The pace of the socio-cultural transformation in Saudi Arabia is dizzying. Since the assumption of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman or MbS in 2017, we saw an easing of restrictions to make the Kingdom an open and progressive society. The holding of western-like musical concerts, opening of movie houses, and allowing women to drive cars are a few of the reforms he boldly initiated. Political reforms likewise took a dramatic turn.
The celebratory fever that Christendom’s Christmas bring has likewise spanned thru the Kingdom, home of Islam’s 2 Holy Mosques — El Haram in Mecca and El Nabawe in Madinah. Christian practices which were tabooed before are now observed publicly in the once-reclusive and closed society.
In an earlier article about Christmas, this column observed: “The season, however, has a different impact on other members of society with variant creed. . . Christmas bifurcates Muslims in terms of participation. Albeit the Holy Koran recognizes Jesus Christ (Nabiyolah Issa) as one of the revered Prophets of Allah (God), this does not prevent the ultra-conservative hardliners from castigating those participating in the celebration and tagging them as kafirs or deviants. They will face off again with the moderate progressive ones who are greatly influenced by their environment.
“Muslim clerics of the Wahabbi-Salafi school of thought will renew its “fatwa” or religious edict banning Muslims from participating in the celebration. Saudi Arabia being the de facto seat of the school will strictly enforce a draconian ban targeting primarily non-Muslim expatriates. The Christians will confine their celebration in the secluded camps of construction companies away from the prying eyes of the Motawa or religious police or in the Embassies beyond the touch of local state security forces. Punitive actions await those violating the edict. Enforcement is too strict that if the Motawa hears one greeting Merry Christmas even over the phone one will be detained and punished. We wonder though how is it with the reform initiated by the de facto King, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who has, by baby steps, eased religious restrictions to free the kingdom from reclusiveness.”
Well, we wonder no more. Observance and celebration of practices by people of different religions are now permitted. Before, expats and Filipino workers celebrate Christmas in the confine of their secluded workplaces or the privacy of their homes. The different embassies in the kingdom have mini-stores that sell Christian decors like Christmas trees and others. But now, reports say Christmas trees and related celebratory items are sold openly in malls, markets, and shops although they avoid using the word “Christmas” but instead used “festive flavors” in coffee shops and “holiday-themed tags.”
This column supports this breakthrough. Although the stern Wahabbi-Salaffis do not tolerate Muslim participation in the celebration of Christmas, Christians should be allowed to observe their religious practices. This will not make residents Christians. It is a test of their faith in din-ul Islam if they can remain steadfast despite exposure to and the lure of other faith. I can relate to the situation of Muslims living in a Christian environment participating in an event he considers social and non-religious. As I have mentioned before, it is the intention of one that is the controlling factor. If one intends to celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ although many Christians don’t subscribe to it, then one commits venial sin or what Muslims call bida’a. But if a Muslim attends a year-end Christmas party together with his co-office workers, one is not violating any fatwa or religious decree.
How does a Muslim non-Arab look at this seeming socio-cultural revolution happening in Saudi Arabia? It is a giant step towards fostering love and amity among people of the world that will promote world peace. This will not desanctify nor weaken Islam.
Meantime, there is a groundswell of support for the policy of tolerance initiated by MbS onward to make the Kingdom an open and moderate society.
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