A weird decision taken by the sultan of the tiny nation
known for its oil resources who have asked the people not celebrate Christmas
otherwise anyone who will celebrate will be out behind bars for five years.
The Sultan Hassan Bolkiah has banned the public celebration of
Christmas because he fears that it could impact the Islamic faith of Muslim
people in Brunei.
Ministry of Religious Affairs of Brunei released a
statement in which it was said that these enforcement measures are intended to
control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and openly, which could
damage the aqidah means belief of Muslims.
It means no public celebrations of Christmas but if you
still want to celebrate Christmas in Brunei then you will have to take special
permission even to celebrate inside your home. Also if any Muslim or non-Muslin
found celebrating Christmas in public then he/she will have to face up to five imprisonments
along with a fine of $20000 or at least either of the one.
In Brunei out of the total population 32% are non-Muslims
and they have been allowed to celebrate Christmas only in their own community
but on the condition that they will have to inform the concerned authorities and
take permission.
This is not the first time that the Ministry of religious
affairs has passed such type of decision but last year also it asked the local
businesses and directed owners not to indulge in any kind of Christmas
celebration. The staffs were also directed to not be dressed in any kind of
Christmas based outfits like Santa hats or clothes.
