As a Muslim Da’ee and a revert from Texas, I have navigated the intricate path of reconciling my newfound faith with the cultural traditions I grew up with. However, this journey was not without difficulties. One of the most significant challenges I encountered was during Christmas, a time deeply ingrained in my cultural upbringing. I hope to shed light on why Muslims should not celebrate Christmas as well as other celebrations of the not-yet-Muslims. I hope to be an inspiration for all of those reading to take ownership of our Legendary Tradition. A tradition that has no flaws and is the best Way a person can live their life by.
I cannot emphasize enough the profound respect and love Islam and Muslims have for Jesus and Mary. Just because we shouldn’t celebrate non-Muslim traditions, doesn’t mean we hate or have any aversion to these blessed figures.
Christmas and other yearly celebrations are what my people build their lives around. Where I come from, only the stingiest and ‘scroogiest’ people would not participate in these merry, joyous occasions. It just doesn’t make sense to them. They cannot fathom why someone would want to stay away from their holidays. To them, it’s as if you were to say, “I don’t like smiles and I hate kittens.”
So, when reverts must face their families and community, they don’t struggle with the idea of the paganism of Christmas. They don’t have problems with it being rooted in falsehood. Rather, they struggle with the emotional blackmail that comes from their respective communities. I get it, I was there. It’s not easy to just stop doing something you were doing your whole life.
I even understand the struggle of Muslims who didn’t revert like I did. You know who you are. You are struggling too.
But your situation is different. You are worried more about your personal safety, your image in these majority non-Muslim communities. You feel surrounded by danger and the pressure of fitting in. You don’t want yourselves and your children to be ostracized and treated “less-than.” I feel your anxiety and its natural.
I do understand the feelings, but I want you also to understand something much deeper. There is a fundamental flaw in your desire for acceptance, safety and security – you have conflated the means with the ends. You have forgotten who the Causer of all things is ﷻ.
We can achieve no peace in this life without reliance on Allah ﷻ. We might have obtained the beauty and luxury of this world, but it is a cheap replacement for internal tranquility. Our safety and security are completely in the hands of our Lord ﷻ. It is not given to us by disbelievers who we are trying to fit in with.
Let us reflect on one of the final verses revealed from Allah ﷻ The Owner of the Majestic Throne to the Messenger ﷺ:
“…This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…”
[Quran 5:3]
Knowing that our LORD ﷻ, our GUIDE ﷻ, the MOST WISE ﷻ has completed our Way for us, how can we in good conscious think that it is of benefit to follow the religious ceremonies of the disbelievers whose religions are not going to be accepted in the hereafter?
“And whoever seeks a way other than this way a submission (Islam), will find that it will not be accepted from him and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.”
[Quran 3:85]
From the beginning of the Creation of the Jinn and the Humans, Allah ﷻ the Most Merciful has ordained One Singular Way that all who are responsible for choosing between right and wrong must follow. That is Islam. As Allah ﷻ says in the Final Revelation,
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah ﷻ is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah ﷻ, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.”
[Quran 3:19]
It is clear in the example of our blessed Messenger ﷺ that it is impermissible to imitate and participate in the ceremonies and festivals of the disbelievers. It is also common sense.
If I used to play on one football team and we celebrated our traditions together, would you ever find one of us celebrating the victories or festivals of our rivals? If one of us left and went to another team, would you find us celebrating the victories or celebrations of our previous team? Absolutely not. This is basic human nature. However, when it comes to Islam, there is a lot of pressure to forego this basic human trait of association and disassociation.
In regards to the example of our Master Muhammad ﷺ, who Allah ﷻ says about from above the seven heavens,
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah ﷺ you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah ﷻ and the Last Day and remembers Allah ﷻ much.”
[Quran 33:21]
Therefore, we should aspire to make him ﷺ our role model, the example by which we aspire to attain his ﷺ likeness. So, what did he ﷺ say about imitating the other religious groups in the world? What did he ﷺ say about sharing with them on their festivals and celebrations?
First, we see a stern warning from the beloved Messenger ﷺ in general imitation:
It was narrated from Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (may Allah ﷻ be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too.” We said: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?” He ﷺ said: “Who else?”(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1397; Muslim, 4822)
Islam is a religion that cherishes the principles of monotheism and purity in worship, offers clear guidance on the participation in non-Muslim religious festivals. The Quran, the Final Revelation sent to mankind, and the Ahadith, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, serve as the bedrock of this understanding.
For instance, the Quran says, “…To you your religion and to me mine…“ [Quran 109:6], highlighting the healthy respect for religious differences and the importance of maintaining the distinct identity of Islamic worship.
The ahadith also provide insights into the Prophet’s ﷺ stance on this matter. In a narration by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ remarked upon arriving in Medina and observing the people participating in two festivals,
“Allah ﷻ has replaced them for you with something better: the day of Adha and the day of Fitr.” [Grade: Sahih, Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1134]
Also, there is a general principle in Islam that if you give up anything impermissible seeking the pleasure of Allah ﷻ, He will replace it with something better. As the Final Messenger ﷺ informed us,
“Abu Qatadah reported: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty ﷻ, but that Allah ﷻ will replace it with something better for you.” [Grade: Sahih, Musnad Aḥmad 23074]
These teachings underscore the concept of ‘Tawheed’, the absolute Oneness of God, the cornerstone of Islamic belief. Participating in non-Muslim religious practices, including Christmas, could blur the clear monotheistic principles that Islam upholds. While on the surface they are impermissible, they could possibly lead to disbelief if a person begins to cherish and believe these holidays hold any significant weight or religious value.
These principles are underscored even further by our Master Muhammad ﷺ where we find narrated that
‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah ﷻ be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Grade: Sahih, Abu Dawud, 3512, 2691)
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah ﷻ have mercy on him) said:
“This at the very least indicates that it is haram to imitate them, although the apparent meaning is that the one who imitates them is a disbeliever.” (Iqtida al-Sirat al-Mustaqim, 237) He went on to explain that this imitation is in religion and not in simple matters like everyday clothes or the use of their objects and technology. He went as far as to say that if you live amongst the disbelievers for any reason then you should dress like them and adopt their customs as long as they do not have any religious affiliation or haram aspects to them.
Those who emulate the ways of disbelievers often do so from a place of perceived inadequacy and a sense of defeat. In an eager attempt to bridge this gap, they rush to adopt the customs of those they hold in high esteem. However, if they were to truly reflect on the profound wisdom and integrity of Islamic Shari’ah and comprehend the profound flaws within the civilization they so ardently chase, they would come to understand their misstep. They have, unwittingly, traded the pristine and authentic truth of their own tradition for something inherently flawed and corrupt.
Further, you, my beloved family need to understand a fundamental concept that The Most Wise informs us about when referring to those whom we often find ourselves trying to impress. The reality is – no matter how much we try to appease them, to imitate them, it will never be enough – until we become exactly like them.
“And never will the Jews and the Christians approve of you until you follow their ways (completely). Say, “Indeed, the guidance of Allah ﷻ is the [only] guidance.” If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah ﷻ no protector or helper.”
[Quran 2:120]
So then, what does Allah ﷻ command from the believers? For starters, we already know that our Way is perfected, complete.
Allah ﷻ says, “Oh you who believe, do not take the Jews and Christians as intimate allies: they are allies only to each other. Anyone who takes them as an ally becomes one of them- Allah ﷻ does not guide such wrongdoers.”
[Quran 5:51]
But Allah ﷻ also tells us
“Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and fairly with those who have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes. Surely Allah loves those who are fair.”
[Quran 60:8]
And
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah ﷻ, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah ﷻ is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah ﷻ is ever, of what you do, Aware.”
[Quran 4:135]
These verses give us a blueprint for how to live our lives amongst them. We do not take them and their celebrations intimately or else we become like them in belief and risk leaving Islam. However, we still deal justly, kindly, and with excellence to them.
BUT WHAT ABOUT JESUS?? And MARYAM HIS MOTHER??
Just because we should not celebrate Christmas, does not mean whatsoever that we should not celebrate the Memory of and the Person of Jesus the son of Mary ﷺ.
Jesus ﷺ and Mary ﷺ both are beloved to us as Muslims, and they both are beloved to Allah ﷻ. As our Lord tells us in the Quran,
“They have certainly disbelieved who say, “God is the Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.”
[Qur’an 5:72]
And
“The Messiah, son of Mary, was just a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.”
[Qur’an 5:75]
And
“And [remember] when I inspired to the disciples, “Believe in Me and in My messenger Jesus.” They said, “We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims [in submission to Allah].”
[Qur’an 5:111]
Further, our beloved, The Messenger ﷺ, told us about him ﷺ,
“Of a certainty (without doubt) Jesus the son of Maryam will descend. He will be a Hakim (a ruler) who will be just in ruling the people (just as was Muhammad and his Khalifas).he will break the Cross and kill the pigs and there will be no Jizya (i.e. taxation taken from non Muslims). Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it, and a single prostration to Allah (in prayer) will be better than the whole world and whatever is in it.” Abu Huraira added “If you wish, you can recite (this verse of the Holy Book): — ‘And there is none Of the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians) But must believe in him (i.e Jesus as an Apostle of Allah and a human being) Before his death. And on the Day of Judgment He will be a witness Against them.” [Grade: Sahih, Sahih al-Bukhari 3448]
Jesus the son of Mary ﷺ is a phenomenally remarkable figure and one of the most beloved to Allah Almighty ﷻ. We revere him and we defend him from slander and attacks against him and his blessed mother. But we do not worship him ﷺ nor celebrate what was not given guidance to us by Allah ﷻand His Messenger ﷺ. This is the straight path.
Brothers and sisters, you are part of an Epic Ummah. The Greatest Nation to ever walk on the earth. The same earth that Allah ﷻ made blessed and a place of prayer wheresoever we may be. Do not take that for granted. Respect our human neighbors but recognize that what they have is inferior and it does not lead to safety. It does not lead to security. It does not lead to happiness. It only leads to destruction. It might be hard at first, but that is why it is called a struggle. Further, if you succeed, the reward is great.
“And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2) not far off. (It will be said): “This is what you were promised, – (it is) for those oft-returning (to Allah ﷻ) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allah ﷻ (by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worship none but Allah ﷻ Alone, i.e. follow Allah’s ﷻ Religion, Islamic Monotheism). “Who feared the Most Beneficent in the unseen: (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him – and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism), “Enter you therein in peace and security; this is a Day of eternal life!” There they will have all that they desire, and We have more (for them, i.e. a glance at the All-Mighty, All-Majestic ﷻ).”
[Quran 50:34 – 35]
Allah ﷻ is the one who we should try to please – not people.
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”
[Quran 66:6]
May Allah ﷻ give us a deep understanding, show us the truth as the truth and grant us to success to follow it, show us the falsehood as falsehood and keep us away from it. Ameen
One Response
Great work. May Allah s.w.t. reward you immensely for your efforts to serve His deen.
Muslims need a lot of clarity in dealing with people of other faiths.
Personally, for me, the key verse is ‘For you is your religion, for me is mine’. That’s the core of even the philosophy of disbelievers but they don’t understand it when it doesn’t favor them.
Isa a.s. is beloved to all Muslims and mother Mary a.s. is considered to be the best woman ever walked on the face of the earth.
May Allah s.w.t guide us all to the sirat al mustaqeem and make us firm believer of His deen.