Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday worldwide, marked by festive decorations, gift-giving, and family gatherings. But, do Islam believe in Christmas? Are Muslims forbidden from celebrating Christmas, and why?
In this article, we’ll explore the Islamic perspective on Christmas, whether Muslims can participate in Christmas celebrations, and how Islam views the birth of Prophet Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him)?
Do Islam Believe in Christmas?
The short answer to this question is no, Islam does not believe in Christmas. On the contrary, Muslims are forbidden from participating in the celebrations of Christmas. But what is the reason for that? Let me clarify this for you!
Unlike Christians, who believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he was born in December. In Islam, Jesus (the prophet Isa, peace be upon him), is regarded as one of the greatest prophets of Allah. Born to the virgin Mary, with absolutely no evidence on the date of his birth.
In other words, although Islam acknowledges Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) as one of the messengers of God, it does not recognize Christmas in the same way Christianity does. Let us discuss the reasons behind that:
The Birth of Jesus in Christianity Vs. in Islam
Christians celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they believe to be the Son of God.
While in Islam, though Jesus (Eissa), peace be upon him, is believed to be a prophet and messenger of Allah, Muslims do not believe he is divine or the son of God.
The Quran mentions his miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary (Maryam), but the exact date of his birth is not specified.
Christmas Has no Religious Significance in Islam
Muslims only celebrate two major Islamic feasts which are “Eid al-Fitr” (marking the end of Ramadan) and “Eid al-Adha” (the Festival of Sacrifice).
However, Christmas is not considered an Islamic holiday, and Muslims do not observe it as a religious event.
Islam Prohibits the Imitation of Non-Islamic Religious Practices
Islamic teachings advise Muslims to maintain their distinct religious identity and avoid imitating the practices of other faiths that do not align with Islamic principles.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in the Hadith: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
Although Muslims are commanded to be righteous and just when dealing with peaceful non-Muslims in “Dunya” dealings, when it comes to matters related to “Deen” or religion (such as celebrating religious holidays), Muslims are not allowed to congratulate them or take part in their celebrations.
Allah says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8:
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” Surah Al-Mumtahanah
(Sahih International)
What did the Quran say about Christmas?
The Quran Does not speak about Christmas or the date of the birth of Jesus. Although Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus (AS) on Christmas day, Catholics believe that he was born in December, but Orthodox celebrate his birth in January. On the other hand, his birth date is unknown in Islam.
In the Quran, Allah says in Surah Mary, verses (16-23):
16- And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east.
17- And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man.
18- She said, “Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.”
19- He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.”
20- She said, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?”
21- He said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’ “
22- So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place.
23- And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, “Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.”
(Sahih International)
Can Muslims Celebrate Christmas?
Muslims are not allowed to celebrate any feasts other than ”Eid Al-Fitr” and “Eid Al-Adha”. On the contrary, they are discouraged from sharing or taking part in celebrations related to events that contradict the Islamic faith.
Narrated Anas (RA) that when Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) came to al-Madinah, the people had two days on which they engaged in games. He (PBUH) said:
“Allah has substituted for you something better than them: the day of sacrifice and the day of breaking the fast.”
[Reported by Abu Dawud and an-Nasa’i; with a Sahih Isnad (authentic chain), Book 2, Hadith 497, ].
Watch this video for more elaboration on the rulings of celebrating Christmas in Islam:
Can Muslims Celebrate Christmas? | Ustadh Mohamad Baajour
The High Status of Jesus in Islam
Although Muslims do not Celebrate Christmas, Islam holds Jesus (Isa) in high esteem. Let us explore how Islam honors Prophet Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him).
Jesus is a Beloved Prophet of Allah
The Quran mentions Jesus twenty-five times as one of Allah’s prophets, highlighting his miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead with God’s permission.
The Quran says in Surah Mariam, verses 30-35:
30- [Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah . He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.
31- And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive
32- And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant.
33- And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.”
34- That is Jesus, the son of Mary – the word of truth about which they are in dispute.
35- It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.
(Sahih International)
Jesus Will Return Before the Judgment Day
Islamic belief states that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the false Messiah (Dajjal).
His Mother, Maryam, is Highly Respected in Islam
Mary (Maryam) is one of the most honored women in Islam, with an entire Quran chapter named after her.
Allah says in the Quran, Surah At-Tahreem, verse 12:
“And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.”
(Sahih International)
Bottom Line: Do Muslims Believe in Christmas?
Muslims respect Jesus (Isa) as a prophet and messenger of Allah the Almighty, but do not celebrate Christmas as a religious or cultural event.
On the contrary, engaging in either the religious or cultural aspects of Christmas (like gift-giving or family dinners) is not allowed in Islam; as Isa (Peace Be Upon Him) is regarded by Muslims as one of the prophets of Allah, and not the son of God as thought by Christians. Moreover the exact date of birth of Isa (PBUH) is not mentioned in any of the authentic Islamic texts.
Additionally, Muslims should avoid all religious rituals and events that contradict Islamic teachings.
Despite that, Muslims are encouraged to do all good to peaceful non-Muslims, and Islam greatly honors all the prophets and messengers of Allah, including Isa (Peace Be Upon Him).
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