Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has clarified that eating Christmas food is not forbidden (haram) in Islam, as long as the food itself is halal.
In a post shared online, Bashir Ahmad referenced a fatwa attributed to Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, who explained that Islam judges food based on its ingredients and method of preparation, not the occasion on which it is served.
According to the explanation, foods that are inherently prohibited in Islam—such as pork and alcohol—remain haram at all times, regardless of celebrations. Muslims are also advised to avoid taking part in religious rituals that contradict Islamic beliefs.
The fatwa cited Qur’an 5:5, which states that the food of the People of the Book is lawful for Muslims, and vice versa.
It further emphasized that sharing meals in the spirit of kindness, good neighbourliness, and peaceful coexistence is permissible and encouraged in Islam.
Bashir Ahmad wrote;
“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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