Bashir Ahmad speaks on Muslims eating Christmas food

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has clarified that eating Christmas food is not forbidden in Islam, provided the food itself is halal.

Ahmad made the clarification in a post shared online on Christmas Day, where he cited a fatwa attributed to Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil. According to the explanation, Islam evaluates food based on its ingredients and method of preparation, not the occasion on which it is served.

He explained that foods which are inherently prohibited in Islam, such as pork and alcohol, remain forbidden regardless of the event. Muslims are also advised to avoid taking part in religious rituals that contradict Islamic beliefs.

Ahmad further referenced Qur’an 5:5, which states that the food of the People of the Book is lawful for Muslims and that Muslims’ food is lawful for them, noting that this forms part of the Islamic basis for peaceful coexistence.

According to the fatwa, sharing meals in the spirit of kindness, good neighbourliness and harmony among people of different faiths is permissible and encouraged in Islam, as long as Islamic guidelines are observed.