My column on Thursday about public bans on New Year’s Eve celebrations and allowing expatriates to have their moment of recognition of the New Year struck a nerve with readers. Some condemned by perceiving that I am taking a position against Islamic practices. Other readers offered praise.

The column, of course, did not urge Muslims to celebrate New Year’s Eve, or any other western religious or secular holiday, but to allow expatriates, who are guests in our country, to celebrate their holidays in a quiet manner without harassment.

As I have learned at the knee of my father and from Islam, never judge any person, but leave that to Allah at the gates of heaven. And above all, demonstrate tolerance.

I will give Arab News readers the last word. Here is what they had to say.

“As an expat myself, I must admit there are many cultural misunderstandings between expats and Saudis. More importantly, there are no opportunities and forums for healthy dialogues. Consequently, we expats consider ourselves marginalized, though we are making a significant contribution to KSA society.”

— Khalil

“How can we get rid of this? Never celebrate any day. If at all if you wish to celebrate a day, it can be “Death Day.” This celebration, will give a chance to remember death, to know how to give ghusl or bath to dead body (majority of us do not know), how to offer funeral prayers, how to complete the process of Kafan (shroud). This kind of day could be really productive and useful day for everyone. Other days are nothing but misguiding the general public.”

— hmasood1998

“Do we want to spread Islam by showing hatred toward non-Muslims? Our attitude toward non- Muslims only increases hatred toward Islam by them, because most of the people cannot differentiate between Islam and Muslims.”

— shaik_shahabuddin5

“You shared the expatriates feeling in the right sense. As we know, nowadays the country has programs to boost business and tourism here. It is for sure that the people who are here will obey the national laws, but how the people can come and stay for business or for tour(ism) where there basic freedom and needs are not to be honored?”

— Philip

“The online laymen readers did not issue such a decree on banning non-Islamic festivals, the Islamic scholars did. So, why are you asking the people (readers) when you should be asking the Islamic scholars and the authorities who issued the edict? It shows you are not really seeking an answer, but just looking to complain and gather similar support!

“As a Muslim you should try find out the reason for something Islamic scholars have banned rather than jump to conclusions with the mindset that you know better. They study the matter first and then issue a ruling; where as the laymen just think what they know is sufficient knowledge to make them an expert on everything. That is arrogance of ignorance. Living in the western countries, I have searched all these festivals (new years, birthdays, anniversaries) and found that they all date back to pagan rituals. But the people of today only see them as currently portrayed and they think it’s alright without realizing they are imitating pagan rituals involving shirk.”

— Lehaska

“I think with more voices like yours especially female voices as the men seem to be a bit too narrow-minded, the Haia will feel the pressure for change. I think there are some changes already happening. InshaAllah some more positive changes will soon take place.” — zaeemmr786

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