what the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Ma'ruf, believes in. According to KH Ma'ruf, the greeting, Merry Christmas, is forbidden (haram).

However, Ali disclosed, Muslims can convey Christmas greetings to Christians.

Ali said the differing views of the MUI and the ministry are expected. Islamic laws are based on the Koran, Sunnah (words and deeds of Prophet Mohammad) and the Ulema's opinion.

"Since Indonesia is a multicultural society, people should have cordial relations with those of other ethnic groups," he pointed out. "These greetings are not a part of any ritual," he said. (*/DWA/IGT/T007)