Christmas

However, in a world where Muslims and Christians both are present, how should Muslims react? The Prophet of God, peace and blessings be upon him, was faced with this question when he established the first peace sanctuary of Madinah, where the majority of the people were not Muslims. Here is what he said about the Christians of Najran (Yaman):

It was this historical commitment towards people of other faiths that formed the ideals of Islam regarding other faith groups in their midst, whether they were Christian, Jews, Sun worshipers, or Hindus. The Prophet even allowed a Christian delegation to celebrate their religious services in the very Mosque of the Prophet according to classic historians Ibn Hisham and Ibn Sa'd.

In the current context of American aggression in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it has been difficult for Muslim minorities in the US and for Christian minorities in the Muslim world.

Here are some things which Muslims can do in Muslim countries to help Christian minorities enjoy their holidays in the best possible manner:

Give Christian employees an extended holiday break:

Muslim businesses can extend a day off to Christian workers on Christmas day at least, if not longer. Just as some Muslims in the US have successfully gotten days off from work and school on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, Christians in Muslim countries should get the same on their holidays. Many Muslim countries, like Pakistan, already do this.

Reassuring Christian Neighbors:

In countries where there has been recent conflict between Christians and Muslims, for example, in Nigeria and Indonesia, the Muslim leadership can take measures in their communities to make the Christian minority feel more comfortable in their days of happiness.

A gesture of neighborly duty:

Although security is a government matter, and in many Muslim countries governments are providing extra police to churches, it will be a good gesture on the part of Muslim neighbors to offer their time to volunteer for the security of churches during Christmas time. This is especially important in places like Iraq and Pakistan, where, since the American bombing and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq, churches have been targets of terrorism.

Muslim and Christian minorities in India:

In India, where Muslims and Christians are both minorities, Christians have been vocal in supporting the Muslim community during the horrific murders and crimes against the community in the state of Gujurat in 2002. This Christmas, a large number of Indian churches will be fearful about the ongoing compaigns of Hindu militants and self-professed fascists in that part of India. It is critical that Muslims in India support Christians during their holiday season.

Historically, when Muslims have held state power, they have, for the most part, worked hard to protect the rights of non-Muslims in their midst, from idol-worshipping Hindus, to fire-worshipping Zorastrians. Christians, who are described in the Quran as "People of the Book", hold a special place as a faith community from the Abrahamic tradition. Protecting religious freedom has not been the Muslim state’s tactic of appeasement. Rather, it is an order from God, and a practice of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, who once said, "Whoever hurts a non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim society hurts me."

It is critical for Muslims to remember that a person is not considered a Muslim unless they believe in Jesus (Islamic and Christian View of Jesus). This love for this noble Prophet ties us to the Christian community in a special way.

Although the history of relations between Muslims and Christians has not always been good, it is important to remember that Muslims always stood for a society where the rights of all individuals are not only tolerated, but respected and protected.

ORDER PAMPHLET ABOUT JESUS & MARRY:
Jesus in Islam (Designed for free distribution)
Mary in Islam

Your Comments

khalid rahim, toronto,ont - wrote on 12/25/2009 6:59:59 PM
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Comment: Being a muslim, I went to the catholic school, I,am still a muslim as I was born, I respect all other religions, as muslims enjoys all kind of rights in christian countries, so christians and other nationalities , should enjoy the same.Show kindness and respect.

khalid rahim, toronto,ont - wrote on 12/25/2009 6:59:24 PM
Rating:
Comment: Being a muslim, I went to the catholic school, I,am still a muslim as I was born, I respect all other religions, as muslims enjoys all kind of rights in christian countries, so christians and other nationalities , should enjoy the same.Show kindness and respect.

khalid rahim, toronto,ont - wrote on 12/25/2009 6:58:12 PM
Rating:
Comment: Being a muslim, I went to the catholic school, I,am still a muslim as I was born, I respect all other religions, as muslims enjoys all kind of rights in christian countries, so christians and other nationalities , should enjoy the same.Show kindness and respect.

anne, uae - wrote on 12/18/2009 10:33:00 AM
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Comment: *sigh* wish they could give Christmas holidays in my school

Andrea, Winnipeg, Manitoba - wrote on 12/9/2009 3:13:55 AM
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Comment: This article was pleasantly presented with no bias. I was informed of two celebrations Muslims practice and as a Christian was not offened. Respecting each other's beliefs, traditions and cultures would certainly make for a more peaceful world.

thayib, Paris (France) - wrote on 12/8/2009 10:14:21 AM
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Comment: What a very beautiful and genuine statement of peace and respect between religions. It's true that this harmony between people from different beliefs and religions ought to be preserved not only for a particular day but also throughout the year. Isa, peace and mercy be upon him, being a major prophet in Islam, is as much important for Xstians as for Muslims, but many (not to say most of) Muslims tend to forget this part of the prophet commandment because they lack basic knowledge of the Holy Quran. My girlfriend is a profound Christian believer so she celebrates Xmas with her family every year but also usually goes to church on that day. I am a fervent believer of Islam religion so I do not much celebrate this day but I do appreciate very much the fact that this celebration brings joy and hope in each corners of the world. This also has to be taken as a gift of God. As we say in French: JOYEUX NOEL A TOUS!

Azeez Bello, Lagos, Nigeria - wrote on 12/22/2005 3:14:37 AM
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Comment: Salaam. This is highly encouraging and we should all strive to emulate the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW)for his exemplary role and leadership qualities. However, our Christian Bros & Sis should desist from provocative activities that can lead to religious misunderstanding. Let them equally emulate the good qualities of Prophet Isa (Jesus)(AS). If WE all preach and practice the messages that came from the two Prophets, this world will be worth living. Wishing our Xtian bros & sis happy celebrations.

jawad , toronto canada - wrote on 4/14/2005 12:41:06 PM
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Comment: salam to all .i was really touched by ur artical and it was one of the greatest i read in my life . its good to know all that but i hope all of our mullahs and preists would know the things u wrote in ur artical hope they were as well educated as u r . lets pray for them that they can do something good for islam and not to preach people the wrong way as we've been witness the fightings between sheat and sooni going on in afghanistan and all over the world we have to do something about it god bless u and hope u live long to write such nice articals thanx a million

Habeeb, Guyana - wrote on 12/25/2004 11:26:51 AM
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Comment: I'm reminiscing so much of my childhood Chistmas and than God for the impetus it has given me into Interfaith work around the world.

Oriola Badmus, Nigeria - wrote on 12/15/2004 9:58:51 AM
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Comment: Salam, A very great article. In South West Nigeria, hardly would you know the difference between Muslims and Christians. We live together in all harmonies. Christmas or Eids are part of everyone of us without compromising individual beliefs. The bond is too thick. How I wish this applies all over the world. Wasalam

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