I have many Christian friends. Some of them are very interested in Islam. I am working on them. I am hopeful that some of them might convert. In this situation, can I wish them “Merry Christmas” on Christmas?

There is no harm in wishing your Christian friends on Christmas even if they are not interested in Islam. Socializing with them is something very desirable. It gives a chance to the two greatest religious communities of the world to come together and understand each other’s viewpoint. This helps in removing many misunderstandings which prevail between the two. Furthermore, until and unless social relations develop between these two, there is little chance that sympathy and concern will develop between them – which, I believe, is the pre-requisite for any religious dialogue and discussion.

As such, interacting with them on a festival as Christmas can prove very helpful.