Muslim Scholar Condemns Sheikh’s Remarks on Christmas, Says Declaring Muslims Hell-Bound Is Incorrect

A Muslim scholar, Franklyn Musa Swaray, has condemned remarks made by Sheikh Abubakarr in a video circulating on social media, saying claims that Muslims who celebrate Christmas are destined for Hell are incorrect and do not reflect Islamic teachings.

The Muslim Scholar publicly distanced himself from the statement in a clarification issued on Thursday, 25th December 2025. The clarification, titled “A Clarification with Understanding and Compassion,” called on Muslims to address the issue calmly and fairly, stressing that ultimate judgment of individuals belongs to Allah alone.

According to the statement, while Islam does not permit Muslims to celebrate Christmas because it is a religious observance rooted in beliefs different from Islamic teachings, it is wrong to declare a Muslim Hell-bound solely for taking part in such celebrations. The Jama’at cited the Qur’anic verse, “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion” (Qur’an 109:6), to explain Islam’s position on religious boundaries.

The clarification further emphasized that declaring a person’s final fate is not within human authority. “Final judgment belongs to Allah alone,” the statement said, quoting the Qur’an: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills” (Qur’an 4:48).

Addressing the reaction to the video, the Muslim Scholar highlighted the Islamic principle that actions are judged by intention. It referenced well-known hadith of the Prophet Muhammad: “Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will be rewarded according to what he intended” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim).

The Scholar said Sheikh Abubakarr’s intention was to guide Muslims and safeguard the faith, not to create division or condemn others. However, it noted that scholars and religious leaders are human and can make mistakes in wording or approach. In this context, it cited a prophetic saying: “All of the children of Adam make mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent” (Tirmidhī).

The statement also warned against the use of harsh language and quick condemnation, recalling the Prophet’s warning: “If a man says to his brother, ‘O disbeliever,’ then it returns upon one of them” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim). It further stressed the value Islam places on gentleness, quoting: “Gentleness is not found in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it makes it ugly” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim).

Calling for unity and restraint, the Scholar urged Muslims not to allow the controversy to fuel insults or division within the community. He encouraged believers to advise one another with wisdom and mercy, referencing the Qur’anic verse, “And those who restrain anger and pardon people, Allah loves the doers of good” (Qur’an 3:134).

The clarification concluded with a call for reflection and communal harmony, urging Muslims to correct mistakes with kindness and to accept advice with humility. It ended with a prayer asking Allah to purify intentions, forgive shortcomings, soften hearts, and keep the community united upon truth and mercy.