This is one of the most common questions that Muslims ask, and people want to know if they can celebrate Christmas Day or not. So we will try to explain this point here.
In Islam, the word haram means prohibited, and things that are haram are not allowed in our religion. This includes celebrating any non-Muslim festival, even if it’s one like Christmas, which has deep religious meaning outside of Islam.
Considering that the celebrations mentioned are imitations of the unbelievers, it is clear that they are haram. Muslim festivals are limited to Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, along with the weekly “Eid” on Friday, or Yawm al-Jumu’ah.
The reason behind the celebration of Christmas
As Christians, Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their faith.
During Christmas, Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, who they believe to be the Son of God.
Christmas is derived from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). Christians participate in Mass services to commemorate Jesus’ death and resurrection (which is sometimes referred to as Communion or Eucharist). People had the ‘Christ-Mass’ service at midnight because it was the only one that could be held after sunset (and before sunrise the following day). Thus, Christmas is shortened to Christ-Mass.
Christians celebrate to celebrate the birth of Jesus (son of god).
Is it haram to celebrate Christmas?
Celebrating Christmas is strictly Haram in Islam.
Celebration of Christmas comes under the boundaries of shirk. And it is one of the most unforgivable sins in Islam.
Celebrating Christmas or the birth of any other prophet (bid’ah) is prohibited since they are innovations. The Holy Quran states the following regarding innovation in Islam:
How to respond to Merry Christmas in Islam?
This is something that depends from person to person. If you want to respond by wishing them, you can. But if you do not like to wish the other person, say “Wa Alaikum as-salam” or “Same to you.”
As Mufti Menk clarified beautifully in one of his lectures online, there is no need to “forcefully” wish it if you do not want to.
Is it haram to say Merry Christmas?
Muslims are not permitted to adopt the customs and traditions of other religions. But they can say “Happy Christmas,” However, it is not harmful to use the standard greetings that are common among people. You may wish Christians a Merry Christmas or a Happy New Year if you greet them. (Fatwa by: Sheikh Ahmad Kutty)
Can I keep a Christmas tree in my home as a Muslim?
Having a Christmas tree is also prohibited for Muslims since celebrating Christmas is haram in Islam.
Got a question? Feel free to ask mufti and get quick answers.
