During Thanksgiving many families unite for shared meals along with showing their appreciation toward many things. This occasion acts as a moment to unite people together while fostering care for spiritual thinking. The celebration of Thanksgiving creates a problem for Muslim faithful because they need to determine their participation in it.
People consider this event to be a simple gathering of family members at dinner time. The celebration of Thanksgiving does not fit the arrangements of several people’s faith-based or cultural identity.
This question does not present simple solutions. Different Muslims have different views. Some join in. Some skip it. And that’s okay.
This article will look at the different choices among Muslims regarding Thanksgiving and explore the core aspects that matter for this celebration.
Do Muslims Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Some Muslims do. Some don’t. Whether Muslims celebrate Thanksgiving depends on their understanding of the holiday and their personal beliefs.
The Muslim religious practices do not include Thanksgiving. According to Islamic beliefs only two official celebrations exist: along with Eid al-Fitr it also includes Eid al-Adha. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) celebrated these two events along with community members as per Hadith revelation. Muslims follow two festivals only according to Islamic principles since the religion does not mandate remembrances outside these two important events.
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The holiday of Thanksgiving avoids religious connections and has no link to any holy religion. The tradition began as a festival marking gathering of crops but most modern celebrations serve primarily as family occasions today. People gather for eating while sharing gratitude statements and maintaining connection with friends and family members.
Some Muslim groups support people participating in these events provided everything stays within Islamic boundaries. Every aspect of this event which violates their faith leads them to maintain avoidance. Islam gives approval to this form of celebration through niyyah as Muslims use this chance to show gratitude to their family without any intention of religious replication.
The Qur’an says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase your blessings.”
(Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌۭ
Translation: And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.’”
This means Islam supports gratitude. Saying Alhamdulillah is part of a Muslim’s daily life. So, giving thanks is not wrong in itself.
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Some Muslim scholars (ulema) warn against Muslim participation in non-Islamic observances even when they have cultural beginnings. Some scholars believe Islamic identity deals with the risk of fading away together with the potential for adopting non-Islamic traditions because of staying away from non-Islamic festivities. According to the Prophet (peace be upon him) religion commands that Muslims should remain busy at religious teachings.
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Abu Dawood)
Because of this, many scholars advise Muslims to be careful. If a Muslim feels that celebrating Thanksgiving affects their faith or identity, then it’s better to avoid it. But if it’s only a family dinner, with no religious meaning, and the person keeps their Islamic values, then some scholars allow it.
In short, Islam gives room for different views—as long as the core values are protected. The key is intention, staying within Islamic limits, and not turning Thanksgiving into a religious celebration.
Common Practices by Muslims on Thanksgiving
Muslims who take part in Thanksgiving celebrations have unique approaches to celebrating the festivities. Following Islamic boundaries lets Muslims enjoy the good parts of daily life.
1. Joining Family Dinners Without Celebrating Religiously
Many Muslim families join their family dinners solely to maintain their relationships with each other. Muslims do not hold Thanksgiving as a spiritual holiday or religious celebration. Muslims consider this opportunity to spend quality time as they share a dinner while exchanging news. Faithful Muslims do not violate Islamic rules when they pray during any occasion.
Muslims do not see the occasion as religiously spiritual nor do they follow any specific spiritual guidelines during this time. This special occasion functions as an easy opportunity for family members to meet. Their religious practice includes consuming food according to Islamic law alongside proper Islamic clothing practices and avoidance of everything prohibited by Islam.
2. Using the Time to Share and Reflect
Thanksgiving is about gratitude. The term musicians dedicate to Allah helps them to express gratitude for His blessings. During this time Muslims recount personal stories about gratitude along with discussing their blessings to maintain focus on life’s positive aspects. It’s a chance to reflect.
During this special day many people choose to reach out to relatives who live far away or make visits to their parents’ home and forgive their past hurts. The Islamic teaching about daily gratitude makes this day serve as a special moment to express thanks.
3. Choosing to Volunteer or Help Others
The day of Thanksgiving becomes a time for lots of Muslims to devote themselves to service. Food drive support activities and poverty assistance programs and shelter volunteering are how Muslims choose to serve during Thanksgiving. Throughout his life the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught people to assist others. Islamic life includes many acts of kindness between people who follow the Islamic faith.
The Muslim community devotes this holiday to meaningful actions because they believe serving others is more important than preparing feasts.
Through different volunteering actions, Muslims participating in Thanksgiving stay true to their faith. They do good actions that match their Islamic values while respecting family needs, showing gratitude, and helping others—but they avoid making the day a religious practice.