"Treating Christmas with Respect," a Commentary by Abdul Malik Mujahid

December 24, 2007

Author: Abdul Malik Mujahid

Source: The American Muslim

http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/treating_christmas_with_respect1/0015318

Christmas is an annual Christian religious holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him. For many Muslims who even do not celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, it becomes an issue of what stand they should take.

There have been a number of legitimate criticisms of the holiday from Muslims and non-Muslims based on theological and cultural considerations. However, this cannot be used to disregard the holiday as merely an exercise in ancient pagan practices, for instance, or excessive consumerism. Muslims have to remember that for practicing Christians, Christmas really is about Jesus.