In a recent statement, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad addressed a common question regarding Islamic dietary laws, clarifying that consuming Christmas food is not considered haram, as long as the food adheres to halal standards.

Ahmad’s comments were informed by a fatwa from Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, which underscores that Islam evaluates the permissibility of food based on its ingredients and preparation, rather than the specific occasion it is associated with.

The guidance is clear: any food items that are inherently prohibited in Islam, such as pork and alcohol, are forbidden under any circumstances, including festive events. Moreover, Muslims are advised to refrain from engaging in religious practices that contradict Islamic tenets.

Citing the Qur’an, specifically verse 5:5, the fatwa highlights that the foods of the People of the Book are lawful for Muslims, and vice versa, reinforcing a message of shared community values.

The overarching theme of the fatwa promotes the idea that sharing meals with others—motivated by kindness, neighborliness, and a desire for peaceful coexistence—is not only acceptable but also encouraged within the Islamic faith.

His words …

“Eating Christmas food is not haram in Islam as long as the food itself is halal, that is the Fatwa I heard from Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil. He explained that Islam judges food by its ingredients and how it is prepared, not by the occasion on which it is served. He referenced the Qur’anic verse: “The food of the People of the Book is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them…” (Qur’an 5:5).

In the Fatwa, he stated that what Muslims should avoid are foods that are haram in themselves, such as pork and alcohol or participation in religious rituals.

Sharing meals in the spirit of kindness, good neighborliness and peaceful coexistence is allowed and encouraged in Islam.”

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