Treating Christmas with Respect

Source: Soundvision.com

Christmas is an annual Christian religious holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him).

There have been a number of legitimate criticisms of the holiday from Muslims and non-Muslims based on theological and cultural considerations. However, this cannot be seen as an excuse to attack the holiday as an exercise in ancient pagan practices for instance, or excessive consumerism. Muslims have to remember that for many, many Christians, Christmas really is about their God.

God has ordered us to stay away from mocking the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much we disagree with them. He says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do" (6:108).

We also have to remember that even if for many nominal Christians, the celebration is not really about participating in religious traditions, Christmas is a time for families to get together. In a number of cases it is the only time of year families get together, either because family members are scattered in different parts of the country or the world, or because of communication and relationship problems.

Christmas is a great time to reate to our neighbors. We should not forget though, that Dawa cannot be made in a rude and insulting manner. Allah says in the Quran: "Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful advice, and reason with them by ways that are the best and most gracious: because your Lord knows best, (those) who have strayed from His Path, and those who receive guidance." (16:125).

In particular, when dealing with Jews and Christians, Allah says: "Do not argue with the People of the Book unless it is in the politest manner, except for those of them who do wrong. Say: 'We believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you. Our God and your God is [the same] One, and we are Muslims before Him'" (29:46).

A starting talking point on Christmas could be the Islamic belief in all Books revealed by Allah and all Prophets sent by Him. In this discussion, special emphasis could be made on Prophet Jesus. Non-Muslims are often surprised to discover that Muslims also believe in this noble Prophet and his great mother Mary (peace be upon her).

On a social level, you can send neutral cards like season's greetings etc. to non-Muslim family, friends and coworkers.

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