#4 "There is no problem with giving or receiving gifts, either." According to the official, the only condition is that cards should not carry icons or symbols that contradict Islamic principles, such as the cross.
This can be solved very easily. Got Muslim acquaintances in Bahrain? Don't send them cards, don't give them any Christmas wishes, and don't give them presents. Either these Muzzy types are reasonable folk and will pressure the fanatics to back off and stop acting like assholes, or they will accede to the fanatics' wishes, in which case their friendship value probably wasn't worth much anyway. |
Bahrain's Islamic Affairs Undersecretary Shaikh Fareed Al Miftah has shrugged off as "nonsensical" calls not to offer festive and New Year greetings. "Every year as people celebrate Christmas and the New Year, Muslims in Bahrain and elsewhere are bombarded with messages by zealous brothers not to offer greetings to non-Muslims on the occasions. That is intolerance. There is no objection to Muslims congratulating non-Muslims, be it orally or through cards," Al Miftah said in a press statement coinciding with Christmas and New Year festivities. 