A Jordanian religious scholar, Dr Ayman Al‑Balawi, was detained on December 23 for reportedly publishing a video that urged Muslims not to celebrate Christmas. Authorities released him a short time later, amid growing concern over freedom of expression in the kingdom.
Dr Al-Balawi was arrested by the Jordanian Intelligence Services after uploading a video in which he explained the “Sharia ruling on Christmas.”
In that video he urged Muslims across Arab and Islamic countries to avoid celebrating Christmas, arguing that doing so might imply acceptance of beliefs considered un-Islamic.
According to his daughter, the family was not told where he was taken or why.
In the video he clarified that he respected Prophet Jesus, but rejected the Christian doctrine of his divinity.
He said participating in Christmas celebrations might be viewed as endorsing that belief.
The video also referenced a trend among young Muslims in some countries who campaign against New Year’s celebrations, aiming to strengthen their Islamic identity through public outreach.
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Dr Al-Balawi said he hoped more Muslim communities would follow that example.
Authorities detained another preacher’s son in the same wave of arrests. That person allegedly helped plan a campaign advising Muslims to avoid Christmas celebrations.
Within days, the state released Dr Al-Balawi. Official sources did not publicly outline the charges or provide justification for his arrest or release.
Larger context
Dr Al-Balawi’s detention and release adds to growing alarm over what critics call shrinking civic and religious freedom under Jordan’s 2023 Cybercrime Law.
The law has helped security services detain journalists and activists for social-media posts deemed to “undermine national unity.”
In recent months, authorities shuttered the local branch of Muslim Brotherhood and banned its membership, citing national-security concerns after arrests of alleged militants plotting bomb and drone attacks.
Human-rights organisations warn that such measures chill religious and political speech.
Many see Al-Balawi’s arrest as part of a broader crackdown on dissent and Islamist discourse, even when that discourse stays within religious or moral instruction.
For Muslims in Jordan and beyond, this case underscores a growing tension between state security measures and religious expression.
As pressure tightens on preachers, activists, and even social-media users, many fear the space for open discussion, even on theological matters, is shrinking rapidly.
