Mullah Enver Kılıçarslan, the President of ITTIHADUL ULEMA, called on Muslims to refrain from participating in New Year celebrations, gambling, and other activities associated with the occasion, highlighting their incompatibility with Islamic principles.

According to Kılıçarslan, the practices surrounding the New Year are not only culturally foreign but also prohibited in Islam, emphasizing that Muslims should instead focus on worship and gratitude to Allah.

New Year Celebrations: A Christian Custom

Kılıçarslan firmly asserted that celebrating the New Year is a Christian tradition and, therefore, inconsistent with Islamic values. Drawing on a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he warned that "Whoever tries to be like a nation is one of them," emphasizing the importance of maintaining Islamic identity and avoiding practices associated with non-Muslims. "New Year's celebration is a Christian custom," Kılıçarslan remarked. He further criticized the exchange of gifts, viewing it as an act that diminishes one's good deeds in the eyes of Allah.

The Harm of Gambling and Games of Chance

A significant portion of the New Year celebrations in many cultures includes gambling, particularly with games like the national lottery. Kılıçarslan condemned this, stating that "No one can see good from the money coming from gambling and games of chance," citing the Islamic prohibition on such activities. He reminded Muslims that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had forbidden celebrations other than those of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, further underlining the sinful nature of engaging in activities like gambling during the New Year period.

Islamic Alternatives for New Year's Eve

Rather than participating in festive activities that contradict Islamic teachings, Kılıçarslan urged Muslims to dedicate their time on New Year's Eve to spiritual practices. "We should thank Allah for giving us life for another year," he advised. He encouraged Muslims to read the Holy Qur'an, engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and offer prayers for blessings and protection from calamities. He emphasized that Muslims should spend their time in worship, expressing gratitude and seeking Allah’s mercy for the year ahead.

A Call to Reflect and Repent

For Kılıçarslan, the approach to the New Year should not be about indulgence or celebration, but rather about reflection, repentance, and worship. He warned that any involvement in practices such as drinking alcohol, gambling, or preparing special meals for the occasion would be considered haram (forbidden) and a form of disobedience to Allah.

In conclusion, Mullah Enver Kılıçarslan's message to the Muslim community is clear: the New Year should not be a time for festive indulgence, but for deepening one's faith through worship and gratitude. Muslims are reminded to avoid activities that are not in line with the teachings of Islam, such as celebrating the New Year and participating in gambling, and instead focus on prayer, reflection, and devotion to Allah. (ILKHA)