In a world flooded with cultural openness and societal diversity, Muslim families in the West face significant challenges in safeguarding their Islamic identity and religious traditions, especially during seasons and celebrations with differing religious themes. A vivid example of this struggle can be seen in Muslim mothers living abroad, some of whom have turned to social media to share their challenges in raising children on Islamic values while continuously confronting Western cultural influences.
As mid-December approaches, stores and markets begin to showcase various products in colors associated with Christmas, such as red, green, and gold, accompanied by enticing seasonal offers. Around this time, decorations and lights adorn hotels, malls, and homes, captivating adults and children alike. Sadly, even some channels in Islamic countries—may Allah guide them—speak about Christmas and New Year’s Eve as if these occasions are their own. Within this context, some mothers find themselves perplexed, wondering: What is the appropriate stance to take regarding what our children see, in a manner that aligns with Islamic principles and is suitable both religiously and educationally? How can we convince them not to be drawn into celebrating like the majority around them?
In one mother’s account, she discusses the position on celebrating Christmas and how the Muslim community in Britain is divided between conflicting views. Some partake in the celebrations and offer gifts to their children, while others adamantly reject this stance to preserve their Islamic identity.
This mother believes the solution lies not in outright rejection or full participation but in balance, providing explanations and educating children in a simplified manner, supported by Islamic values. To her, it is crucial for children to understand the concept of religious and cultural differences, to respect others while maintaining their own identity.
Undoubtedly, these challenges require awareness and a balanced approach by parents, as it is neither feasible to deny the reality of integration and interaction with surrounding communities nor permissible to compromise on preserving religious values and identity.
Muslim parents must understand why celebrating non-Islamic holidays is forbidden. When we prevent our children from celebrating and participating in the rituals of such occasions, we strive to comply with Allah’s commands: “That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” (Al-Hajj 32). Those who obey Allah’s command and honor religious symbols are described as having hearts characterized by piety and fear of Allah.
Additionally, by abstaining from these celebrations, we follow the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, avoiding imitation of the disbelievers. The Prophet ﷺ said, “He who copies any people is one of them.” (Ahmad).
It is also essential for children to learn from a young age that Muslims only have two celebrations: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, along with the weekly celebration of Friday (Jumu'ah). Any other celebration falls into one of two categories: innovation (if the celebration is considered an act of worship, like Mawlid), or imitation of non-Muslims (if celebrated as a cultural tradition). Anas ibn Malik narrated that when the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina, the people had two days on which they engaged in games. He asked, “What are these two days (what is the significance)?” They replied, “We used to engage ourselves on them in the pre-Islamic period.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah has substituted for them something better than them, the day of sacrifice and the day of the breaking of the fast.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, and Nasa'i with a sound chain).
What also prevents us from celebrating is the importance of preserving our Islamic identity. It is disheartening to see many people today melting into Western culture, influenced by imported customs, even when they conflict with our religion and core traditions. Such leniency and lack of firmness lead to the erosion and eventual disappearance of Islamic identity.
How to Address Christmas with Our Children Educatively?
1. Teach the Story of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him): Explain who Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) is, his story, and what Muslims believe about him. Compare the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah with those of Christians regarding Isa (peace be upon him).
2. Engage in Dialogue with Children: When speaking with young children, do not simply say, “Christmas is haram,” without elaboration. Children under six may not grasp the meaning of "haram." Instead, explain that a "kafir" is someone who denies and fails to acknowledge Allah’s blessings. Allah created and provided for him, granting him the means to enjoy the good things in life and worship Him as prescribed through His messengers, but he rejects this and suffers loss.
3. Clarify the Meaning of Christmas: Explain that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, whom Christians regard as either God or the son of God, which contradicts our beliefs as Muslims. We believe that Isa (peace be upon him) was only a messenger sent by Allah with the Injil (Gospel).
4. Discuss who is Santa Claus: Explain that Santa Claus is a symbol rooted in the story of a monk named Nicholas, who dedicated himself to spreading Christianity among Roman children by distributing sweets and gifts. This concept challenges our Islamic belief system.
5. Make Muslim Celebrations Attractive: To encourage children, ensure that Islamic celebrations are exciting and memorable. Just as children see their peers from other faiths celebrating with joy, Muslim children should feel pride and happiness in their own celebrations.
How Should a Muslim Respond to “Merry Christmas”?
The correct response is not to reply at all, as congratulating them on such occasions is forbidden. Whether they are colleagues or not, we should not respond to their greetings, as these are not our holidays, and they are displeasing to Allah. As Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said when asked about the ruling on congratulating disbelievers on their holidays, “It is not permissible.”
When children see their parents adhering to Allah’s commands and honoring His symbols, their fascination with non-Muslim celebrations will diminish. They will feel comfortable embracing their differences and refraining from participation in such festivities, even proudly explaining their Islamic beliefs to friends and teachers. For instance, just as Muslims do not celebrate Christmas or receive gifts, their non-Muslim friends do not celebrate Ramadan or receive gifts during Eid.
Finally, we ask Allah to guide our children to what is best for them in this world and the hereafter, to show them the truth and enable them to follow it, and to protect them from falsehood.
