In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

In his discussion of the various impermissible ways some Muslims show misplaced loyalty and allegiance to the non-Muslims, senior Islamic scholar Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) states:

#6 – Keeping track of the date using their calendars, especially those that highlight their rituals and holidays, like the Christian (Gregorian) Calendar

It (the Gregorian Calendar) is something that commemorates the birth of the Messiah (may Allaah grant him peace), and something which they invented themselves, not something from the Religion of the Messiah (may Allaah grant him peace). Using this calendar includes sharing with them in the preservation of their rituals and holidays.

To avoid this, the Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) wanted to establish a calendar for the Muslims in the time of ‘Umar, the (second) Caliph. They ignored the previously established calendars of the disbelievers and began with the Messenger’s emigration (i.e. his hijrah to the city of al-Madeenah).

This proves the obligation to oppose the disbelievers in this and all other things which are specific to them, and Allaah is the One from whom we seek help.

Source: Al-Walaa’ wal-Baraa’ (pp.11-12), Daar al-Imaam Ahmad printing, 1434.

Important Notes:

[1] The English names of some of the months on the Gregorian Calendar have polytheistic origins rooted in Greek, Roman, and other mythology:

• January: named after Janus, their god of doors and gates
• March: named after Continue reading →