Understanding the Origin and Belief Behind Christmas;

Generally, in the month of December, Muslims are seen asking whether Muslims can celebrate Christmas or not, especially those living in Western , as Christmas is celebrated not only as a religious festival of Christians but also as a national festival. Muslim children also get influenced by the lights, decorations, and colors and wish to celebrate this festival. Does Islam allow this or not? Let’s discuss this.

First of all, it is important to understand why Christians celebrate Christmas. The word Christmas is made up of two words: Christ means Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him), and Mas means gathering. So, the meaning of Christmas becomes “a gathering for Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him).” Christians have the belief behind Christmas that on the 25th of December, Isa (peace be upon him) was born, and they hold the belief that Isa is the son of Allah and was born on this day. This belief is completely against Islamic teachings. Muslims believe that Allah is free from having any children. In the Quran, in Surah Al-Ikhlas, it is stated:

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ۝ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ۝ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ۝ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Translation:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.’” (Surah Al-Ikhlas: 112:1-4)

Types of Celebrations;

There are two types of celebrations:

Social and Cultural Celebrations.

one is religious, and the other is social or cultural. As far as social or cultural celebrations are concerned, Islam permits them, and they can even be celebrated with non-Muslims, provided that such celebrations do not contradict Islamic teachings. There is no harm in celebrating such events.

Religious Celebrations.

The second type is religious events. Islam is a distinguished religion, and it is the only religion favored by Allah. Islam demands adherence from all people; therefore, it never permits celebrating the religious events of others, especially those events that are completely against Islamic teachings. According to Islamic teachings, Isa (peace be upon him) is a great prophet of Allah and not the son of Allah.

Allah Almighty states:
“تَكَادُ السَّمَاوَاتُ يَتَفَطَّرْنَ مِنْهُ وَتَنْشَقُّ الْأَرْضُ وَتَخِرُّ الْجِبَالُ هَدًّا ۝ أَنْ دَعَوْا لِلرَّحْمَنِ وَلَدًا”

Translation:
“The heavens almost rupture therefrom, and the earth splits open, and the mountains collapse in devastation that they attribute to the Most Merciful a son.” (Surah Maryam: 19:90-91)

The hadith mentions that whoever resembles a nation is from them.Therefore, Muslims should not participate in this celebration of disbelievers and polytheists.

Is it permissible in Islam to celebrate the birth of the prophets?

As for the celebration of the birth of Isa (peace be upon him), it is permissible as long as it is in the context of recognizing his birth, just like the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or even the birth of the companions. Friday is the Eid of Muslims because it is the day on which Adam (peace be upon him) was born. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also celebrated his own birth by fasting on Mondays. This is supported by the Quran as well:

وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدْتُّ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا

Translation:
“And peace is on me the day I was born, the day I will die, and the day I am raised alive.” (Surah Maryam: 19:33)

Therefore, celebrating the birth of Isa (peace be upon him) is permissible, but not with disbelievers and polytheists, because their belief, which is based on the claim that Isa is the son of Allah, contradicts Islamic teachings. Muslims can celebrate it separately, and there is no harm in doing so

Celebrating Islamic Festivals and Instilling Joy in Future Generations.

Islam has given Muslims joyful festivals, among which are Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Azha, 12th Rabi ul-Awal, Ramadan, 15th Shaban, and 27th Rajab. Muslims should celebrate their religious festivals with enthusiasm and energy, decorate their homes with lights so that our future generations celebrate these festivals with passion and vigor. Wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and do not associate with the festivals of others. Unfortunately, some Muslims do not even offer the Eid prayers and do not express joy on Eid, especially in Western countries, where children feel that Islam does not provide occasions for happiness. Therefore, we should celebrate Islamic festivals with joy ourselves and instill this enthusiasm in our children to protect their beliefs and views. Only then will our children’s faith and beliefs be safeguarded. وَاللهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ