5 Ways to Navigate Christmas as a Muslim

1. “We Wish You A Merry Christmas…?”

In most communities, and within many families, multiple faiths coexist. Relationships that are based on respect, openness, and intolerance of discrimination are vital. Despite living in religiously diverse societies, some Muslims are of the impression that to wish those of the Christian faith, greetings of goodwill on this day, is a form of shirk (polytheism). This claim is untrue [2], however, there is a healthy debate regarding the possibility of glorifying or endorsing other religions  practices  and beliefs that are not agreeable according to Islam. Many Muslims agree that it is not wise, nor preferential to greet a non-Muslim in such a way, as it may promote an errant belief.

Responding to other religious traditions and beliefs can be challenging, particularly when they contradict our own. The best example of interfaith relations can be drawn from the Prophet Muhammad  ﷺ.

Towards the end of the Prophet’s life, he received a delegation of sixty Christians from Najrān. While he spoke to them, the Prophet acknowledged Islam as being the continuation of the Prophet Jesus’s message but he held steadfast on his rejection of the Trinity. He invited the delegation to worship One God and accept Islam as the final Revelation. Though they refused to do so, when the time came for their prayer, the Prophet allowed them to perform it in the Mosque [3].

The following revelation was then revealed: “The likeness of Jesus in God’s sight is that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was. The truth is from your Lord, so do not be of those who doubt. And if anyone disputes with you about him, after the knowledge that has come to you, say, “Come, let us call our children and your children, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, and let us invoke God’s curse on the liars.” [3: 59-61]

Instead of mutual mubāhalah (gathering under the open sky and calling upon God to curse the liars), an agreement in the form of a treaty was settled upon. This allowed the Christians to hold on to their beliefs without any harm or suffering. Their churches and possessions were also to have full protection by the Islamic State at the cost of jizyah (tax) [4].

Above all, the interaction between the Prophet and the Christians from Najrān demonstrates the value of respect for other traditions and rights. Wishing family members, neighbors, and friends well on Christmas Day, does not invalidate any Muslim beliefs if the intentions are to express peace and happiness for those celebrating. It is however important to carefully which words are used to send wishes. It is advisable to use greetings such as "Have a good season", and "Wishing you well on your break/vacation".

Ultimately, Allah, The Glorious and Exalted, is the final judge.   

2. Give Back

Giving is a way to encourage others away from the commercial aspect of Christmas, and towards a righteous one: Sharing, family, and goodwill towards mankind. In Islam, the concept of Sadaqah  (charity) is part and parcel to our creed. Its literal meaning is to spend possessions and abilities in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ‎. Types of Sadaqah can vary from making dua (prayer) for a persons guidance, smiling and greeting people, or visiting the sick [5]. A good way to get through the Christmas season is to spend your time doing acts of goodness. This not only seeks the pleasure of our Lord but uplifts your community and builds mutual understanding.

Most local places will have opportunities for you to donate money or volunteer your time in serving those who are homeless, the elderly, children in need, animal shelters, or getting involved in food drives. Many families might feel the strain of job losses even more this season due to the global pandemic. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are useful social media apps that will help you find out where, and how, you can assist. 

3. Spend Time with Family and Friends

Social distancing has completely changed how we relate to one another. Lockdown and border restrictions, to slow the spread of the virus, have separated and isolated many. Loneliness, fear, anxiety, frustration, and stress are some of the psychological impacts of social isolation [6]. This time of the year, when an emphasis is placed on family, can be especially devastating for those who have lost loved ones over these past few months. This is why it is so important to check in on one another, not only to seek support but to be a part of someone else’s support system.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends staying connected and maintaining your social networks, keeping daily routines or creating new ones, and using the telephone, email, social media, or video conference to reach out [7]. If you are not able to or feel you cannot reach out for community or familial support for anonymity, there are useful online resources and communities you can join for help. Organizations like The Taleef Collective and Wasat are beneficial and focus on spirituality, community, mental health, and challenges as it relates to the Muslim experience.

While on your journey keep in mind that “God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear: in his favor shall be whatever good he does, and against him whatever evil he does” [2: 286].

4. Learn About ‘Jesus’ (Isa) & ‘Mary’ (Mariam)

The nativity of Jesus, a scene depicting the Holy Family, the angels, the Magi, and others, is probably one of the most recognizable images in Christianity. It is found in artwork, plays, and on glass stained Church windows. Though there are some similarities, Islamic accounts of Prophet Isa (Jesus) عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ (peace be upon him) and his mother Maryam (Mary) differ from that of the Christian portrayal. Christmas time is the perfect reminder to refresh one’s memory, further one’s understanding, or gain first-time insight into these two influential figures in Islam.

There is much to take away from the story of Maryam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام. Her faith and bravery in the face of adversity is immeasurable and should serve as an inspiration in our trying times. Her determination and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge are admirable, but it is her navigation of femininity, young motherhood, and challenging of gender roles that makes her so exemplary for Muslim women. Literature and resources are abundant on both The Prophet and his Mother, many of which are available freely on the internet. The Tafseer of Surah Maryam by Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda on YouTube is a great place to start.

5. Be Mindful

No holiday is complete without food. While traditional Christmas dishes vary from country to country, classic American recipes for cranberry sauce, fruitcake, and eggnog are highly probable for containing alcohol. It is important to be mindful of what you are consuming during this time. Check ingredient lists and be open with friends and family you will be dining with regarding your religious dietary requirements. Most foods requiring alcohol can easily be made using a substitute. See more of our articles for helpful guidance on halal eating and practices.     

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Works cited:
 [1] Most Christian Countries 2020. Available: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-christian-countries

 [2] F Zolkepli 2020, Dec 4,-last update, FT Mufti:Nothing Wrong In Wishing Merry Christmas. Available: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/12/04/ft-mufti-nothing-wrong-in-wishing-merry-christmas

[3]  M.H. Mirza 2011, "A Delegation of Christians from Najrān Visits the Prophet Muḥammad: Contemporary English Sīrah Literature for a Western Audience", Islamic Studies, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 159-170. 

[4]  M.H. Mirza 2011, "A Delegation of Christians from Najrān Visits the Prophet Muḥammad: Contemporary English Sīrah Literature for a Western Audience", Islamic Studies, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 159-170. 
[5]  S Hasan 2018, Mar 20, -last update, Zakat vs Sadaqah. Available: https://www.globalsadaqah.com/blog/zakat-vs-sadaqah/

[6]  H Stokes-Lampard, S Galea, H Kankam, P Oakeshott, & M. S Razai 2020, "Mitigating the Psychological Effects of Social Isolation During the Covid-19 Pandemic", BMJ, pp. 1-5.

[7] World Health Organization 2020, Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During The COVID-19 Outbreak. Available: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf