Bah humbug

Just before Christmas I mentioned that the representatives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRa) had gone around restaurants telling them to strip off their Christmas decorations. The MoRa has been able to clarify their position further:

it is an offence to publicly display any symbols of other religions as this may threaten the aquidah or faith of Muslims. Under the Seria penal code order an offender can be liable to a fine not exceeding $20 000, 5 years' imprisonment, or both so this offence is not taken lightly. Brunei government guarantees freedom of religion as other religions can be freely exercised in one's own home or within the community, just as long no Muslim can witness it. There are common traits between here and the UK, though: the Bruneians get their annual bonus and flock shopping for the salebration, a one day shopping extravaganza for Christmas, no, not Christmas, for the 24th December. And of course Jesus, or Isa is a respected prophet in Islam. 

Thus, living in the abode of peace gives new perspective to the discussions about restaurants going halal and schools banning Christmas carols in Europe. To what extent should we be tolerant in our own homes? It also opens another observation - are those countries whose religion is more embedded in the everyday life interpreting the more secular cultures according to their own codes? Traditional Christmas decorations are generally so removed from the religion in Europe, and are in fact a pagan tradition, that this position feels perplexing to those who celebrate Christmas in their own countries. 

Christmas in Kuala Lumpur
Photo S Morehouse-Allwood

Incidentally, there are differences within the countries in the South-East Asia. The Indonesian government has granted its Muslim citizens the right to wish Merry Christmas to fellow Christians, and the Sultanah of Johor published a thought provoking article on the same subject. In her youth she was asked to attend church services as part of her UK education. Her parents were not afraid that this would sway her beliefs, let alone seeing a banner saying Merry Christmas; she writes: "Going to church did not make me less of a Muslim when I was a young girl, and neither does saying "Merry Christmas" make me less of a Muslim now. My faith has not been shaken just because I wished some friends a time of joy with their families. Neither will I suddenly suffer from amnesia and forget what my religion is." Both announcements see Christmas greetings as a socio-cultural habit rather than a religious one, and thus non-haram.

We managed a nice enough Christmas dinner at the Radisson this year but it was a stripped back version from last year. We spoke to the restaurant manager towards the end of the service and he admitted that they were aware of the Religious Enforcement Unit, and cut back on the food (we missed out on the beef wellington!) and Santa hats were packed away. They did have a Christmas tree but Santa's visit was cancelled last minute. We shall see what next year brings (or not).