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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Kyrgyz clerics declare fatwa against New Year's celebrations |
| 2012-12-29 |
| In Kyrgyzstan, Muslim clerics have issued a fatwa against New Year celebrations since they are not related to Islam and are too expensive. The chief Muslim authority of the country has called for a ban, urging Muslims to ignore the holiday altogether. Ravshan Eratov, head of the Kyrgyz Muslims’ Religious Administration said, “This New Year is not a religious holiday. It is not related to Muslims at all." He also said that Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and Friday prayers are the only holidays in Islam. He said, “Only those are our holidays. The rest is not about Islam." Eratov said that the money spent celebrating the New Year could be put to better use such as helping children and the poor. Some citizens in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek don't agree with the idea of banning New Year celebrations. Svetlana Ibrayeva, a teacher, said, “They think people will eat non-Muslim food, or go out to the street to light fireworks and cause harm to each other. They see only bad things about the New year. But I think you can find a lot of good things about the New Year and make a very happy New Year celebration.” However, some younger people are more willing to consider the advice from Muslim clerics. Ramil, 23, said, “No, if they said it is not allowed according to Sharia then it is not allowed. It is not even up for the discussion. If it’s the case, we’d better oblige the sharia law." New Year remains an official public holiday in Kyrgyzstan despite the fatwa. |
| Posted by:ryuge |
| #4 They got one against vowels? |
| Posted by: tu3031 2012-12-29 23:39 |
| #3 Just don't consider it a New Year's celebration, more like a big Thanksgiving for being among the survivors of the Mayan Apocalypse. |
| Posted by: P2Kontheroad 2012-12-29 23:14 |
| #2 Party poopers. |
| Posted by: AlanC 2012-12-29 08:44 |
| #1 I declare a Fatwa against any more Fatwas. |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2012-12-29 01:17 |