Gentle Reminder: Preserving Islamic Identity & Moral Values
A respectful seasonal guidance from the AMIS Shariah Advisory Department (ASAD) reminding our Muslim learners, educators, families, and wider community on upholding Islamic principles with grace, wisdom, and respectful coexistence.
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
As the year-end holiday season approaches, including occasions such as Halloween and Christmas, the AMIS Shariah Advisory Department (ASAD), established by Al Munawwara Islamic School (AMIS), respectfully reminds all Muslim students and employees in schools, government agencies, private companies, and other institutions to refrain from participating in celebrations, activities, or practices that are associated with the religious beliefs, symbols, and customs of other religions.
Let us uphold the teachings of Islam while maintaining kindness, courtesy, and respect toward people of other faiths. We can promote harmonious relationships and respect others without compromising our Islamic principles.
«مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ»
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” — (Narrated by Abu Dawud, Hadith 4031)
Explanation: This hadith warns Muslims against imitating the distinctive religious practices, symbols, and customs of other religions when doing so expresses identification with those religious beliefs or rituals. However, not every form of imitation is prohibited in Islam: Learning beneficial knowledge, using modern technology, wearing ordinary professional or everyday attire, and adopting cultural customs that do not conflict with Islam are permissible. The ruling depends on what is being imitated and the underlying spiritual purpose.
Core Lesson: A Muslim should take pride in their Islamic identity, steadfastly follow the guidance of the Qur'an and Sunnah, and avoid participating in rituals or symbols rooted in beliefs contrary to the oneness of Allah (Tawhid).
Three Guiding Principles for Our Community
Kindness & Courtesy
Islam commands kindness, fairness, and peaceful interaction with non-Muslims in school, workplace, and the neighborhood.
Religious Boundary
Refrain from wearing costumes, setting up religious decorations, or participating in festivities tied to other faiths' theological beliefs.
Positive Representation
Be an exemplary ambassador of Islam through high moral character (akhlaq), honesty, empathy, and academic excellence.
“May Allah guide us to what pleases Him, strengthen our faith, and grant us wisdom to treat everyone with respect and understanding. Ameen.”
Al Munawwara Islamic School