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[[Onam]] ({{IPA-ml|oːɳɐm|IPA}}) is an annual Indian harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the [[Hindus]] of [[Kerala]].<ref name="cush574">{{Cite book |last=Cush |first=Denise |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kzPgCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA574 |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |last2=Robinson |first2=Catherine |last3=York |first3=Michael |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-135-18979-2 |pages=573–574 |language=en}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece Mahabali comes calling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103042/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece |date=22 August 2023 }}, The Hindu, Neeti Sarkar (5 September 2014)</ref> A major annual event for [[Malayali|Keralites]], it is the official festival of the state<ref name="cush574" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Subhashini |date=2020-08-31 |title=Despite Sangh Efforts to Project it as 'Hindu' Festival, Story of Onam Prevails in Kerala |url=https://thewire.in/society/kerala-onam-festival |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812214846/https://thewire.in/society/kerala-onam-festival |archive-date=12 August 2021 |access-date=2021-08-12 |website=TheWire |language=en-US}}</ref> and includes a spectrum of cultural events.<ref name="Hindu082010">{{Cite news |last=M. Nazeer |date=10 August 2010 |title=The abiding lore and spirit of Onam |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/the-abiding-lore-and-spirit-of-onam/article583395.ece |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822103045/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/The-abiding-lore-and-spirit-of-Onam/article16138152.ece |archive-date=22 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Peter J. Claus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ienxrTPHzzwC&pg=PA454 |title=South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia |last2=Sarah Diamond |last3=Margaret Ann Mills |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-415-93919-5 |page=454}}</ref><ref name="cush574" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hospital |first=Clifford G. |title=The RighteousOnam Demon:celebrated Aby Studyall ofkerala Bali |publisher=[[Universitypeople of(malayalees) Britishwithout Columbia Press]] |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-7748-0187-4 |location=Vancouver}}</ref>

Various sections of Islam have raised concerns about the celebration of Onam by [[Muslims]]. However some Muslims observe Onam anyway, considering its celebrations and rituals as a cultural practice.<ref name="haram">{{Cite web |last=Shreya Biswas |date=12 September 2016 |title=Malayali Muslim man celebrates Onam after a preacher calls the festival 'haram' |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/muslim-man-celebrates-onam-kerala-payasam-fest/1/762527.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123233731/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/muslim-man-celebrates-onam-kerala-payasam-fest/1/762527.html |archive-date=23 January 2017 |access-date=2 March 2017 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece Mahabali comes calling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002095637/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mahabali-comes-calling/article6383238.ece |date=2 October 2021 }}, The Hindu, Neeti Sarkar (5 September 2014)</ref>

== AP Sunnis ==
Ponmala Abdul Qadir Musliyar, secretary of Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama of [[Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar|AP]] [[Sunni Islam|Sunnis]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-29 |title=SSF clarifies on Sunni leader’s remarks about religious freedom in India |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ssf-clarifies-on-sunni-leaders-remarks-about-religious-freedom-in-india/article66447289.ece |access-date=2023-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131020611/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ssf-clarifies-on-sunni-leaders-remarks-about-religious-freedom-in-india/article66447289.ece |archive-date=2023-01-31 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> quotes the Ibn Hajar's view on Muslims participating in the celebration and non-celebratory activity exclusive to non-Muslims.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Ponmala Abdul Qadir Musliyar |date=2015 |title=Religious reasonabilities of nilavilak aversion |url=https://sunnivoice.net/%e0%b4%a8%e0%b4%bf%e0%b4%b2%e0%b4%b5%e0%b4%bf%e0%b4%b3%e0%b4%95%e0%b5%8d%e0%b4%95%e0%b5%8d-%e0%b4%b5%e0%b4%bf%e0%b4%b0%e0%b5%8b%e0%b4%a7%e0%b4%a4%e0%b5%8d%e0%b4%a4%e0%b4%bf%e0%b4%a8%e0%b5%8d%e0%b4%b1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124064646/http://sunnivoice.net/%E0%B4%A8%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B2%E0%B4%B5%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D-%E0%B4%B5%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B0%E0%B5%8B%E0%B4%A7%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A4%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A8%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1/# |archive-date=2018-11-24 |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=sunnivoice.net |language=Malayalam}}</ref>

{{blockquote|Since these are the signs of ''[[Kafir|kufr]]'' (disbelief), it is indeed ''kufr'' if a Muslim does it imitating non-Muslims. On the other hand if doing it is with the only intention of participating in their celebration or the other (non-celebratory activity), without the intention of agreeing with signs of ''kufr'', though it is not possible to judge he is a ''kafir'', it is still [[Haram|sinful]]. If it happens unintentionally, without the intention of imitating or being similar to them anyway, one does not become a ''[[kafir]]'' for it nor does it become [[Haram|sinful]].}}

Musliyar says that this Ibn Hajar's view itself is the ruling when a Muslim does something only done by non-Muslims and that the same applies to Muslims preparing special food on the festival day of non-Muslims. He also says that a Muslim would become a ''murthad'' ([[Apostasy in Islam|apostate]]) for lighting the ''[[Nilavilakku|nilavilak]]'' as a Hindu custom and that if Hindus' customs like lighting the ''nilavilak'' is done as an Indian custom, though the person does not become a ''murthad'', it is still forbidden and [[Haram|sinful]]. Musliyar applies the same ruling on both lighting the ''nilavilak'' on public functions and breaking the coconut on public functions and adds that it is ''[[Makruh|karahath]]''<ref>''Bigya'', p. 248.</ref> to do them unintentionally (without having the intention of being similar to non-Muslims or participating in it at all). He says that lighting the ''nilavilak'' is not an Indian tradition and that inaugurating public functions by breaking the coconut or by the carrying of ''[[thalappoli]]'' is a Hindu custom and thus [[Haram|sinful]].<ref name="auto" />

Musliyar states the use of the ''nilavilak'' in [[Maqbara]]s is not imitation of the Hindus' custom. He explains that the ''nilavilak'' in Maqbaras is used solely for its material need while no special significance is given to it in the sense that it is a ''nilavilak''.<ref name="auto" />

He also says the following about being considered a ''[[kafir]]'' based on one's belief:<ref name="auto" />

<blockquote>Similarly, performing ''[[Sujud|sujood]]'' to the idol, wearing the ''poonul'', wearing the ''[[Rudraksha#Uses|rudraksha mala]]'', lighting the lamp in front of an idol, a photo etc., are considered signs of hidden ''[[Kafir|kufr]]'' (disbelief) in the heart. Because of doing these things, though one can say that one (the doer) is a ''[[kafir]]'' outwardly, but one will be a kafir in reality if one rejects what the ''rasul'' (Islamic prophet Muhammad) brought, in the heart.The belt worn by Christian priests in the middle of their [[cassock]], the Jews' cap, the Hindus' ''poonul'' etc., are external signs of ''[[Kafir|kufr]]'' (disbelief); so the person who wears them is considered a ''kafir'' and dealt with him as a ''kafir''. This is because such actions cannot stem from a person who fully accepts the prophet (Islamic prophet Muhammad). But if the prophet (Islamic prophet Muhammad) was fully accepted with the heart and apparently performed the signs of ''kufr'' (disbelief) for some other selfish interests, then he is not actually a ''Kafir'' in the sight of Allah (''Shaikhzada'' 1/108, ''Hashiyyathunnihayah'' 1/113). But according to Islamic Shari'ah, he is considered a ''kafir'' in the material world.</blockquote>

== EK Sunnis ==
In 2019, Muslim religious speaker Simsarul Haq [[Darul Huda Islamic University|Hudawi]], who completed graduation and postgraduation from [[Darul Huda Islamic University]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-15 |title=Simsarul Haq Hudawi's Ramadan Lecture : Mannarkad on 17th June |url=https://skssf.in/1394/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728153932/https://skssf.in/1394/ |archive-date=2023-07-28 |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=skssf.in |language=Malayalam}}</ref> affiliated to [[Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama (EK group)|Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama]] of EK Sunnis, caused controversy over his statement that Muslims should not celebrate the festivals of other religions like Onam.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Muslims should diplomatically keep off Onam-Christmas celebrations:Religious speaker makes controversial statement |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/mobile/news.php?id=153955&u=muslims-should-diplomatically-keep-off-onam-christmas-celebrations-religious-speaker-makes-controversial-statement-153955 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730005351/https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=153955&u=muslims-should-diplomatically-keep-off-onam-christmas-celebrations-religious-speaker-makes-controversial-statement-153955 |archive-date=2023-07-30}}</ref>

In 2016, a group of leaders from different organisations of EK Sunnis such as Sunni Mahal Federation, Samastha Kerala Jam-iyyathul Muallimeen, Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) and [[Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation|SKSSF]] has, in a joint statement, said that Islam forbids the following of rituals from other faiths.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-09-09 |title=Sunni outfits slam Muneer |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Sunni-outfits-slam-Muneer/articleshow/54215075.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730011739/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Sunni-outfits-slam-Muneer/articleshow/54215075.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-07-30 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

== Mujahids ==
A section of, Mujahids belonging to the Salafi movement, has opposed celebration of Onam and Christmas by Muslims.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |date=2016-07-18 |title=Kerala salafi preacher says Onam, Christmas haram |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Kerala-salafi-preacher-says-Onam-Christmas-haram/articleshow/53260614.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730014722/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Kerala-salafi-preacher-says-Onam-Christmas-haram/articleshow/53260614.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-07-30 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Muslim reformists have called on other Muslims to refrain from taking part in the festival.<ref name="Osella2013p152">{{Cite book |last=Filippo Osella |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7V6CBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA152 |title=Islamic Reform in South Asia |last2=Caroline Osella |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-107-27667-3 |page=152}}</ref> For example, a Kerala-based Mujahid<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subin |date=2018-04-23 |title=UAPA invoked against Mujahid orator Shamsuddin Palath |url=https://www.mediaoneonline.com/kerala/2018/04/23/16114-UAPA-against-Shamsudeen-Palath |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730013646/https://www.mediaoneonline.com/kerala/2018/04/23/16114-UAPA-against-Shamsudeen-Palath |archive-date=2023-07-30 |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=www.mediaoneonline.com |language=ml}}</ref> Salafi preacher Shamsudheen Palath has called Onam as [[haram]] (wrong and forbidden).<ref name="auto1" />

== Similar objections ==
A section of Muslims has expressed the view that Islam is both against celebrating and greeting non-Muslim religious celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farid Dingle |date=2022-07-27 |title=Can We Participate in Any Non-Islamic Religious Celebration? |url=https://seekersguidance.org/answers/islamic-belief/can-we-participate-in-any-non-islamic-religious-celebration/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604083009/https://seekersguidance.org/answers/islamic-belief/can-we-participate-in-any-non-islamic-religious-celebration/ |archive-date=2023-06-04 |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=SeekersGuidance |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Omar Popal |date=2021-01-18 |title=Can I Say Merry Christmas? |url=https://seekersguidance.org/answers/can-i-say-merry-christmas/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728055011/https://seekersguidance.org/answers/can-i-say-merry-christmas/ |archive-date=2023-07-28 |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=SeekersGuidance |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Aslami Usthad |title=Onam Celebration {{!}} Onam Greetings : Right and Wrong {{!}} Latest Speech {{!}} Aslami Usthad {{!}} Hubburasool Online |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj9FzsdV5sQ |access-date=2023-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730015254/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Aj9FzsdV5sQ |language=Malayalam |archive-date=2023-07-30}}.</ref><ref>Imam Navavi, ''Fathwa al-Mansura'', p. 103; Ibn Hajar, ''Fathawal Kubra,'' vol. 4, p. 239; Khatheebu Shirbeeni, ''Mugni Muhthaaj'', vol. 4, pp. 518, 519.</ref>

== Muslims and Onam celebration ==
According to P.S. Salini, a research scholar in Islamic studies, most Muslims join the festivities with their friends and celebrate "Hindu festivals such as Onam".<ref name="Kerala Studies">{{Cite journal |last=P.S. Salini |year=2011 |title=Prevalence of Hindu Customs and Practices among the Muslims of Kerala: A Socio-Cultural Analysis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8UjkVHi_cJoC |journal=Journal of Kerala Studies |language=en |publisher=University of Kerala. |volume=38 |page=100 |access-date=1 January 2020}}, Quote: "Most of the Muslims celebrate Hindu festivals like Onam, Divali etc; actively participating in the Hindu festivals without any religious feelings but as occasions to rejoice with friends"</ref> According to a 2001 chapter by Filippo Osella and Caroline Osella, both Hindus and non-Hindus have celebrated Onam equally "as a time when the unity of the family and kin group is particularly emphasized".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Osella |first=Filippo |title=The Everyday State and Society in Modern India |last2=Osella |first2=Caroline |date=2001 |publisher=C. Hurst & Co. |isbn=978-1-85065-471-1 |editor-last=Fuller |editor-first=Christopher John |page=139 |chapter=The return of king Mahabali: the politics of morality in Kerala |editor-last2=Bénéï |editor-first2=Véronique}}</ref> In another 2008 paper, Osella and Osella state that "Onam is not celebrated by Muslims" and the Muslims who do prepare an Onam feast have an air of a "daring secret".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Osella |first=Caroline |last2=Osella |first2=Filippo |year=2008 |title=Food, Memory, Community: Kerala as both 'Indian Ocean' Zone and as Agricultural Homeland |url=https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/5174/1/CSAS_A_287892_Osella_paper.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Journal of South Asian Studies |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=170–198 |doi=10.1080/00856400701877232 |s2cid=145738369 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026204002/https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/5174/1/CSAS_A_287892_Osella_paper.pdf |archive-date=26 October 2021 |access-date=11 September 2021}}</ref>

Some Muslim Indian politicians light a traditional ''vilakku'' (oil lamp), while others have refused to light such a lamp at Onam events declaring it to be a Hindu tradition and against the teachings of Islam. Muslim daily newspapers and other publications have condemned Muslim ministers who participate in Onam traditions.<ref name="Osella2013p152" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Osella |first=Filippo |last2=Osella |first2=Caroline |year=2007 |title=Islamism and Social Reform in Kerala, South India |url=https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/5176/1/osella_ModAsianStuds.PDF |url-status=live |journal=Modern Asian Studies |publisher=Cambridge University Press |volume=42 |issue=2–3 |pages=330–331 |doi=10.1017/s0026749x07003198 |s2cid=143932405 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730112351/http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/5176/1/osella_ModAsianStuds.PDF |archive-date=30 July 2013 |access-date=24 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=haramnews>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Sunni-outfits-slam-Muneer/articleshow/54215075.cms Sunni outfits slam Muneer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910134435/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Sunni-outfits-slam-Muneer/articleshow/54215075.cms |date=10 September 2016 }}, The Times of India (9 September 2016); [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Kerala-salafi-preacher-says-Onam-Christmas-haram/articleshow/53260614.cms Kerala salafi preacher says Onam, Christmas haram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822002859/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/kerala-salafi-preacher-says-onam-christmas-haram/articleshow/53260614.cms |date=22 August 2016 }}, The Times of India (18 July 2016)</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Sadya]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Kerala}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}
{{Hindu festivals}}
{{Hindudharma}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Folk festivals in India]]
[[Category:Festivals in Kerala]]
[[Category:Harvest festivals in India]]
[[Category:August observances]]
[[Category:September observances]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in Kerala|*]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]

Onam and Muslims - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Creating a new article