British Muslims, although not celebrating Christmas in the same way as Christians, do honour Jesus as a prophet. In Islam, Jesus is known as Isa (peace be upon him). Imam Adil Tagari, of Preston Mosque, says that the overlaps between the faiths can come as a shock to Christians.“For the most part, we do agree on many points, like Jesus being a prophet of God, Jesus being an Israelite, and a lot of Jesus’ teachings as well.

“At the mosque last year, I actually quoted some passages from the Gospel of Mark and some people could have mistaken them for verses of the Qur’an because the teachings are very, very similar”.

Do Muslims celebrate Christmas?

Muslims do not celebrate Christmas. Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians regard as the Son of God. While Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is highly revered in Islam, Muslims do not observe Christmas as a religious holiday because it does not align with Islamic teachings.

What do Muslims believe about Jesus?

In Islam, Jesus, peace be upon him, is one of the greatest prophets and messengers of God. He is highly respected and mentioned in the Quran by name more frequently than Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims believe:

Jesus was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) without a father.

He performed miracles, such as healing the sick and bringing the dead back to life, by God’s permission.

He preached the worship of one God and emphasized righteousness and compassion.

He was not crucified but was raised to the heavens by God. Muslims believe he will return before the Day of Judgment. 

Can a Muslim convert celebrate Christmas with their family?

We have an entire article dedicated to this topic, but the answer is generally yes. A Muslim convert may celebrate Christmas with their family, particularly in a cultural or familial sense, as a way to maintain family bonds and honor their relationships. Islam places a high value on maintaining good ties with family, regardless of differing faiths.

However, many converts approach Christmas differently after accepting Islam. For example, they may focus on the cultural aspects of the holiday, such as gift-giving, sharing meals, and spending quality time, while avoiding religious rituals that conflict with Islamic beliefs, such as attending church services or engaging in prayers centered on Jesus’ divinity. Some choose to educate their families about their new faith, explaining that while they love and respect their family traditions, they may prefer not to participate in activities with religious significance.

Each convert’s approach will depend on their personal comfort level, family dynamics, and understanding of Islamic teachings. Open communication with family members can help create mutual respect and understanding during the holiday season.

Are Muslims allowed to wish Christians a “Merry Christmas”?

This is a debated topic, Most of islamic scholar clearly say No. Some believe it is permissible to exchange holiday greetings as a gesture of goodwill and coexistence, especially in multicultural societies. They argue that wishing someone well does not imply endorsing their beliefs.

Others caution against it, suggesting that it might be seen as endorsing religious concepts contrary to Islamic beliefs. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual perspectives and local customs. Many Muslims prefer neutral greetings like “Happy Holidays” to express kindness while respecting their faith.

Do Muslims have a holiday similar to Christmas

Islam has two major holidays:

Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It’s a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and charity.

Eid al-Adha: Celebrated during the Hajj pilgrimage season, it commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

These holidays focus on worship, family, and community, rather than the birth of a prophet.

What does the Quran say about Jesus and his birth?

In Islam, Jesus, peace be upon him, is considered to be one of the greatest Prophets and Messengers. He performed many miracles, but these were all done by God’s permission, just like Moses split the sea. Jesus is a Prophet in the line of Prophets, but not considered divine.

The Quran narrates the story of Jesus’ birth in detail, particularly in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). It describes how Mary withdrew from her people, experienced the miraculous announcement of Jesus’ birth by the angel Gabriel (Jibril), and endured the challenges of explaining his birth to her community. The Quran emphasizes that Jesus’ birth was a sign of God’s power and a testament to His ability to create life. Muslims view Jesus as a prophet sent to guide the Children of Israel, rather than a divine figure. Muslims believe that Jesus did not die nor was he crucified, but he was saved and raised to the heavens. Muslims also believe that Jesus, peace be upon him, will return to earth to establish justice before the day of judgement.

How can non-Muslims be sensitive to Muslims during the holiday season?  

Non-Muslims can be considerate by avoiding assumptions that all Muslims celebrate Christmas. Additionally, this can be done by being mindful when inviting Muslim friends to holiday events, recognizing they may not participate in certain activities.  You can also ask questions about their traditions and beliefs to learn and foster mutual respect.

If you are a teacher, check out this article about including Muslim students during the holidays. Most Muslims appreciate inclusivity and kindness, even if they don’t observe Christmas themselves.

Does Islam prohibit celebrating non-Muslim holidays?

Islamic teachings emphasize maintaining a distinct religious identity. Islam prohibits celebrating holidays that are religious in nature, like Christmas, Easter, Hannukah etc. However, there is no problem with celebrating cultural or national holidays such as independence day and thanksgiving.

Conclusion

While Muslims do not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, this season offers a chance to explore Islam’s beautiful teachings about Jesus. In Islam, Jesus, peace be upon him, is a revered prophet and messenger who called people to worship the one true God. His miraculous birth, his life of compassion and devotion, and his role as a guide for humanity are central to the Islamic faith.

If you’re curious about how Islam views Jesus or want to learn more about his story in the Quran, this is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding. Islam’s perspective on Jesus highlights powerful themes of faith, humility, and devotion to God, which resonate across cultures and beliefs. Take a moment to explore these teachings, they might offer you a new and inspiring way to think about his legacy. Have more questions? Call 877-WhyIslam, you deserve to know!

Source-whyislam.org and religionmediacentre.org.uk