Summary

Muslims do not celebrate Diwali as it is a Hindu religious festival that contradicts Islamic teachings of monotheism. It involves the worship of deities like Lakshmi and Ganesh. Islam prohibits participating in rituals of other religions, including symbolic practices like lighting candles (e.g. Diyas).

While Muslims must avoid the religious aspects of Diwali, Islam encourages respectful coexistence, kindness, and interfaith harmony with people of other faiths. Muslims can show support by offering goodwill messages, engaging in respectful conversations, and accepting gifts/food.

Attending Diwali-themed social events is permissible if Muslims avoid religious rituals and maintain their Islamic identity. Islam allows interfaith respect but sets boundaries to preserve religious beliefs. Ultimately, Muslims can support others’ celebrations respectfully without going against Islamic teachings.

Table of Content

  • Do Muslims celebrate diwali?
  • What is diwali and how is it celebrated?
  • Why don’t Muslims celebrate Diwali?
  • Can Musims participate in non religious rituals of Diwali?
  • How can Muslims show support to celebrate Diwali?
  • Is it permissible to attend Diwali events?
  • Can Muslims light Diyas or Candles during Diwali?
  • What are guidelines for attending Diwali?
  • What are the boundaries?
  • What does Islam say about respecting religious freedom?
  • Interfaith respect in Islam?
  • Quranic guidance on interfaith celebrations

 

Do Muslims celebrate diwali?

Muslims do not celebrate Diwali because it is a Hindu religious festival that goes against the teachings of Islam. Diwali is deeply rooted in Hindu theology and involves acts of worship directed towards Hindu deities such as Lakshmi (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2025). Islam is a monotheistic religion and forbids Muslims from participating in rituals that lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah).

What is diwali and how is it celebrated?

Diwali or Deepavali is the ‘Festival of Lights,’ an important celebration in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism (Diwali, n.d.). This festival takes place over five days, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar, and celebrates light over darkness and good over evil (Bhasin, 2021).

Since Diwali is part of multiple different cultures and religions, there is variation in how it is celebrated. The festival usually includes:

  • lighting diyas (oil lamps),
  • bursting firecrackers,
  • decorating homes with rangoli (elaborate designs are made of coloured rice, sand or flower petals), and
  • performing puja (worship) to deities like Lakshmi and Ganesh (Bhasin, 2021; Store, 2023).

It is a time marked by visiting friends and family, wearing festive new attire, enjoying lavish meals, and feeding the poor. In some traditions, playing card games and light gambling are also practiced as a way to invite good fortune for the year ahead (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2025). Diwali is both a religious and cultural event in Hindu households.

Why don’t Muslims celebrate Diwali?

Muslims don’t celebrate Diwali because Islam prohibits engaging in rituals of other religions, especially those contradicting Islamic beliefs. Celebrating Diwali in a religious sense would be compromising Tawheed, or oneness of God, a key principle of Islam. Diwali celebrations include worshipping multiple deities.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) explicitly instructed:

“The one who imitates those other than us [in faith and religious rituals] is not from among us.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2695 – Chapters on Seeking Permission)

“He who imitates any people [in their actions] is considered to be one of them.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 4031 – Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas))

Can Musims participate in non religious rituals of Diwali?

Muslims should avoid participating even in non-religious rituals of Diwali, such as lighting Diyas, bursting fireworks and decorating homes. While these activities seem secular, many of these practices have religious roots. For instance:

  • Lighting Diyas is an invitation to the Goddess Lakshmi,
  • Fireworks are said to ward off evil spirits, and
  • Rangoli often include sacred symbols and are part of puja (Hindu prayer ceremony) preparations (Bhasin, 2021; Store, 2023; The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2025).

Thus, Muslims should be cautious and avoid rituals with symbolic religious meaning, even if they seem to be secular. Most of these rituals and practices have a religious background that may have been forgotten or lost.Thus it is best for Muslims to avoid celebrating or participating in non-Islamic festivals and traditions (Al Hakam, 2022b; Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2695 – Chapters on Seeking Permission). Islamic teachings encourage engagement with the world, but not at the cost of faith.

How can Muslims show support to celebrate Diwali?

Muslims can show support to friends and neighbours celebrating Diwali in numerous ways.

  • Sending goodwill messages is a simple and respectful way to show support and interfaith harmony.
  • Engaging in an interfaith dialogue using Diwali as a platform can create understanding and a sense of community and respect (Al Hakam, 2022a).
  • Accepting sweets and food, as long as they are prepared with halal ingredients, in clean dishes and are free from any shirk. However, it is not necessary to probe too deeply into its preparation unless there are clear reasons for concern. Before eating, Muslims should recite Bismillah (In the name of Allah) so that any deficiency is covered (Al Hakam, 2022a). 

The Promised Messiah (as) also accepted sweets and food from Hindus and emphasized that the Shariah permits it (Al Hakam, 2022a). This demonstrates that showing warmth and mutual respect, without compromising faith is a noble Islamic approach. Interfaith respect is a principle of Islamic teachings. Islam encourages kindness and peaceful coexistence, especially in diverse and multicultural societies.

Is it permissible to attend Diwali events?

Muslims may attend Diwali-themed non-religious public events (like school cultural nights or workplace parties), provided they:

  • Do not participate in religious rituals,
  • Avoid lighting Diyas or attending Hindu prayer ceremonies, and
  • Maintain a clear Islamic identity.

 

Can Muslims light Diyas or Candles during Diwali?

Due to the religious significance of lighting Diyas or candles during Diwali, Muslims should not light them. The practice of lighting Diyas during Diwali is believed to invite the presence and blessings of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Diyas are also a symbol of hope and unity (Bhasin, 2021; Store, 2023). However as Muslims do not believe in Hindu deities, it is inappropriate to participate in rituals that call upon these gods and goddesses.

While some Muslims may argue that “it’s just a candle” or “it’s just for fun,” Islamic teachings emphasize understanding the meaning behind an action and avoiding any act that resembles or adopts another religion’s worship practices (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2695 – Chapters on Seeking Permission, n.d.; Sunan Abi Dawud 4031 – Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas),n.d.). Islam encourages Muslims to maintain a clear distinction in their religious identity while still showing kindness and respect towards others.

What are guidelines for attending Diwali?

If Muslims are invited to attend Diwali-related activities, they can:

  • Politely decline any religious participation,
  • Use it as an opportunity to have an interfaith conversation explaining their Islamic beliefs and values, while respecting the traditions of others,
  • Dress modestly and avoid deity-themed attire,
  • Stay for the social or educational portion, but kindly excuse themselves before rituals begin, and
  • Embrace their Muslim identity while being respectful of others’ beliefs.

 

What are the boundaries?

Muslims must maintain clear limits to avoid actions that resemble polytheistic worship or contradict Islamic beliefs. Some boundaries include:

  • Avoiding religious rituals like puja, lighting Diyas, chanting mantras or visiting temples for worship.
  • Avoiding symbolic objects such as idols, sacred symbols, and candles meant for spiritual purposes.
  • Modesty in attire, so avoiding clothes that depict religious figures or symbols.

While attending community events or visiting friends is not inherently wrong, a Muslim must preserve their identity and refrain from blurring religious lines. Islam discourages actions that replicate non-Islamic rites.

The Promised Messiah (as) stated on observing other faiths’ traditions or festivals:

“How disgraceful it is that one is known to be from the Ummah of the magnificent Prophet (sa), but spends life like disbelievers.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 187)

What does Islam say about respecting religious freedom?

Islam encourages religious tolerance and the freedom to practice one’s faith. The Qur’an teaches: 

“There should be no compulsion in religion…” (Holy Quran 2:257)

This principle extends to allowing others the space to celebrate their festivals peacefully, so long as Muslims themselves do not participate in un-Islamic practices. The early Muslim community in Medina exemplified peaceful religious inclusivity with their interactions and coexistence with the Jews and the Christians (Ahmad, 2013).

Interfaith respect in Islam?

The Qur’an commands Muslims to deal with others respectfully:

“Allah forbids you not, respecting those who have not fought against you on account of your religion…” (Holy Quran 60:9)

Respecting others’ right to celebrate does not imply religious endorsement. Muslims should strive to be kind neighbours, friends and coworkers, while clearly upholding Islamic teachings.

Quranic guidance on interfaith celebrations

Muslims are reminded to engage with others respectfully but remain firm in their Islamic beliefs. The Qur’an says:

“‘For you your religion, and for me my religion.’” (Holy Quran 109:7)

“And abuse not those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they, out of spite, abuse Allah in their ignorance” (Holy Quran 6:109)

These verses lay the foundation for dignified interactions and non-participation in religious rites of other faiths without causing offense.

Conclusion

Muslims do not celebrate Diwali due to its religious foundations, which conflict with Islamic monotheism. However, Islam promotes interfaith respect, kindness, and peaceful coexistence. While Muslims must avoid participation in religious rituals, they can still engage through respectful dialogue and acts of kindness.

References (APA Style)

Ahmad, H. M. B. M. (2013). LIFE OF MUHAMMAD. ISLAM INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS LIMITED. https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Life-of-Muhammad.pdf

Al Hakam. (2022a, January 28). Can one eat Diwali food, given by a Hindu? Al Hakam. https://www.alhakam.org/can-one-eat-diwali-food-given-by-a-hindu/

Al Hakam. (2022b, December 3). Six reasons Muslims – or anyone – should not celebrate Christmas. Al Hakam. https://www.alhakam.org/six-reasons-muslims-or-everyone-should-not-celebrate-christmas/

Bhasin, M. (2021, November 28). ‘Deepavali’, the Festival of Lights. Divine Bliss International. https://divineblissinternational.org/deepavali2021/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15129570624&gclid=CjwKCAjwr5_CBhBlEiwAzfwYuANJB2b35Bh8kmjKyOdPsz5DSaZHuYcfMhbouDM6Cgsf4M2TChM8yBoC1X4QAvD_BwE

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Malfuzat: of The Promised Messiah & Mahdi. (2019). In A. M. Khan (Trans.), MALFUZAT — Volume II. Islam International Publications Ltd. https://files.alislam.cloud/pdf/Malfuzat-2.pdf

Store, I. (2023, November 26). Unveiling the beauty of Diyas: understanding their cultural significance. Indecraft. https://indecrafts.com/blogs/news/unveiling-the-beauty-of-diyas-understanding-their-cultural-significance#:~:text=The%20lighting%20of%20diyas%20during,to%20ward%20off%20evil%20forces.

Sunan Abi Dawud 4031 – Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas) – كتاب اللباس – Sunnah.com – Sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). (n.d.). https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4031

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, April 21). Diwali | Indian Religious Holiday, observances, & facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival

The Holy Qur’an: Arabic text with English translation & short commentary (M. S. Ali, Trans.). (1955). Islam International Publications Limited.