PETALING JAYA, Dec 24 — PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi yesterday warned Muslims not to celebrate Christmas as it is against the teachings of Islam.

Sinar Harian reported Muhammad Khalil as reminding Muslims not to be part of the celebrations tomorrow because it was an acknowledgement of the Christian religion.

“Christmas has an element of syirik (idoltary) which is against Islam’s teaching. They claim that God had a child, which is against our beliefs as Muslims.

“They celebrate Christmas with such elements and claim that Prophet Isa (Jesus) is the son of God,” he reportedly said during a lecture in Kuala Terrengganu last night.

Khalil is Batu Burok state assemblyman and son of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Khalil reportedly said any non-Muslim celebration should not be celebrated by Muslims as it involves the belief of a wrong religion.

However, he said if it involves the culture of a certain race, it was fine for Muslims to be part of the celebration.

“For example the Chinese New Year celebration is a culture and not something that involves religion, but Deepavali is something to do with religion so we (Muslims) can't celebrate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah PAS Dewan Ulama chief Mustaqim Aling urged Muslims, especially converts, to keep ties with friends and family of different religions.

“In Sabah, I hope we can all celebrate the festival together, and for those who have converted from Christianity to Islam, you should still visit, respect and spend time with your parents and family,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Similarly, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Abang Openg in his Christmas message today said Sarawakians of all faith share joy and festivities together.

“Sarawakians are like brothers and sisters who have much respect for each other's culture and religion,” he said in a statement.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail also urged Malaysians to cherish the understanding and respect between all Malaysians this Christmas.

“In Islam, it is compulsory for us to tolerate one another.

“Surah al-Mumtahanah verses 8 to 9 encourages Muslims to be just and kind to non-Muslims who are not the enemies of Muslims.

“This Christmas, I call upon all Malaysians to continue to uphold the peaceful coexistence and bonds of friendship between people of all races and religions in this country,” she said in a statement.

Dr Wan Azizah also urged all Malaysians to care for the poor, sick, marginalised and those in need of shelter.