By Dr. Abdul Wahid Yusuf

The Nature of Christmas: A Creed, Not Just a Culture

For centuries, Muslims have been confronted with the celebration of Christmas, a holiday widely observed across the globe. Many have asked: “Why should Muslims refrain from partaking in such celebrations? Isn’t Christmas merely a cultural practice?” The reality, however, is much deeper than a mere cultural tradition.

In this article, we will explore the theological implications of Christmas, examining the matter from the perspective of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, as understood by the Salaf-us-Saliheen. We will demonstrate that Christmas, far from being a harmless cultural tradition, carries with it elements of creed that directly conflict with the Islamic understanding of monotheism (Tawheed) and the proper belief in Allah and His final Messenger ﷺ.

Qur’anic Perspectives on Christmas

In the Qur’an, Allah makes it clear that He is One and that associating others with Him (Shirk) is the gravest sin. Christmas, however, celebrates the birth of Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) as the Son of God, which stands in direct opposition to the Islamic belief in the absolute oneness of Allah.

This verse unequivocally refutes the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, a central tenet of Christmas celebrations. The belief in Jesus as the Son of God is not just a cultural symbol but a theological stance that directly contradicts the purity of monotheism that Islam upholds.

The Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ on Imitating Non-Muslims

In addition to the Qur’anic injunctions, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ also addresses the issue of imitating non-Muslim practices. The Prophet ﷺ said:

This Hadith clearly teaches us that imitating the practices of non-Muslims, especially those tied to their religious beliefs, is not permissible. Christmas, as a celebration of the divinity of Jesus, falls squarely into this category. It is a practice that goes beyond mere cultural exchange; it is rooted in a theology that conflicts with the core beliefs of Islam.

The Creedal Significance of Christmas

We cannot ignore that Christmas is not just a holiday for exchanging gifts or enjoying family time; it is a celebration that affirms the Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus. As such, it is directly tied to a theological position that is contrary to Islam’s fundamental creed. To partake in it is to endorse a belief system that elevates a human being to the status of divinity, an act that is incompatible with the belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawheed).

The Salaf’s Understanding

The early scholars of Islam, the Salaf-us-Saliheen, were very clear in their stance on avoiding the practices of non-Muslims. They understood that maintaining the purity of our faith required a firm rejection of all practices, beliefs, and holidays that contradicted the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Celebrating Christmas would fall into this category, as it involves the veneration of Jesus in a way that contradicts the Islamic perspective of his prophethood and the oneness of Allah.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله) said:

“Whoever honors the practices of the disbelievers, their festivals, and their ways, it is as if he is giving legitimacy to their disbelief.”

— Al-‘Ibanah by Ibn Battah

Conclusion: Upholding the Purity of Tawhid

As Muslims, our duty is to uphold the purity of our faith and avoid any practices that may dilute or compromise the oneness of Allah. Christmas is not merely a cultural practice; it is a religious observance that contradicts the central tenet of our faith. The Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the words of the Salaf all warn against imitating non-Muslims in their religious observances, especially when it involves beliefs that directly oppose the oneness of Allah.

Let us remain firm in our commitment to the belief in Allah alone and avoid the celebration of Christmas and other such practices that challenge the purity of Tawhid. Our identity as Muslims is not defined by cultural trends, but by our adherence to the truth revealed in the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood by the Salaf-us-Saliheen.