Christmas Ban to Be Strictly Implemented in Brunei after Sultan's Orders
Christmas ban will be strictly implemented in Brunei after Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's announcement last year about introducing the Sharia law.
The Sultan of Brunei has ordered a strict compliance with the Christmas ban that will impose death by stoning, cutting off of limbs, and other tough penalties on lawbreakers. Last month, imams had issued warnings via their sermons against Muslims being led astray by the mere use of Christmas symbols, according to an AFP report published by ABC.
"Using religious symbols like crosses, lighting candles, putting up Christmas trees, singing religious songs, sending Christmas greetings ... are against Islamic faith," ABC quotes the religious leaders' statement published by local media.
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Even wearing of clothes and accessories that resemble Santa Claus is prohibited. Violators could face a five-year jail sentence, The Guardian reports.
While Christians in Brunei are allowed to celebrate Christmas, they are discouraged from doing so openly. Businesses are not exempted from the ban and have already been told to remove Christmas decorations from their establishments. Authorities are also conducting spot checks in the capital, the report relays.
The opinion of people in Brunei is divided when it comes to the Christmas ban. Although some people do not like the Christmas ban, they admit that they can do nothing about it. Some, in an effort to fight oppression of Christians, have posted Christmas photos on social media with the hashtag #MyTreedom. There are some Muslims who think that the rule is ridiculous, but there are also those who say that it should be respected.
It is worth noting that the sultan's businesses are not affected by the Christmas ban. The Le Richemond hotel in Geneva, Le Meurice hotel in Paris, and Beverly Hills Hotel are all decked out in their most regal Christmas decorations.
Brunei is not the only country that implements the Christmas ban. This year, Somalia and Tajikistan have also prohibited Christmas celebrations and announced a five-year prison term for violators.
