The Holy Quran and Sunnah (Life of the
Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him PBUH)) guide a Muslim’s life. Encompassed within those is the Shariah
Law. Together those three things aptly govern
the life and affairs of Muslims and provide a compass to live in accordance
with holy text and religious legislation.
For Muslims there are two holidays, during their calendar, which are
widely celebrated bringing great joy and happiness. They are the Eid that comes at the end of the
30-day fast of Ramadan and another Eid, which comes at the end of the
pilgrimage of Hajj where Muslims from around the world visit the holy city of
Mecca.
Anything outside of these celebrations is
sorely frowned upon. Nothing within the
text of the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, Islamic law (Shariah Law) conforms or urges
the Muslims to celebrate or participate in Christmas festivities. Doing such is seen as outside the boundaries
of Islam. However it must be stated that Islam prohibits the Muslim from
denigrating, castigating, or besmirching, the ways, practices and festivities
of other religions. They can disagree
but to be repugnant, vitriol, or outlandish is completely wrong.
With all the hoopla, discount sales, visits
to Santa Claus and more just how does a Muslim feel during this time of the
year. If a Muslim is practicing his
faith, neither fervor nor excitement enters his heart during this time of
year. Neither does fervor or excitement
enter his heart during New Years Eve, New Year’s Day, Palm Sunday, Easter, the
Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Halloween, or Thanksgiving.
The Muslim may however wonder what a
Christmas tree decorated with balls has to do with the birth of Christ. He may wonder what Santa Claus and reindeer
have to do with the three wise men that came bearing gifts to the baby
Jesus. He may wonder why none of this is
written about in the Holy Bible. He may
just wonder what is really the purpose of Christmas.
The Muslim will be polite and cordial to
friends who are in the midst of celebrating.
He most likely will decline invitations to holiday parties and good
cheer. He will use the time to reflect
upon the goodness of his creator and further the advancement of his studies of
Islam.
Translations2u is a UK based translation company specialising in legal translation including matters involving Sharia law.
«(...) what a Christmas tree decorated with balls has to do with the birth of Christ. He may wonder what Santa Claus and reindeer have to do with (...)»
ReplyDeleteOriginally, Christmas was not a Christian celebration. The Christian fest was applied upon ancient celebrations related to the winter solstice.
Thanks for your input. Share your views any time :)
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