Islam, Pluralisme dan Toleransi: Analisis Polemik Ucapan Selamat Natal dan Perayaan Tahun Baru Masehi di Indonesia

Abstract

The controversy surrounding Christmas and New Year greetings among Muslims often sparks debate, particularly in the context of pluralism and tolerance. This article analyzes various Islamic scholars' opinions regarding greeting Christians during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Some scholars prohibit such greetings, citing the purity of faith and the potential for polytheism. However, more moderate scholars argue that greetings in a social context are acceptable as a form of respect without harming Islamic faith. This article also examines the relationship between Islamic teachings, pluralism, and tolerance in a multicultural society. Using a qualitative approach, this article aims to provide a deeper understanding of interfaith tolerance in Islam and to highlight how this attitude can be realized without neglecting the basic principles of Islamic teachings. The research findings indicate that Muslims' attitudes in greeting Christmas and New Year greetings are simply to respect, appreciate, and tolerate all forms of other religious rituals while still assisting each other in matters of mutual interaction, a form of tolerance as intended in Islam. This means simply allowing followers of other religions to worship according to their beliefs without participating in or congratulating them on the teachings and celebrations of other religions.