Easter Celebrations

If anything is reminiscent of Easter, then it is of shops filled with chocolate bunnies, Easter eggs and hot cross buns. For many of us it may simply be a time to indulge, but what do these things signify and should we really be indulging?
The BBC states the following: “Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus three days after he was executed.”

According to Christian belief, Good Friday commemorates the Friday on which Jesus was killed on the cross and the next Monday commemorates the day he was resurrected.

It is essential for us and especially our children, who may be exposed to Christian beliefs, to know the true Islamic beliefs surrounding this issue.

Firstly, Allah is One, Eternal and Absolute. Neither does he have a son, nor does he die and subsequently be resurrected.

Secondly, Hazrat Esa Alayhis Salaam (Jesus in English) was one of foremost Prophets of Allah. His message, as was the message of all Prophets before him, was to worship Allah alone and to submit to His will.

Thirdly, neither was Hazrat Esa Alayhis Salaam killed nor crucified. Allah Ta’ala protected him and raised him to the heavens where he currently resides. When Qiyaamah nears, Allah will once again send him to this world, where he will complete his earthly lifespan and fulfill his role in establishing Islam on the earth.

These are integral beliefs of a Muslim. Ensuring our and our children’s education of the same are essential requirements of Imaan.

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport
Durban, South Africa

Interesting.

The Church adopted spring equinox celebrations as Easter. As this time had already been one of celebrating the sun's resurrection and return to prominence, celebrating the resurrection of the son of God required no great change in understanding. In fact, the Easter celebrations were so similar to earlier celebrations - particularly those which recognized the resurrection of the Babylonian Adonis, the Greek Apollo, and the Roman Attis - that a bitter controversy arose with pagans claiming that the Christian Easter celebration was a spurious imitation of the ancient traditions. Vernal equinox bonfires, originally prohibited by the Church, found their way as Easter fires into the official liturgy of Rome by the ninth century. Fertility symbols associated with spring, such as the egg and the incredibly prolific rabbit, survived as well. (Ellerbe p.148)

Yes, the celebration has pagan roots,

Not unlike many other teachings and beliefs in Christianity which are derived from Shirk,

Easter, Lent was the equivalent of the muslim fasting month, no? But it is no longer that... instead, chocolate and bunnies.


eace:

Interesting piece of information. JazakAllah for sharing.