Message from Muslim Council of Britain

[glo]

Dreamin, I think it is only natural that we want to share our festivals with our friends and neighbours.
I have wonderful Muslim neighbours - two women and two young boys.
We have exchanged gifts, food and greetings for Eid and Christmas for years. Why shouldn't we? Isn't that a neighbourly thing to do?

One thing I really love about Muslims is their generosity and hospitality. I recall several occasions when I had to visit Muslim families (I work in a community for adults with learning disabilities) during Ramadan and was offered food - despite the fact that they were all fasting.
I always found that profoundly humbling and beautiful.

If it is part of your religion to share your blessings with non-Muslims - especially during your festivals, why would you not expect the same from your Christian friends and neighbours?
If I invited you to share food with me at Christmas (providing it was halal), would you join me?
If I gave you a gift, would you accept it?

 

[greenhill]

but I still believe that it shouldnt be encouraged. And yes someone did wish someone a Merry christmas which is why I made that point. (Read prior posts.)

I did.

As you believe it should not be encouraged, I believe I am not wrong to wish them. What my intention was only Allah knows (perhaps more so than I) but it is definitely nothing to do with my faith on that matter.

I live in a multi cultural society where people of all kinds wish everyone else. It does not in anyway mean that I believe in Jesus as the son of god and in the Trinity or anything just because I wished them Merry Xmas. It really means nothing except a respect for their Holy day as much as I would like them to respect my Holy day(s) when it comes round. Many a times, friends from different religious backgrounds wish me Happy Eid, and some even partake in the ceremonies and being charitable. It is normal then to return these kind gestures.

Yes, I found the 'poster' rather surprising and after so many years and Xmas's only now I am made to aware of this sentiment. It makes me think. Do we need to be so petty? Do we need to find a point just to be different?

Peace :shade:

 

[sister herb]

^^ Did someone mention an invitation for Christmas dinner? I am on my way already... as well as I have served dinner for my non-muslim friends during Eids and gave them a little gifts.

p.s. You are welcome too, Glo. :statisfie

 

[glo]

You people are making me so happy!

 

[observer]

Have you said 'eid mubarak' to anyone (in real life? If not, then please don't say that muslims should go around saying 'merry Christmas.' It makes you into a hypocrite.

Of course I have! I've had many sweet treats from muslims at Eid too (always a good thing!). Likewise, I think every Christian I know has done so as well - and is always happy to do so. I'm pretty sure the local churches where I lived sent Happy Eid messages too. Likewise Divali, Passover - whatever. If it's your religion's special time then good - enjoy it!

Saying "Eid Mubarak" or "Happy Christmas" is not at all condoning other beliefs or saying that you agree, it's literally just saying "I recognise that this is your special time - I hope you enjoy it!". How people make it out to be some sort of huge religious question just beggars belief! It's polite, nice. Nothing more.

 

[Muhammad]

Greetings,

We seem to have a thread on this every year. There have been plenty of discussions regarding congratulating non-Muslims on their festivals and the meaning behind Christmas. We do not need another debate.

Independent, the usual greeting at Eid is "Eid Mubarak". (Or Ramadan Mubarak during Ramadan or Jummah Mubarak on Fridays)

Whenever I greet my Muslims neighbours with any of these they always respond with pleasant surprise and gratitude. That alone is a good enough reason to greet people on their special occasions - to share the joy and to show solidarity and unity.

It's a no-brainer really if you want to build communities. :statisfie

Saying Jumu'ah Mubarak is not something we are recommended to do as a habit:
http://www.islamicboard.com/worship-islam/134320321-jummah-mubarak.html#post1588313

From the recent discussion on good works and religion, it is clear that you will have a very different view of celebrations. If one believes religion to be merely a label and that there is no correct way to worship God, there are no boundaries, no right or wrong. But it would be appreciated if respect was given to those who do follow a religion in seriousness, as they cannot be expected to transgress their boundaries. Their view of sharing the joy and expressing solidarity will not always be in line with others.



On the issue of greeting non-Muslims on their festivals, here is a reminder :ia::

Allah the Most High states,

And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass it by with dignity.[SUP]18[/SUP]

​

We as Muslims should pass this festival by with dignity, refraining from the office parties’, Christmas celebrations, the exchange of gifts, and even exchanging Christmas greetings. There are a number of reasons for this; firstly, to become involved in a festival is to sanction the beliefs behind such a festival and as Muslims we are forbidden to sanction anything other than Islam. Just as we as Muslims distance ourselves from celebrations such as Diwali (Hinduism) and Hanukkah (Judaism), we must also do so with Christmas. By celebrating Christmas, not only do we sanction pagan and Christian practices, but we imply that the festival of polytheism is pleasing to us although Allah states,

This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.[SUP]19[/SUP]

​

Secondly, Allah describes Christians as “those who went astray” in the opening chapter of the Qur’an, thus to celebrate something that is not even sanctioned in their religion is to imply that their straying is of no consequence. Thirdly, to take part in their festivities or to give greetings such as ‘merry/happy Christmas’ is to encourage and congratulate them in their actions instead of censuring them for their falsehood. This is in opposition to Qur’anic teachings whereby Allah states,

They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.[SUP]20[/SUP]
Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour. Fear Allah, for Allah is strict in punishment.[SUP]21[/SUP]

​

Muslims, by the grace of Allah, have been afforded a complete way of life which details that which is best and most beneficial for the entire human race...

Christmas, Muslims and the Paganisation of Christianity


Let us end with this:

There are many other and better ways where a believer can display his well-wishes towards his non-muslims friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. by being kind, just, honest, and always truthful with them, giving them good advice, and being their sincere well-wisher at all times. If the believers strive with their good character and best manners as always befits a muslim, it would go a long way in promoting good cordial relations with their non-muslim brethren, rather than celebrating their pagan festivals with them.

Thread closed.