Why Don’t Muslims Celebrate Christmas?

Why Muslims Should Not Celebrate Christmas

As the festive season approaches, it’s not uncommon for Muslims living in diverse societies to be invited to participate in Christmas celebrations. 

However, as Muslims, it’s essential to reflect on the principles of our faith and the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah when deciding our actions. 

While maintaining respect for others’ traditions, it is important to recognize that participating in Christmas celebrations is not permissible for Muslims.

The Concept of Ihsan in Islam

Understanding the Islamic Perspective

Islam emphasizes the importance of preserving the distinctiveness of its faith and rituals. Celebrating Christmas, which is rooted in Christian beliefs about the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) as the “Son of God,” contradicts the fundamental tenet of Islam: the absolute oneness of Allah (Tawhid).

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.”

(Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:3-4)

The celebration of Christmas is intertwined with the concept of Jesus (peace be upon him) being divine, a belief that Islam categorically rejects. Allah clearly states:

“Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word, which He directed to Mary, and a soul [created at a command] from Him.

So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say,

وَرُسُلِهِۦ ۖ وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ ثَلَـٰثَةٌ ۚ ٱنتَهُوا۟ خَيْرًۭا لَّكُمْ ۚ إِنَّمَا ٱللَّهُ إِلَـٰهٌۭ وَٰحِدٌۭ ۖ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥٓ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُۥ وَلَدٌۭ ۘ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلًۭا

 and do not say, “Trinity.” Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs.

(Surah An-Nisa 4:171)

The guidance from the Sunnah

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the importance of adhering to the unique identity of Islam and avoiding imitation of other religious practices. 

He said:

“Whoever imitates people is one of them.”

(Abu Dawood, 4031; classified as Sahih by Al-Albani)

This hadith serves as a reminder that participating in the rituals or celebrations of other religions is not just an act of social conformity but an adoption of practices that are contrary to Islamic teachings.

Maintaining Respect Without Compromise

While Islam prohibits participation in Christmas celebrations, it also teaches us to maintain good relations with non-Muslims.

Respecting others does not necessitate compromising one’s beliefs. Allah commands kindness and justice in our dealings with people of other faiths.

“Allah does not forbid you from being righteous and just toward those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes.

لَّا يَنْهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُقْسِطِينَ ٨

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.

This balance allows Muslims to respect others’ choices without feeling compelled to adopt practices that conflict with their own faith.

Islamic inheritance laws

The Importance of Upholding Islamic Identity

There is no question that the mentioned celebrations are haram, as they mimic the practices of non-believers. It is widely recognized that Muslims only celebrate two festivals: ‘Eid al-Fitr and ‘Eid al-Adha, along with the weekly ‘Eid’ which occurs on Friday (Yawm al-Jumu‘ah).

As Muslims, our festivals and celebrations are defined by Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed us to commemorate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, celebrations rich in worship, gratitude, and joy.

These are opportunities to strengthen our bond with Allah and our Muslim community.

By avoiding non-Islamic celebrations like Christmas, we uphold our unique identity and demonstrate loyalty to our Creator. Allah reminds us:

“For each [religious following], we have prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good.”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:48)

What the Scholars Said About This Matter

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) was inquired about a Muslim who prepares food for Christians during Nawruz (Persian New Year) and other events like Epiphany and various feast days, as well as sells them items to assist in their celebrations.

Is it allowed for Muslims to engage in any of these actions or not?

He answered:

“Glory be to Allah.” Muslims are not allowed to emulate them in any distinct manner related to their celebrations, including aspects like food, attire, bathing, lighting fires, or abstaining from regular work or worship, and similar practices.

It is not allowed to host a feast, give gifts, sell items that assist in their celebrations, allow children and others to engage in games associated with their festivals, or to decorate oneself or put up festive adornments.

Overall, Muslims are prohibited from exclusively celebrating the festivals of non-believers for any of these practices or traditions.

Instead, the day of their festivals is merely a regular day for the Muslims, and they ought not to distinguish it for any actions associated with what the non-believers partake in on these days.”

Is it permissible for a Muslim to consume Christmas food?

It is not allowed to consume food that is prepared by Christians or non-Muslims during their celebrations.

Moreover, it is not allowed to accept their invitations to partake in their festival celebrations, as this promotes them and amounts to endorsing their Bid`ah, which misleads uninformed individuals and leads them to believe there is no issue with it.

Why Don’t Muslims Celebrate Christmas?

Final Thoughts

Christmas is a celebration tied to Christian theology and traditions that Muslims cannot partake in without compromising their faith.

While living in multicultural societies, we must navigate our interactions with wisdom and compassion, staying true to Islamic principles.

Choosing not to celebrate Christmas is not about disrespecting others but about affirming our identity as Muslims and submitting wholly to Allah’s guidance.

By doing so, we maintain the purity of our faith and strengthen our relationship with our Creator.

Let us focus on celebrating the blessings of Allah and contributing positively to society without compromising our deen. As the Qur’an beautifully states:

ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا ۚ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ فِى مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍۢ لِّإِثْمٍۢ ۙ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)

May Allah guide us all to uphold the teachings of Islam in every aspect of our lives.

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Zaky Shoobley

Writing is fun and I enjoy it