It is Haraam to Participate in the ?Holi? Celebrations of the Hindus

Q: Imaan-20 : When the Hindu 'Holi' celebrations take place in many villages in our area, Muslim men and women gather in large numbers when the Holi has to be lit and they even take part in the lighting. They also participate in all the related customs. They go around it and some even prostrate in front of it. When some Muslims with correct beliefs try to stop them, they make statements like "What have you to do with what we do? "Don't tell us anything". Like this, they make many other uncouth remarks How are we to treat them? How do we make then understand? Should we sever all ties with them?

Answer: When grave-worshipping and participating in the Ta'ziya rituals are not permissible, attending and physically participating in the Holi festivities can never be permissible. It is absolutely Haraam, an act of Shirk to go around the Holi, to prostrate to it and to throw coconuts.

These people are uneducated and have no Islaamic knowledge. It is therefore necessary for them to be educated. To this end, true Ulema should be called now and again to give them advices and to get them to perform their salaah. This will be a tremendous service because it will serve to reform them. By severing ties with them, the danger exists that they would eventually forsake Islaam altogether. It is your responsibility to deal with them with wisdom, gentle words and good character and to make arrangements for them to be educated. You will be doing a great service to the Deen, if even, a single person from them is guided by your efforts. This will be a profitable investment in your treasure of the Aakhirah. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.1

?