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Question:
My son is the only Muslim in his class. He has nativity play in school, if he is to take part, are we sinful as parents, can any advice be given as to what to do, my son is 5 years old?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The nativity play is a reenactment of the birth of Isa (a.s.). As Muslims, we are sensitive regarding our beliefs, thus it is strictly prohibited for a Muslim to participate in such a play or allow their children to do so. If a parent allows their child to participate in such activities, it would endanger their faith and desensitize them to disbelief. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever imitates a nation, he is from them.” (Abu Dawud: Hadith 4031)
Ideally, a Muslim should send their child to an Islamic school to safeguard the child’s faith and Islamic values. If this is not feasible, one can have their child homeschooled. Nevertheless, if the parent decides to send their child to a public school where they would interact with people of other faiths, then the parent must ensure their child does not participate in any activities that contradict our Islamic values and beliefs. We advise you to speak with the school administration and kindly excuse your child from such a play and the likes of it. Make dua to Allah (SWT) to make this task easy for you and explain to them with wisdom your Islamic beliefs and values and why we cannot participate in such activities. If the law of the country you reside in gives everyone the freedom to practice their religion, then the administration will have no choice but to consent to your request.
Islam teaches us to be kind and tolerant of people of different faiths, however, this does not entail that we compromise on our foundational religious teachings. When Christians participate in this play, they believe -- نعوذ بالله -- that they are reenacting the birth of the “son of God”. Thus, a Muslim should never participate in such events. As a parent, it is your obligation to save your child from the Hell-Fire by giving him the best Islamic upbringing and education. Allah (SWT) says:
يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا
Translation: O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from the Fire!” (Surah At-Tahreem: verse 6)
In conclusion, we advise you to become the means of your child leading a life of piety and righteousness by creating an Islamic environment for him and protecting him from anything that would harm his faith. A child is a great amanah (trust) from Allah (SWT), and it is the parent who will either ‘make’ the child or ‘break’ him. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Every child is born on the Fitrah (Islam), then his parents either make him into a Jew, Christian, or a Magian...” (Bukhari: Hadith 1385)
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham
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