Q: Salaam ul aykum Imam,

One of the community elders is having an Eid party of theirs tomorrow night at a church. I’m not sure if it is the hall within the church or if it is the entire church itself.
My heart does not feel right about going and I have some doubt as to its permissibility.
Could you please give a clear and concise answer on what Shari’a says?
I just want to do the right thing.
Jazakullah Khayr,

Wasalam
Time: Tuesday August 30, 2011 at 7:41 am

A: ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ???????

May Allah (SWT) bless you for your question and patience.

Eid for Muslims is not a mere holiday wherein they just party and have fun. The event and setting of it is also important for Muslims. Fun in Islam has parameters.  Thus, Eid is sunnah and doing the sunnah in a tasteful manner is essential, so as to not reduce the benefits of Ramadaan. This in turn would reap spirituals reward. Eid and everything associated with it must thus conform to the religious actions that are associated with it.

To give support to any voluntary financial or social support to a church like facility would not valid, more so, if the function has only the purpose of entertainment and enjoyment.  It would be best to not attend such a facility should a choice exist.

Ayah: Do not assist in promoting evil. Ayah: Do not be in places that condemn your view point of Allah (SWT) Ayah: Do not continue to take life as a play and deen as a mockery (paraphrased)

Recommend to the host as part of Amr bil Maroof to have the event in a more appropriate setting. Should this be impossible, politely excuse yourself from this event/environment without a thought of superiority.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.