The ruler of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah has banned the public celebration of Christmas in his country, Daily Mail reports.
The wealthy Sultan recently warned residents of the tiny nation that failure to adhere to the rules will attract up to five years in jail.
The report states that the leader’s decision is informed by the fear that the religious holiday will affect the faith of his country.
The rule also states that Muslims caught celebrating Christmas, and non-Muslims who are discovered organising celebrations, could face the lengthy prison sentence.
While non-Muslims are allowed to celebrate the holiday within their own communities, they are mandated not to disclose their plans to the nation’s Muslims – which make up 65 per cent of the nation’s population.
The nation has about 20 per cent non-Muslims, including substantial Buddhist and Christian communities.
A statement by the country’s Ministry of Religious Affairs read: ”These enforcement measures are…intended to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and openly, which could damage the aqidah (beliefs) of the Muslim community.”
Before now, Brunei prohibits propagating religion other than Islam to a Muslim, and breaking this is a violation of the penal code of the state’s laws.
Also banned in the country is put putting up Christmas trees, singing religious songs and sending Christmas greetings.
The report quoted the Imams in the Borneo Bulletin saying: ”Some may think that it is a frivolous matter and should not be brought up as an issue. But as Muslims, we must keep it [following other religions’ celebrations] away as it could affect our Islamic faith.”
Meanwhile, some Burnei residents seem to have defiedthe order as they have been celebrating Christmas and uploading pictures to social media as part of a #MyTreedom campaign that celebrates religious freedom.
Source: Dailymail
He is a stupid and a mad man I know that 1thing is sure he his not more than God.
In this century. Why is he so threatened? Someone should ask him that. Muslims are 65 percent in the country.
They should v advantage yet he is threatened. Says a lot about his self esteem
Well, it’s not like they are saying don’t celebrate xmas, I’m a xtian and I’m in support of xmas, but if the rules of the country says don’t celebrate openly then don’t. It’s not like people can celebrate xmas in Saudi Arabia or Iran. The only thing I just have to say is I don’t know why Muslims antagonize xtianity so much. After all they claim we serve the same God
We don’t serve the same God with Muslim, they serve Satan that is why their act and way of life is forceful. No true God will disregard human life and take delight in killing. Christian have to wake up from out slumber and start praying against this gate of hell call Islam
this is Islamic. they must antagonize xtianity. jihad of course. I love xtianity bcos its not a religion of force and wins souls only through preaching not violence
It shows that he does not have confidence in d god he serves.christians dont fight for our God cos He is d Almighty
Oh no,wake me up from this dream. This sultan, did he say all these? Even sending Xmas card I will be punished? Eish.
I support you my brother why france ban muslims from wearing hijab and killing them is that not a sin and as a Xristan if you did not celebrate it will you DIe.this Xmas is not in the bible is an innovation by some people just like you not directly from God