We are currently in that time of year when the holidays are on people’s minds. Christmas lights brighten the neighborhood at night, holiday specials are plentiful on TV, and even advertisements adopt Christmas themes. Though we as Muslims do not celebrate this holiday, our children may feel amidst the hype as if they are being left out of a great time. They may have friends at school who do celebrate and may not yet know why we do not celebrate Christmas. As a parent, it is crucial to help your child understand the what’s and why’s about this holiday, and ensure that they do not feel upset that they cannot partake in it.
Christmas is one of—if not the biggest—holidays in the world. It primarily focuses on celebrating the birth of Jesus or Isa, peace be upon him, giving this holiday religious significance. However, Christians are not the only ones who celebrate, as many non-Christians participate in popular traditions such as giving gifts and spending time with family.
In Islam, Muslims are not particularly encouraged to celebrate Christmas, for various reasons:
- Muslims do not celebrate the birthdays of prophets. According to Quranic and Prophetic teachings, there is nothing special about a prophet’s birthday.
- It is impermissible to imitate non-Muslims. In a hadith narrated by Ibn Umar, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud 4031)
- While celebrating Christmas as a Muslim does not immediately make you a non-Muslim, it is still discouraged as it goes against the Prophet’s teachings.
- Islamically, Jesus was not born on the 25th of December. According to Quranic verses, it is more probable that Jesus was born sometime in the summer. Regarding Mary’s, or Maryam’s labor, the Quran says:
“And shake the trunk of this palm tree towards you, it will drop fresh, ripe dates upon you .”
(Surah Maryam, 19:25)
Date palm trees are ripe from late July to August, and since Mary had fresh dates during labor, this supports the argument that Jesus was born in the summer.
Now that you have explained to your child why Muslims cannot celebrate Christmas, how can you make sure they do not feel left out? Before approaching them, it is important to understand that it is natural for a child to feel attracted to this holiday. After all, it is full of sweets, pretty decorations, and gifts. Additionally, there are plenty of non-Muslims who do not celebrate Christmas. Letting your child know that Muslims are not the only ones who do not celebrate will prevent them from feeling isolated because of their religion. Remind them that Islam has plenty of fun holidays. On Eid, Muslims are encouraged to give gifts to one another and spend time with family, providing an enjoyable experience.
Finding alternatives to keep your child occupied and enjoying themselves is a good idea so they do not feel left out of the holiday's fun. Because schools are closed during this time, sometimes for as long as a week or two, you can use this free time to do something fun with your child. Take them out to dinner, a movie, or anything that they may enjoy doing. Around this time of year, there are plenty of activities to do with your family for some good quality time. Here is an article filled with additional suggestions: 10 Great Ways to Enjoy Your Winter Break.
While Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday, Muslim parents should guide their children in understanding why it is not a part of Islamic traditions. Thorough explanations can help children process these differences without feeling excluded or disappointed. Emphasizing the value of Islamic celebrations like Eid, highlighting shared experiences with non-Muslims who also choose to not celebrate Christmas, and finding alternative family activities can ensure that your child feels secure and included during this festive season.
Further Reading Recommendations
Call a family meeting about Christmas
A Green Christmas: Jesus’ Birthdate in the Islamic Tradition
Teaching Muslim Children about Christmas
10 Things Christians Should Know About Muslims And Jesus
My Kids Want to Celebrate Christmas, Help!
Uthman Guadalupe is a Latino Muslim college student with a passion for history and art. He is an assistant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach and freelance illustrator. He is fluent in Spanish and lives with his family in Maryland where he also enjoys playing video games and binging shows.
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