Can Muslims have a Christmas tree?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, no, Muslims do not celebrate Christmas. According to the scriptures, the celebration of Non Islamic religious festivals is not permitted. However it's not to say no Muslims celebrate Christmas or or make a small gesture like having Christmas dinner, exchanging gifts or getting the day off work etc. This may be for a myriad of reasons. Their families may not be Muslims so they still celebrate it as a family affair and some people may see Christmas as more of a national tradition rather than religious, for others it may have something to do with school or work etc, invitation by friends or neighbours and some may wish to learn about or sample other cultures. Not all Muslims are devoutly religious, there are many liberal ones who don't practice Islam by the book so would have a different outlook.

Answer 2

I would think not directly. Because Christmas is a Christian holiday, it would be blasphemy for a Muslim to celebrate it. However, I would think that many Muslim families still celebrate it purely for the sake of fitting into society, coming together as a family, and giving presents. In conclusion, a devout Muslim would never celebrate Christmas the way Christians do or for the same reasons. But many partake in the celebrations in a more secular manner.

AnswerChristmas is no more a Christian celebration in the modern world than it is a pagan holiday, a national holiday, a winter feast, and a common festival for all to indulge in, marking the coming winter. It is also, unfortunately, an increasingly obvious commercial extravaganza of exploitative marketing.

Since long before the story of Christ, humans have gathered together in the darkest months of the year to feast in defiance of the short days and bitter cold, having saved food stuffs specifically to consume in abundance and joy, and to please whatever spirits were thought to govern the seasons.

If you live in a country that celebrates Christmas, you have every right to join in the festivities in a way that you feel appropriate, and nobody has the right to tell you otherwise, regardless of your beliefs - just as everybody else in that country has the right to celebrate it without fear of 'offending' the small-minded.

With or without the Christian notion of tolerance and charity, the celebration has always been - always will be - for all to enjoy; this is the way many enjoy it every year. To deny this day to anyone for any reason at all would not be Christian. Should non-Christians be refused food, light and warmth because this day is not for them?

There are a large number of Muslims in Western countries who celebrate Christmas with many of the trappings of tradition. Christmas trees, for instance, are nothing to do with Christianity, and are found in many Muslim homes at this time of year along with tinsel, mince pies and cream, roast meats, and even the obligatory tin or two of chocolate assortments. There are a great many other items of Christmas that have no connection whatsoever to Christian dogma, and they are ubiquitous.

If atheists were denied the right to call it 'Christmas', they would still celebrate the same way under any other name. There is no law, religious or legislative, banning anyone from celebrating Christmas, or indeed, celebrating a custom far older than Christianity at the same time as Christmas.

Answer 3

I have a good friend that is a Muslim, and I have also researched the religion. Muslims do believe that Jesus was a prophet, second only to Mohammed. They do not believe that he is the Messiah. They have no day set aside to celebrate his birth, but since they recognize his significance, they will congratulate Christian friends and sometimes even celebrate with them.

Answer 4

This is becoming a big problem, and not just for Muslims; Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and even atheists, have to confront how pervasive Christmas has become. Depending on how religious you are, that will influence your response. If you are a religious Muslim (or Jew, or any other non-Christian faith), you probably do not want your kids celebrating someone else's religious holiday or honoring someone else's deity. Even if it's framed to you as just a happy day for receiving gifts, it is still CHRIST-mas, the day that honors the Christian messiah. Yes, many Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet, but they do not pray to him nor worship him. Thus, celebrating Christmas could be considered ethically wrong.

But with kids, you do not want them to feel left out, nor do you want to seem rude to well-meaning people who want to give you gifts. Try to explain gently that it's not your religion, but that you certainly respect what Christians believe, even if you cannot participate in those beliefs. Teach your kids to be proud of their own holidays and make sure they know that there's nothing wrong with being different from the majority. On the other hand, if you are not especially religious, this may not be as much of an issue, as you can explain to your kids that the holiday has become much more secular for a large number of Americans; and if you choose to, you can participate in the more secular aspects of the holiday along with others you work with or are friends with. But you are under no obligation to do so.

Answer 5

Christmas is really more of a family holiday nowadays, at least in the west. Im Muslim and i celebrate it with my family.

Answer 6

Anyone can have a Christmas tree, so yes. But Christmas trees don't follow their religion, if that's what you're asking.

Answer 7

Of course. Muslims can decorate their homes at any time.

Answer 8

If they ask Santa to come, they can.

Answer 9

I don't think so

Answer 10

No