QUESTION:
Is it permissible to eat chocolate Easter eggs and hot-cross buns purchased from a shop?
ANSWER:
It is not permissible to consume hot-cross buns and chocolate Easter eggs as these have connotations of Kufr attached to them. Similarly, it is not permissible for Muslim businessmen to sell hot-cross buns and Easter eggs. The following is recorded on the internet regarding the history of hot-cross buns, “Hot-cross buns have been synonymous with Easter celebrations since they appeared in 12th century England. Interestingly, hot -cross buns pre-date Christianity, with their origins in paganism. Ancient Eygptians used small round breads topped with crosses to celebrate their gods.”
Regarding Easter eggs, “It seems that as far back as the 4th century in the East eggs were blessed at Easter time. The Benedictio Ovorum (blessing of eggs), came to the West in the 12th century, perhaps brought from the East by the Crusaders. In the East the eggs were stained red in memory of the blood Christ shed on the cross.”
The Quraan Sharif prohibits us from inclining towards the ways of the disbelievers in Surah Hood, “And do not incline towards those who do wrong for then the fire shall reach you, and you will not have any helpers (to save you) against (the punishment) of Allah and you will not be assisted (by anyone.)” [Surah Hood, Verse 113] In conclusion, we as Muslims should refrain from the celebrations of the Kuffar or from consuming or selling anything related to their celebrations.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
Date: 16 Safr 1446 / 21 August 2024
