Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Hizaam was asked:

Question:

The questioner says: The stores in our land give big discounts in celebration of the New Year. Is it allowed for him to obtain from this merchandise [i.e. purchase merchandise during this occasion]?

Answer:

“It is as if he means that he purchases during this time in which the prices decrease. If they benefit from participation in the likes of these days – they benefit from money or in terms of other benefits, then he should stay away. As for it there is no benefit from that,  but they are only happy for their festival and a person goes to purchase an item he needs at a discounted price, then we do not know what prevents that, and Allah Knows Best. This is due to him not going to places in which he participates with them in gathering. Also that they do not gather these items in specific places to which he goes and participates with them in gathering. Therefore, it does not occur from him what gives the feeling of [him] participating in this joy. It is only that he is benefiting from the discounted prices and purchasing [the items] for himself”

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Shaykh Sulaymaan Al-Ruhaylee was asked:

Question:

“Regarding the discounts that are offered now by some big stores [what is the ruling on that]?”

Answer:

“There is no harm for a Muslim to benefit from these discounts at the beginning of the new year. This is because he does not celebrate and this is not a festival. However, it is a benefit given at this time. So he is allowed to benefit from it, especially since we know from an economic perspective that these discounts are not based on celebrating the New Year’s. Rather it is built upon eliminating the inventory and [balancing] the budget at the end of the year. So the company gets rid of what is still present [in the inventory]. In most cases, what remains is only profit. The companies lower the cost to get rid of the present [inventory]. The discounts begin one month and half before the end of the year because the companies base their budgets on the fiscal year. So from an economic perspective, it has no relation to celebrating Christmas. If they did this for Christmas, then it would not harm a Muslim who does not celebrate with them because this is not from the signs of the festival. It is only an action performed on the day of the festival. There is a difference between what is done for a festival and what is done on the day of the festival.

Also from that is what is given to the Muslim employees in the non-Muslim lands in terms of discount cards, which are used on Christmas or the New Year’s. Their companies give them gifts, which are discount cards from the company. It is allowed for a Muslim to use it on that day because that day is not from the signs of the festival. Rather it is something done on the festival. So there is no harm for a Muslim to benefit from this”.

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Translated by

Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan