Q: Is it permissible to wish one another “Happy New Year” when the new english year starts? Some people say that the New Year’s celebration has some kufr connotations. Is this correct?

A: The celebration of the New Year is a “religious” celebration of the kuffaar which is associated with kufr and shirk beliefs.

The World Book Encyclopedia describes New Year in the following words:

“The Roman ruler, Julius Caesar, established January 1 as New Year’s Day in 46 B.C. The Romans dedicated this day to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings. January was named after Janus, who had two faces - one looking forward and the other looking backward. The early Romans gave each other New Year’s gifts of branches from sacred trees. In later times, they gave coins, imprinted with pictures of Janus, or gold covered nuts.”

From the abovementioned definition, we understand that New Year’s Day is a celebration of the kuffaar which has religious connotations. Hence, it is not permissible for a believer to participate in this celebration nor have anything to do with it. Similarly, it is not permissible for him to wish the kuffaar well or say “Happy New Year” to them on this occasion.