Christmas, though a worldwide celebration, is not observed by everyone in the world. As it appears, Muslims are not Christians, so do Muslims celebrate Christmas? Yes or no? Hold on.
To answer the question, we shall consider what Muslims think about Christmas. By that, I mean a common understanding of Christmas by Muslims, including what they think of Christians, their Christ, and the occasion itself.
Are you ready for the trip? Buckle up as we dive in and address the question: Do Muslims celebrate Christmas? Don’t forget to share your thoughts at the end of this conversation!
Who Are the Muslims?
I was going to assume that everyone who reads this article knows who Muslims are. But on second thought, how about we have a little chat about who the Muslims are, in case there’s someone who needs to know a thing or two about this group of people?
Muslims are a large group of people around the world who identify with a world religion known as Islam. They hold to the idea of an Abrahamic monotheistic God (Allah), who gave them His Word, the Quran, through their prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
What is PBUH? It is an acronym for four words, Peace Be Upon Him; that is how Muslims revere their prophets. I remember sending that to a friend of mine when I chatted with him and mentioned the prophet. He was like, Please, what do you mean by that? Haha.
Muslims do not only use the Peace Be Upon Him for the prophet Muhammad. They do so for other Old Testament prophets, including Jesus. Hmmm. That means, for the Muslims, Jesus is but a prophet of Allah. More on this below.
In case you must know, Muslims are not just one large group of people who believe one particular thing. No! They are diversified in their religious beliefs. Therefore, they have different sects, including the Sunni, Shia, Sufism, Almadiyya, and others. Perhaps we shall have another discussion on these sects and their uniqueness.
But moving forward, let’s consider what Muslims generally think about Christians and their Christ.
What Muslims Think Of Christians And Their Christ?
May I reiterate that Muslims believe in one God, Allah? However, the traditional belief in God among Christians is trinitarian. That is to say that Christians believe in one God existing eternally in three individuals or persons. The order is this: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three are one God.
The understanding of one God in Christianity is understood by Muslims as polytheistic instead of monotheistic, though Christians argue otherwise. What exactly is the problem? The divinity of Jesus as the unique son of Allah.
Recall, I noted that Muslims view Jesus Christ of the Christians as a prophet before Prophet Muhammad. Yes, they view Muhammad as the prophet of God after Jesus (Issa) and the last of them all. So, as Christians don’t accept that idea, they are seen by Muslims as unbelievers and are otherwise addressed as kafirs.
However, the Christians as well as the Jews are viewed by Muslims as the people of the book. That is to say that they are recognized as originators from the Abrahamic faith but have gone astray because, according to them, they are committing shirk.
Fairly, we shall also look at what Christians have to say about that and what they think of the Muslims.
Do Muslims celebrate Christmas?
To the question, Do Muslims celebrate Christmas? So far, we have seen that Muslims differ from Christians in fundamental beliefs about God and Christ. But does that play any role in whether or not Muslims celebrate Christmas? Yes, I think so.
The reason I think Muslims’ decision about the celebration of Christmas is influenced by their differing ideas about Christ as opposed to that of Christians is because Christmas is viewed by Christians as the celebration of the birth of the savior of the world, among other things. That is way beyond what Muslims think of Jesus. You see?
So, do Muslims celebrate Christmas? No, they generally do not. As it appears, Muslims don’t celebrate non-muslim holidays but observe certain events, including Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.
Christmas is generally known as a Christian holiday, particularly for Christians who have no problems celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ. Others view it as a paganistic holiday or a season for family reunions and community celebrations.
Come to think of it, what will it take for Muslims to celebrate Christmas? Is it giving up their beliefs about Christ and becoming Christians? Or is it to cook a pot of rice and stew and share with their neighbors along with a bottle of Coca-Cola? What difference does it make? Meanwhile, I don’t recommend that drink.
