Is Wishing a Happy New Year Permissible in Islam?
What is the Islamic perspective on wishing a Happy New Year? Explore the rulings, scholarly opinions, and guidance on maintaining one's faith.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
The phrase "Happy New Year" has become common in society, especially as the Gregorian calendar turns. However, what is the actual Islamic perspective regarding the ruling on wishing a Happy New Year? Is it permissible, or is it prohibited? This article will discuss the matter in detail based on the Qur'an, the sunnah, and the opinions of the ulama (Islamic scholars).
The Islamic View on the New Year
In Islam, there are only two prescribed festivals (Eid):
- Eid al-Fitr – following the month of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha – during the time of the qurban (sacrifice) in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
This is in accordance with the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
"Indeed, Allah has replaced for you two days that are better than them: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."
Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawud
The Gregorian New Year is not part of the celebrations prescribed in Islam, as it originates from non-Muslim traditions. Therefore, it is important for Muslims to understand the ruling regarding these greetings.
Evidence and Scholarly Opinions
1. Tasyabbuh (Imitating Non-Muslim Customs)
One of the arguments often linked to New Year greetings is the prohibition of tasyabbuh, which is imitating the habits or traditions of non-Muslims.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Whoever imitates a people is one of them."
Narrated by Abu Dawud, hasan sahih
Based on this hadith, some scholars state that wishing a Happy New Year constitutes tasyabbuh, as the origin of this celebration does not stem from Islamic roots.
2. Avoiding Unbeneficial Speech
In Islam, Muslims are encouraged to speak good words or remain silent. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent."
Agreed upon (Bukhari and Muslim)
If the greeting "Happy New Year" holds no benefit or leads a Muslim toward something trivial, it is better to refrain from it.
3. Conditional Rulings
Some scholars argue that the ruling on wishing a Happy New Year depends on one's intention and the context. If the greeting is merely an expression of kindness without the intent to celebrate or imitate non-Muslim traditions, then it is not considered haram.
However, if the greeting is accompanied by beliefs that contradict Islamic creed or involves participating in excessive celebrations, then it is prohibited.
How Should a Muslim Respond?
As Muslims, the best approach is to be cautious in our actions and always refer to the Sharia (Islamic law). Here are some guidelines:
Avoid Non-Prescribed Celebrations
Refrain from participating in New Year festivities that are often marked by sinful acts, such as parties, fireworks, or other trivial activities.Increase Dhikr and Du'a
Use the turn of the year as a moment for muhasabah (self-reflection), increasing acts of worship, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and du'a (supplication) so that Allah may grant blessings in our lives and deeds.Do Not Imitate Contradictory Traditions
Remain proud of your identity as a Muslim and do not adopt habits that do not align with the Sharia.
"And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart—about all those [one] will be questioned."
Qur'an, Al-Isra: 36
Conclusion
The ruling on wishing a Happy New Year in Islam is conditional. If the greeting is merely a social formality and is not accompanied by an intention to celebrate traditions that contradict Islam, some scholars permit it. However, to maintain the purity of one's creed and avoid tasyabbuh, it is better for Muslims to refrain from participating in such traditions.
Rather than wishing a Happy New Year, it is better to focus on improving oneself and drawing closer to Allah at all times, without being tied to a specific moment.
