Is using the Christian calendar regarded as befriending the kuffaar?

 

Is using the Christian calendar regarded as befriending the kuffaar?.

Praise be to Allaah.
 

 

It is not regarded as befriending them, but it is regarded as
imitating them. 

The Christian calendar existed at the time of the Sahaabah,
but they did not use it, rather they ignored it and used the Hijri
calendar. 

They established the Hijri calendar and did not use the
Christian calendar even though it existed at their time. This indicates that
the Muslims should be independent of the kaafirs’ customs and traditions,
especially since the Christian calendar is a symbol of their religion,
because it is based on veneration and celebration of the birth of the
Messiah at the turn of the year. This is an innovation introduced by the
Christians, which we do not share or follow, so if we use their calendar
that means we are imitating them. 

Praise be to Allaah, we
have the Hijri calendar which was established for us by the caliph ‘Umar ibn
al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him), in the presence of the
Muhaajireen and Ansaar, and this is sufficient for us.