Some people ask why Muslims do not celebrate Christmas? Is that because they do not agree on the 25th of December as Jesus birthday? Or is that because they say Christians believe in Jesus as the son of God, while Muslims do not believe in Trinity, as well as they believe that Islam is the religion that is more complete than Christianity and all other religions that came in the past; the same way that Christians believe that Christianity is a more complete religion than Judaism.

But let’s put aside the issue of Islamic view on the date of birth of Prophet Jesus (PBUH). The most important fact that causes Muslims not to wish to celebrate Christmas is the matter of identity. Do Muslims expect Christians or Jews to celebrate Islamic occasions? Does it not sound logical that each culture celebrates its own occasions and rituals? Of course, people who were born Muslims in Muslim countries or communities would like to celebrate their own occasions.

But here we are discussing the issue of those who have converted to Islam. Or those who are Muslim and live in societies with a majority of Christians.

Is it forbidden (Haram) for Muslims to celebrate Christmas?

Jesus in Islam

Prophet Jesus (PBUH) is among the Prophets whose names and stories have been mentioned in many chapters of the Holy Quran. This shows the high status of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and his respected mother – Mary- for Muslims. Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and his mother are so beloved for Muslims that many Muslims name their children after them, and the Islamic society takes every possible chance to admire their position.

It is for this very high level of respect for the Prophet Jesus (PBUH) that Muslims will be offended when he is called the son of God. Since Allah says in the Holy Quran “ That they attribute to the Most Merciful a son. And it is not appropriate for the Most Merciful that He should take a son. There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant.” (19: 91-3)

In the same chapter, Allah says “The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.” (5:75)

Taking part in Christmas parties for Muslims

The ruling on taking part in Christmas parties is the same as taking part in any other party. It is allowed to participate in Christmas parties if there is no forbidden (Haram) act taking place; such as drinking, backbiting or forbidden (Haram) music, singing, or dancing [i], etc.

In Islamic jurisprudence, there is no harm in celebrating the birthday of Prophet Jesus (PBUH).  Also if Muslims do not wish to celebrate Christmas among their cultural occasion, it is forbidden (Haram) to disrespect Christian rituals.

Do Converts Have any Duty Regarding Their Christian Family?

“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness …” (31:14-15)

The above verses clearly define that respecting and caring for parents in the eyes of God is not because of their religion. But He says that you have to respect them, only because your mother carried you for nine months and fed you when you were a weak baby. Therefore non-Muslim parents have all the rights that Muslim parents have. And there is no difference between Muslim or non-Muslim parents if they ask you to do something which is not accepted by God. In those cases, you have to disobey them BUT keep respecting them and behave kindly towards them.

Congratulating Christmas to Christians

Congratulating Christmas to Christians is not forbidden (Haram), as long as it is not considered to be a confirmation of their belief in Trinity while keeping in mind that you believe that Islam is the last religion sent by God to complete the past religions, but it is rather recommended to respect our relatives, friends or neighbors who are Christians with congratulating them on their happy occasions.

The Duty of Muslims in Celebrating Christmas

Although we discussed that Muslims who live in Islamic countries or Western countries would rather celebrate their own cultural occasions among their Islamic communities, there is a duty upon those Muslims who live in the West and may live with non-Muslim friends and families.

It is a duty upon every individual Muslim to spread the words of God as much as possible. And if a Muslim has the position of clarifying the status of prophet Jesus (PBUH) as a prophet and not the son of God or as a god, then he/ she should not take this opportunity for granted and mention the fact that Jesus (PBUH) was not but a respected Prophet of God.

However, it is not obligatory for Muslims to speak out about this issue when they participate in Christmas parties (in which no forbidden (Haram) act will take place), but if there is a chance of talking about the issue, it would be good to mention the Islamic opinion about the Prophet Jesus (PBUH).

Notes:

[i] Read about forbidden (Haram) music in the related article.

[ii] “This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” (5: 5)

References:

1. celebrating christmas

1.  Planting Trees

Each fruit of the tree you have planted will be appreciated by a reward from Allah. 
Kanz al-Amaal, vol.12, p.341.

2.  Learning during Youth

What is learned during youth, like an engraving on a stone, will never be forgotten. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 222.

3. Mothers

Heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers. 

Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 22691.

4. Respecting The Elderly

Respecting a Muslim elderly is like showing respect to Allah.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

5. The Sources of  Mercy

The elderly are the sources of mercy and divine blessing.
Nahj al-fasaha, p.222.

6. The Most Generous according to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

The most generous among you is the one who spreads what he has learned among people.
Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 13825.

7. The Faithful  

The faithful are tied in kindness and affection together like members of a body, one’s pain and hardship affect the others. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.58, p.150

8.  Marriage 

The one who gets married has completed half of his/her religion. 

Kanz al-Amaal, hadith no.44403.

9. The Mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

Indeed, I have been sent to revive the virtues and good morals.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.16, p.286.

10.  Playing during Childhood

Playfulness during childhood will elevate one in wisdom in his/her adulthood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.564, Hadith no. 1940.

11.  The Closest Ones

The kindest, most amiable, generous, patient, and just among you is the closest to me in manner.   
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.240-241.

12. Treating Children 

Be childlike with children.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Man la Yahduruhu al-faqih, vol.3, p.483.

13.  Keep Your Promises to Children 

Love children and be kind to them and keep your promises to them since they only know you as their providers.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.49.

14. The One Who Wins Allah's Praise  

Allah’s love and praise be upon the one who helps his/her children by doing good to them, caring for, and educating them. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.15, p.169.

15. Greeting Children, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)'s Tradition

There are five activities that I won’t leave off till I’m alive so that they would become part of my tradition. [One of them] is greeting children.
Makarem al-Akhlaq, vol.1, p.251.  

16. Fathers   

Being like your father is one of the best blessings of Allah to you.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.71, p.84.

17. Looking Kindly at Your Parents   

The kind look of a child to his/her parents is as praying in Allah’s regard. 
Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.46.

18. Treating Your Family 

The best among you is the one who treats his family best, and I am better than all of you for my family.
Nahj-al fesaha, p.472, Hadith no. 1520.

19. The Desired Family    

Whenever Allah desires the best for a family, He raises their awareness about the religion. The younger ones respect the elders, they observe moderation in their expenses, and they would know about their faults to make them right. 
Nahj-al Fasaha, p.181, Hadith no. 147

20. Delighting Your Parents  

Whoever delights his/her parents, has delighted Allah and the one who displeases them has displeased Allah.
Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, vol.16, p.470.

21.  Imam Ali (AS)

Whomever I am his/her leader (Mawla), then Ali is his/her leader (Mawla). 

Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol.4, p.370. 

22. Women's Status in Allah's Regard

Women are held dearer in Allah’s regard than men, and Allah will highly reward any man who brings joy to his Mahram women.  
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.7.

23. Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS)

Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) has ignited the hearts of believers with a pain that will never be subsided.
Jami al-Ahadith al-Shia, vol 12., p.556.

24. A Good Friend 

When Allah wants to pour His blessings upon you, He endows you with a Good Friend. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.776. 

25. Allah's Favorite    

When Allah chooses to favor someone, He makes him the source of satisfying other people's needs. 

26. Lady Fatimah (AS)  

Fatima is of my flesh, who is the light of my eyes and the warmth of my heart.
al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.486.

27. Humanity    

Loving Humanity is second only to having faith in Allah as one of the best deeds in Islam. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.74,  Hadith no. 387.

28.  An Act of Charity

If a Muslim plants a tree or any plant and a human, bird, or any other animals use it, Allah counts it as an act of charity.” 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.460.

29. Lying      

Lying would negatively influence your livelihood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.373, Hadith no. 1087.

30. The Most Honest, Steadfast and Kindest   

On the Day of Judgment, those who were most honest in their words, steadfast in their promises and kindest in their manners, will be the closest ones to me.
Al-Shaykh al-Tusi, Al-Amali, p.229.

31. The Lawful (Halal) Earning

Praying has seventy parts, the most important and biggest of which is lawful (Halal) earning. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.12.

32. Performing Prayers

The most praised deeds in Allah’s regard is performing prayers (Salat) on their due time.
Kanz al-Amal, vol. 7, Hadith 18897.

33. A Desired Companion

The most desired companion is like a perfumer; his/her perfume would reach you, even if he/she didn't give you anything.

Kanz al-Amal, vol.9, Hadith 24676.

34. Eating Less  

Eating less results in a healthier body and a more tender heart while overeating makes one sick and hard-hearted. 
Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith 579.

35. "I Love You"  

The words of “I love you,” said by a man to his wife, will forever be engraved upon the woman’s heart. 
Wassail al-Shia, vol. 14, p.10.

36.  Causing Harm   

Causing harm to yourself and others is forbidden in Islam.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.5, p.292.

37. Security and Health 

There are two blessings to which no one gives thanks: security and health. 
Khisal, p.34. 

38. The Most Grateful Person    

The most grateful person is the one who thanks people most.

Nahj al-Fasaha, Hadith no. 312.  

39. Saving someone's Reputation   

Whoever saves a believer’s reputation will surely be rewarded by heaven. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Thawab al-a'mal wa 'iqab al-Amal, p.145.

40. Ignorance and Wisdom  

No lack is more irritating than ignorance, and no wealth is more advantageous than wisdom.  
Ususl al-Kafi, vol.1, p.25-26, Hadith 25