Christmas is never going to be the same in some part of the world as the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s richest men placed a ban on Christmas for Muslims and restrict Christians celebration.

Sultan of Brunei warned that a ban on Christmas would be strictly enforced, for fear that Muslims could be led astray.

The rule states that “using religious symbols like crosses, lighting candles, putting up Christmas trees, singing religious songs, sending Christmas greetings, and wearing hats or clothes that resemble Santa Claus” are against Islamic faith and anyone found violating the ban risks a five-year jail sentence.

Although Christians are free to celebrate, they have been told not to do so “excessively and openly”. They must not disclose their plans to the nation’s Muslims – which make up 65 per cent of the 420,000-strong population.

Businesses have been warned to take decorations down and authorities have stepped up spot checks across the capital. Hotels popular among Western tourists that once boasted dazzling lights and giant Christmas trees are now barren of festive decor.

A Malaysian expatriate resident who does not want to be named said, “This will be the saddest Christmas ever for me. The best part of Christmas day is waking up and having that feeling that it is Christmas, but there’s just none of that here and you just feel deprived.”

“All this is just because of what the Sultan wants. In 2013, I saw many Muslims together with Christians having a good time at their house parties. Everything was normal and good.” he said.

More: http://www.nigerianheadlines.com/brunei-bans-christmas-threatens-to-jail-muslims-who-celebrate-it/