The word “Christmas” is consisting of two words “Christ” and “mass”. The word “Christ” means Messiah (Jesus) and the word “mass” means gathering or festival. This compound word means gathering for the Christ, festival of Christ, or the celebration of the birth of Christ. The first celebration took place in the middle of the fourth century. The exact date of the Nativity is not known. It is also called the birthday of Christ and the year of birth. Moreover, it is known as the big day.
This day is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which is observed commonly on 25th December as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of Christians around the world by decorating their homes, wearing their new clothes, exchanging Christmas cards, and cooking many kinds of food. They decorate a tree with lights (this tree is known as the Christmas tree too) and visit Churches and pray. This day was first ever celebrated on 25th December 330 A.D.
Was Jesus (AS) Born On 25th December?
The Verses of the Holy Quran clearly contradict his birth on the 25th of December. The Holy Quran relates his birth as follows:
“So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem Valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem). And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date palm. She said: “Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!” Then [the babe ‘Iesa (Jesus) or Jibrael (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: “Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you; and shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you. So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: ‘Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.” (Maryam 19:22-26).
Usually, the dates ripen in June or July in Palestine and the above-mentioned Verses indicate that his birth was taken place in such hottest season of the year.
Christmas Tree And Christmas Card:
The tradition of Christmas trees was founded by Germans in the 7th century and this tradition prevailed in all of Europe till the 17th century and to the USA on 20th December 1821. In 1847 the husband of Queen Victoria visited Germany and brought the Christmas tree with himself to Britain and they officially celebrated it in London in 1848.
The Christmas card was founded by John Horsley, who was an artist in 1843. He designed the first card and sold them for 1 shilling each. About 1000 cards were printed and sold. The card had three panels. The outer two panels showed people caring for the needy and poor and in the center panel was a family having a large Christmas dinner.
Besides these traditions people also waste a major part of their money aimlessly on music, drinking wine, and dancing.
What Islam Says About Celebrating Christmas?
Christmas Day is totally a non-Muslim and Christian tradition and Muslims are not allowed to celebrate it under any circumstances due to the following reasons:
1). Islam has done away with all the customs of the Day of Ignorance. The followers of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) celebrate only the festival days appointed by the Shariah he (PBUH) delivered. Muslims have only two festivals sanctioned by the Prophet (PBUH). Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
2). Muslims are not allowed to imitate other people, in dress, or other customs. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.” (Abu Dawud 4031).
3). Celebrating Christmas Day is based on a belief that is totally against the teachings of Islam. They believe that Jesus (AS) is the son of Allah and Allah (SWT) Himself says:
“And it is not appropriate for the Most Merciful that He should take a son.” (Maryam 19:92).
4). Celebrating Christmas is a sin and transgression and Allah (SWT) forbids the Muslims from helping one another in sin. Allah (SWT) says:
“But do not help one another in sin and transgression.” (Al-Maidah 5:2).
In short, Islam is a complete religion that was revealed by Allah (SWT) to His beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and we are strongly recommended to carry out all its teachings in our daily lives. It forbids us from celebrating such festivals, sharing our greetings with them on such events, or helping them in their thoughts and conceptions.
Also Read:
- Top 3 Benefits of Learning the Quran
- Valentine’s Day (History, facts, and Islam)
- Teachings Kids About Islam
