Question of whether Muslims can celebrate Christmas arises often especially for those who live in non-Muslim major societies. Christians take Christmas as one of the most important religious days to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But the situation is more complicated for Muslims, however. Islamic teachings are to preserve an individual identity and in celebrating Christmas may go against Islamic teachings.
In this article we discuss the reasons why Islam forbids celebrating Christmas from a theological and cultural point of view, as well as to share the views of leading Islamic scholars.
Islamic Festivals: Eid and Fridays
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two main festivals in Islam. Celebrating the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a month of fasting. Eid al-Adha comes after Hajj pilgrimage and honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham’s) to sacrifice his son in serving Allah.
Such days are mentioned both in the Quran and Hadith as divine commandments, and these two days are for worship, contemplation, and thanks. In addition to all these festivals, Friday (Yawm al-Jumu’ah) is intimate to Islam as a weekly “Eid” during which Muslim come together for prayers and ruminations.
Islam does not recognize any other festival unlike these days. Muslims should celebrating only two Eid and Friday, and no other holiday is part of Islamic practice.
Celebration of Non-Muslim Festivals: Haram or Innovation (Bid’ah)?
Islam preaches that as People celebrate non- Muslim festivals, like Christmas, then these are innovated (bid’ah) or they are things emulating the non- Muslims.
Bid’ah is the when new practices or rituals are introduced to Islam which were not therefore in the original teachings. For instance, Acts of innovation include proclaiming the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid) – which was never done during his lifetime, for instance. Also, celebrating Christmas by having a religious holiday would be an innovation because it was not in the Islamic tradition.
On the other hand, then, celebrating Christmas is also considered to be emulating non-Muslims. In Islam, there is an emphasis on having Muslims stand out by not pursuing practices that make one a part of the non-Muslim society. Engaging in Christmas celebrations may lead to the adoption of beliefs and customs that go against Islamic beliefs.
Therefore, observing Christmas is not only the innovation but the act of imitation, which is forbidden by Islam.
The Concept on Imitating Non Muslims in Festivals
Islam teaches that it is wrong to follow non Muslims at all in their religious practices. Quran and Hadith preach the value of keeping a separate identity as Muslims. Such a manner of inwardly observing other non-Muslims’ festivals does blur this distinction, in which case one’s Islamic standing is at risk.
He says in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Whoever imitates a people is one of them” (Abu Dawood). Not to follow the ways of non Muslims is what this hadith is about; especially in religious matters. By marking the celebration of Christmas, Muslims run risk of supporting ideas and ways that are in contradiction with their belief system.
Shaykh Ibn Taymiyah went further and pointed out that the imitation of the non-Muslims in their festivals is an approval of their false ideas. He warned that such acts might deceive people of weak faith and take them away from Islam.
For this reason, Islam does not allow participation or endorsement of the religious festivals of non Muslims. Muslims should not celebrate or commemorate Christmas as a special occasion rather it should be a celebration stipulated by Islam.
Islamic Scholars’ Opinions
Numerous great scholars of Islam agree that celebrating such non-Islamic festivals as Christmas is prohibited in Islam. These scholars contend that Muslims should shun from religious celebrations that are not in line with teachings of Islam.
In a clear statement, Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin stated that it is haram for Muslims to attend the non-Muslim festivals. He argued that even if indulged in for social/cultural reasons, celebrating these festivals strips a Muslim of his religious integrity. Such festivals are can dilute faith and inculcate non-Islamic practices.
In the same way, Ibn Taymiyah stressed the importance of non-Muslims imitating Muslims in nothing. It was mentioned by him explicitly that it is forbidden to take part in non-Muslim festivals, exchange gifts or decorate for that, etc. As he said, these measures result in the adoption of false beliefs and erosion of Islamic values.
The scholars both agree that it is important to retain a Muslim identity. They insist that the Muslims should not give up their religious values to other communities outside their own. Rather Muslims should aim at Eids and Friday prayers as their main source of celebration.
Conclusion
In Islam celebrating Christmas is completely forbidden. Islam only acknowledges Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and Friday as a festival. Celebration of non-Muslim religious era, like Christmas, is considered as innovation (bid’ah) or a copying of non-Muslim practices, both of which are prohibited by Islam.
Though Islam teaches Muslims to enjoy having neighbors of goodwill and respect, it is necessary to avoid any religious practices contradicting Islamic teachings. Muslims should concentrate on celebrating and reflecting during their special times for the Eids and Friday. In this way, they preserve their Islamic being and the essence that Allah has commanded them to maintain.
