Day 1: 9th World Islamic Economic Forum, Opening Ceremony & Leaders Panel (Photo : Getty Images)
The whole world would be celebrating Christmas in two days, except majority of residents of a very rich Southeast Asian countries. In 2014, Hassanal Bolkiah, the sultan of Brunei, announced the introduction of Sharia Law in the country.
Since then, Brunei citizens were punished, such as being publicly whipped or stoned to death, for violating Islamic Law. He also banned Muslims from celebrating Christmas, a Christian holiday to recall the birth of Jesus Christ.
The order resulted in destruction of Christmas trees and store sales staff not to wear Santa hats. Violators of the order would be sent to prison for up to five years. Christians, who make up 8 percent of Brunei, could still celebrate, but the Religious Enforcement Division set up the Sultan would ensure Muslims, who comprise 78 percent of Brunei's population, would not celebrate, reports the Daily Beast.
Besides the five-year prison term, violators could fined up to $15,000, reports The Washington Post. Among the ways of celebrating Christmas that Muslims are prohibited from doing are using Christian religious symbols such as the cross, lighting candles, having Christmas trees, singing Christmas carols, sending Christmas greetings and even placing decorations or creating sounds that respects Christianity.
Because of the ban, celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Jay Leno, pushed for the boycott of Dorchester Collection owned by the Sultan whose wealth is estimated at $20 billion.
