Maulana: Islam Forbids New Year Celebrations, Encourages Self-Reflection

• Muslim cleric Maulana Ifrahim Hussain states Islam does not permit typical New Year celebrations like dancing, cake cutting, or noisy festivities.
• These celebrations are not part of Islamic teachings and are associated with the Gregorian calendar, not the Islamic calendar which begins with Muharram.
• Islam advises against formally celebrating the New Year or imitating Western traditions.
• However, self-reflection (muhasaba), worship (ibadat), and contemplating past deeds and future improvements are permissible at year-end/beginning.
• Maulana Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain emphasizes that unnecessary rituals are strictly advised against in Islam.

Why It Matters: Islam prohibits formal New Year celebrations but encourages self-reflection and worship.