Lunar New Year in the Perspective of Tawhid : Between Tradition and Belief
“Lunar New Year in the Perspective of Tawhid: Between Tradition and Belief”
Author: Drs. Rohiman Observer of Tawhid
The celebration of the Lunar New Year is an important tradition for the Chinese community worldwide. Beyond being a moment for family gatherings, Lunar New Year is rich with various rituals and symbols believed to bring good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. From an Islamic perspective, this celebration is worth examining in terms of tawhid—the belief in the oneness of Allah—especially in distinguishing between cultural elements and beliefs that might contradict the principles of monotheism.
Tawhid in Islam: The Core of Faith
Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah, is the fundamental principle in Islam. Muslims are commanded to worship only Allah and not associate Him with anything (QS. Al-Ikhlas: 1-4). Any activity containing elements of shirk (associating partners with Allah) or believing in powers other than Allah must be avoided. Therefore, when encountering other cultures and traditions, including the Lunar New Year, Muslims must discern what aligns with Islamic teachings and what contradicts the principles of tawhid.
Lunar New Year: Culture or Religious Ritual?
Historically, the Lunar New Year originates from Chinese traditions that blend cultural and religious elements. Some practices in Lunar New Year that should be considered from an Islamic perspective include:
1. Offerings to Ancestors and Deities
In Chinese tradition, honoring ancestors is done through incense burning, food offerings, and prayers. From an Islamic tawhid perspective, this practice can be considered shirk if it involves believing that ancestral spirits influence human life. Islam teaches that only Allah has absolute power over everything (QS. Al-Jin: 18).
2. Symbols of Fortune and Feng Shui
Many Chinese people believe that certain objects—such as the color red, lucky coins, or home arrangements based on feng shui—bring prosperity. In Islam, fortune and sustenance come solely from Allah (QS. Adh-Dhariyat: 22-23). Belief in objects as sources of luck, without any Islamic basis, can lead to minor shirk (shirk khafi).
3. Angpao and Social Gatherings
The tradition of giving angpao (red envelopes) to children and family members is a cultural aspect of Lunar New Year that does not contradict Islam, as long as it is done with the intention of sharing wealth rather than mystical beliefs. Islam even encourages charity and maintaining family ties (QS. Al-Baqarah: 261).
Islam’s Stance on Lunar New Year Celebrations
Islam teaches tolerance towards other cultures as long as they do not contradict Islamic beliefs. In the context of Lunar New Year, Muslims may participate in social and cultural aspects such as visiting family and friends, respecting Chinese communities celebrating the occasion, or enjoying halal Lunar New Year cuisine. However, involvement in rituals that contain elements of shirk should be avoided.
The issue of greeting others on Lunar New Year is debated among scholars. Some allow it as long as it does not imply recognition of other faiths, as Islam promotes coexistence in diversity (QS. Al-Kafirun: 6).
Conclusion
From the perspective of tawhid in Islam, celebrating Lunar New Year is acceptable as a cultural tradition as long as it does not involve beliefs that contradict the oneness of Allah. Muslims should be wise in approaching this tradition by maintaining their faith, avoiding shirk, and embracing the positive social values of unity and generosity. Islam appreciates cultural diversity, but in matters of faith, tawhid must always be the guiding principle in every action.