Raehanul Bahraen

Raehanul Bahraen is a medical specialist, Islamic preacher, writer, and educator from Dompu, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. He is also the chairman of the Al-Atsari Islamic Education Foundation in Yogyakarta (YPIA), the advisor of the Indonesian Muslim Scientists and Professionals Community (KIPMI), the advisor of the Indonesia Bertauhid Foundation, and the advisor of the Indonesian Muslimafiyah Education Foundation. Mataram Islamic Hospital, and Hospital of Mataram University.

He explained that the Gregorian calendar has its roots in Roman tradition, where January 1 was dedicated to Janus, the god of doors and beginnings. In fact, January itself is named after him. According to him, creating special religious activities could potentially make New Year's Eve a special moment, even though historically and according to Islamic teachings, the Gregorian New Year is not part of Muslim celebrations.

His view is also reinforced by a number of scholars who consider that giving congratulations or associating certain acts of worship with the moment of the Christian New Year can fall into the category of tasyabbuh or resembling non-Muslim traditions.