To wish Merry Christmas or not?

[yasir]

I have no problem wishing somebody there religious greeting, it’s a good will gesture and cost nothing. I don’t get why many Muslims have issues saying merry Christmas??

Some Muslims scholars and believers argue on not saying Salam to non-believer, that’s a basis cultural civic value, how insecure and stupid one has to be??

Christmas was not Christian tradition, it was ported from pervious pagan religion in same culture. So are many in Muslim culture like Baker Eid, it’s coming from Jewish forklore and facination with Moon( moon calendar, crescent symbol), Moon God was consider the most powerful God in Arab culture, infact many traditions point to the name Allah (God of Gods) come from the moon God. Name Allah itself is ported from pervious pagan religion or culture, it’s something Muslims come up with...

Interestingly most important holiday of Christian and most important entity in Muslim religion are not of there own, religious people like to go into weeds of silly stuff but don’t research there own cultural roots

 

[PakLFC]

I have no problem wishing somebody there religious greeting, it’s a good will gesture and cost nothing. I don’t get why many Muslims have issues saying merry Christmas??

Some Muslims scholars and believers argue on not saying Salam to non-believer, that’s a basis cultural civic value, how insecure and stupid one has to be??

Christmas was not Christian tradition, it was ported from pervious pagan religion in same culture. So are many in Muslim culture like Baker Eid, it’s coming from Jewish forklore and facination with Moon( moon calendar, crescent symbol), Moon God was consider the most powerful God in Arab culture, infact many traditions point to the name Allah (God of Gods) come from the moon God. Name Allah itself is ported from pervious pagan religion or culture, it’s something Muslims come up with...

Interestingly most important holiday of Christian and most important entity in Muslim religion are not of there own, religious people like to go into weeds of silly stuff but don’t research there own cultural roots

To wish "Merry Christmas" is accepting it as being a true event which it is not. Even most Christians know that Hazrat Isa(as) were not born on Dec 25th It is now very much a Christian celebration even if they inherited it from someone else. From an Islamic perspective it is untrue whatever it's origin may be. Next we will be saying "Happy Halloween" and "Happy Easter" as well. Equally I have no problems when Christians do not wish us on Eid or Ramzan as they also have the right to disagree. I think you have to ponder a bit more over the Islamic perspective.

 

[Varun]

Gotta say, this kind of thing can only become a blockbuster thread on PP.

 

[PakLFC]

Gotta say, this kind of thing can only become a blockbuster thread on PP.

Keep it up guys - you're hilarious!

We don't want to be like other communities wishing everything in the name of political correctness This is why India has lost it's soul trying to be American's and all.

 

[Varun]

We don't want to be like other communities wishing everything in the name of political correctness This is why India has lost it's soul trying to be American's and all.

My only question is why do you need a giant rulebook to tell you what you should do and shouldn't do? Leave alone this never-ending discussion where seemingly 50% are for and the others against?

Just go freestyle on most things - always works better! You needn't be American or Swedish or whatever.

 

[PakLFC]

My only question is why do you need a giant rulebook to tell you what you should do and shouldn't do? Leave alone this never-ending discussion where seemingly 50% are for and the others against?

Just go freestyle on most things - always works better! You needn't be American or Swedish or whatever.

The Qur'an is indeed a revelation not a book to believers however you may disagree. Why do we need a rule book to tell us how to operate any electrical appliance? There will be even more chaos without any rules. People who don't believe in any spiritual order are not any better or successful.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

I don’t see what the big deal is. I wish people happy Diwali even though I don’t buy into the whole Ram and Sita returning to Ayodhya on this date after their 14-year exile story. I wish people happy eid even though I don’t buy into the whole Abraham offering to sacrifice his son story etc etc.

Regardless of what your own beliefs are it’s simply good manners to give people your best wishes on dates that are significant/important to them.

 

[PakLFC]

I don’t see what the big deal is. I wish people happy Diwali even though I don’t buy into the whole Ram and Sita returning to Ayodhya on this date after their 14-year exile story. I wish people happy eid even though I don’t buy into the whole Abraham offering to sacrifice his son story etc etc.

Regardless of what your own beliefs are it’s simply good manners to give people your best wishes on dates that are significant/important to them.

Not really for one religious community to comment on the other's religious celebrations. It makes no sense in wishing happy whatever in something you don't believe in

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas. Please stay safe by observing COVID 19 SOPs.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1342133069453684736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[topspin]

He was a great man, who is the example for all Muslims, we dont need to listen to hardliners from Saudi Arabia as we have his life in detail to make up our own minds. Christians are known as people of the book, heck you can even marry a Christian woman who doesn't have to convert. I think some believe if you wish someone Merry Xmas you are also misguiding them but you are merely wishing them and their families happiness on this day.

Precisely this. Very well said bro. We do not need Wahabis to dictate how we live and follow our religion.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Precisely this. Very well said bro. We do not need Wahabis to dictate how we live and follow our religion.

Their backward ideology has only been around 100+ years.

I remember a family who followed this ideology deeply, would tell their kids not to accept Xmas cards at school. I used to play football with the lad, once I went to his house after a school match which was arwkard because they all sat on the floor , not evening having a tv to watch. Its a mild form of torture for children esp if are always told to divide themselves from others esp at a time such as Xmas which brings people together. Certainly not what Islam teaches.

 

[ishtiaq_ctg]

Their backward ideology has only been around 100+ years.

I remember a family who followed this ideology deeply, would tell their kids not to accept Xmas cards at school. I used to play football with the lad, once I went to his house after a school match which was arwkard because they all sat on the floor , not evening having a tv to watch. Its a mild form of torture for children esp if are always told to divide themselves from others esp at a time such as Xmas which brings people together. Certainly not what Islam teaches.

Muslims are allowed to marry Christians but aren't allowed to greet them merry Christmas! Sometimes I take my time out just to laugh at some of the stuffs neo salafis propogate

 

[topspin]

Their backward ideology has only been around 100+ years.

I remember a family who followed this ideology deeply, would tell their kids not to accept Xmas cards at school. I used to play football with the lad, once I went to his house after a school match which was arwkard because they all sat on the floor , not evening having a tv to watch. Its a mild form of torture for children esp if are always told to divide themselves from others esp at a time such as Xmas which brings people together. Certainly not what Islam teaches.

I have cousins in Birmingham who are deeply concerned with the growing influence of Wahabism in their local region, as Saudis continue to pump more money into their Dawah propaganda machine.

 

[MenInG]

I have cousins in Birmingham who are deeply concerned with the growing influence of Wahabism in their local region, as Saudis continue to pump more money into their Dawah propaganda machine.

Seems a little outdated fear.

Has your cousin been to Saudi recently?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I think [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION] is the only actual Christian on PP, although I think [MENTION=133315]Hitman[/MENTION] was another?

Anyway, merry Christmas to our Christian members and all others who just like to be merry on Christmas regardless. It's actually a great holiday in the UK.

 

[Giannis]

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad and Happy Kwaanza!

 

[Robert]

I don’t see what the big deal is. I wish people happy Diwali even though I don’t buy into the whole Ram and Sita returning to Ayodhya on this date after their 14-year exile story. I wish people happy eid even though I don’t buy into the whole Abraham offering to sacrifice his son story etc etc.

Regardless of what your own beliefs are it’s simply good manners to give people your best wishes on dates that are significant/important to them.

Quite so.

I celebrate Christmas because of the turning of the year as we in the Northern Hemisphere start to tilt back to the Sun, and because it’s cold and dark and we need a big feast day, especially in this awful year.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Most Brits end up taking part in Christmas anyway regardless of faith, it's one of those times when families get together because everyone's off from work for a few days - although that's obviously not going to be the case this year for a lot of us.

 

[Thomaskutty]

Merry Christmas, my fellow Gentiles !

 

[topspin]

Seems a little outdated fear.

Has your cousin been to Saudi recently?

It isn't an irrational fear and is anything but outdated since Wahhabism is on the rise in the Birmingham region. I know you don't follow their beliefs so it's important we distance ourselves from this sect.

Some of my cousins have been to Umrah/Hajj but that has no relevance whatsoever. What we do know is that the Saudi rulers continue to pump money into mosques into the UK and paying Dawah groups to spread their toxic ideology.

 

[topspin]

Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating.

 

[Technics 1210]

Merry Xmas to you all, wishing you a prosperous New Year!

 

[marlonbrowndo]

I wished merry Christmas to all my Christian friends and those celebrating. But Muslims wishing merry Christmas to each other is just absurd to me

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

My non muslims wishes me Eid Mubarak so saying 'Merry Christmas' is only polite even though my family always beated me up for saying that

 

[Hitman]

I don't understand what's the big deal. I wish my muslim friends 'Eik Mubarak', and I'm a Christian.

 

[CanadianG00se]

My non muslims wishes me Eid Mubarak so saying 'Merry Christmas' is only polite even though my family always beated me up for saying that

Have you ever asked why? I never understood how wishing someone “Merry Christmas” would upset some Muslims.

 

[CanadianG00se]

I don't understand what's the big deal. I wish my muslim friends 'Eik Mubarak', and I'm a Christian.

Merry Christmas brother

 

[WC-Passion]

I won't ever be someone who has a tree or has turkey on Christmas as I don't celebrate it, but I don't see any problem with wishing it or gifting someone on Christmas. Even if saying "Merry Christmas!" makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason, you can just say Happy Holidays. It's such a non issue and I don't understand why you would get upset about it.

 

[Hitman]

Merry Christmas brother

Thanks a lot, my brother! Wishing you the same.

 

[IMMY69]

Do it!
Bring some joy to the world

 

[KingKhanWC]

Quite so.

I celebrate Christmas because of the turning of the year as we in the Northern Hemisphere start to tilt back to the Sun, and because it’s cold and dark and we need a big feast day, especially in this awful year.

You dont want to be left out and fit in with others.

Not you but some athiests who hate on religion every other day then go all out to celeberate Xmas shows their hypocrisy and desperation to be part of something. Richard Dawkins is a prime example, he calls Christ a fairy tale yet uses his name every year to be happy.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Have you ever asked why? I never understood how wishing someone “Merry Christmas” would upset some Muslims.

They just say stop acting like a kafir and it's haram and we don't say that. So I don't say it at home

 

[CanadianG00se]

They just say stop acting like a kafir and it's haram and we don't say that. So I don't say it at home

It’s mind boggling how people randomly throw around words like “haram” without any actual evidence.

 

[Itachi]

Thanks a lot, my brother! Wishing you the same.

How's Don Bosco celebration this year?

I went there many times when I was in ghy. It was very lovely environment.

 

[Suleiman]

If someone wishes me “Merry Christmas” I wish them well back but I don’t say the praise because IMO as a Muslim I can’t part take in any celebration or custom which associates partners or sons / daughters to Allah.

So I just say something like “Best wishes to you and your family”. It’s all love at the end of the day.

 

[Hitman]

How's Don Bosco celebration this year?

I went there many times when I was in ghy. It was very lovely environment.

I don't go to the Don Bosco church. I go to the Baptist Church in Panbazar. This Christmas our church was closed due to the pandemic. Where are you now?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Imam ul Haq wished Merry Christmas to everyone during commentary today.

 

[Hasan]

As a Shi’a Muslim living in a Christian country i was always encouraged to use Christmas as a means to remembering Hazrat Isa (AS) and to share the Muslim perspective on this great Prophet. See the ruling of one of the great Shi’a authority today...

Ayatollah Khamenei’s answer to question about celebrating Christmas:

Question: In common with Christians, some Muslims celebrate Christmas. Is there a problem in that?

Answer: There is no harm in celebrating the birthday of the Holy Jesus Christ (May peace be upon him and our Prophet and his pure progeny).

 

[Vegitto1]

People tend to say what they actually feel on forums as they will not be identified. These people are too afraid not to participate in real life because they feel the need to fit in.

 

[Itachi]

I don't go to the Don Bosco church. I go to the Baptist Church in Panbazar. This Christmas our church was closed due to the pandemic. Where are you now?

at Jorhat now. I miss the chirstmas environment that I used to attend when I was in ghy. Upper assam doesnt have that same charm when it comes to christmas. So waiting for bihu.

 

[James]

I think [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION] is the only actual Christian on PP, although I think [MENTION=133315]Hitman[/MENTION] was another?

Anyway, merry Christmas to our Christian members and all others who just like to be merry on Christmas regardless. It's actually a great holiday in the UK.

Thank you Sir.

 

[Hassaan HS]

Karachi bakery chain Delizia 'taking action' after staffer refuses to write Merry Christmas on cake

The post said she had visited the Khayaban-e-Jami branch of Delizia to buy a cake but when she asked them to write 'Merry Christmas' on it, the worker refused and said he was not allowed to as he had been given an "order" from the kitchen.

There was an uproar on social media following the post in which many people expressed their shock and anger.

Senior management at Delizia spoke to Images about the incident and said it was the act of an individual. "At the moment we are taking action against him. It was done in an individual capacity and is not company policy. It may have been done due to lack of education and awareness that 'Merry Christmas' means wishing someone a happy Christmas, nothing else."

The senior management official said there is nothing wrong with wishing someone a merry Christmas and expressed their sorrow at the incident. The company plans on releasing a statement on social media "soon" to address the incident and clarify its stance.

A similar incident took place in 2018 at Delizia's Badar Commercial branch and was reported on another Facebook group, Karachi Food Diary. In that incident, a woman was denied a cake with 'Merry Christmas' written on it and told that it was based on "company instructions". The official said that following that incident there were dismissals and that might be the course of action today as well.

Denying someone something as simple as two words written on a cake is indicative of a far greater problem than icing — it shows that we aren't respecting our fellow Pakistanis and their beliefs. That this happened in a multicultural hub like Karachi is even more frightening. This is a city full of diversity and colour where — for the most part — we celebrate our differences and uniqueness.

Discriminating against someone on the basis of their religion is prejudiced, there are no two ways about it. Writing a few words on a cake does not weaken our own beliefs nor does it mean anything more than wishing someone happy holidays. Rather than excluding others and putting down their celebrations, we would do better to try to broaden our horizons and our minds.

https://images.dawn.com/news/118908...nied-cake-with-merry-christmas-written-on-top

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Not sure what's the fuss here?

Here in United States, hardly anyone greets anyone with the term "Merry Christmas" in public anymore.

The standard term is, "Happy Holidays". It fits everyone, and no one takes offense or demands anything else for greeting in the Christmas season.

Hopefully, they will catch up in Pakistan and in the Mullah regime that is hell bent on putting the highest Islamic importance on things that matters the least in Islam.

 

[James]

3 days to go.

 

[street cricketer]

3 days to go.

Is having a Turkey lunch traditional for Christmas too or is it just a Thanksgiving tradition?

Btw, a Merry Christmas to you James

 

[James]

Is having a Turkey lunch traditional for Christmas too or is it just a Thanksgiving tradition?

Btw, a Merry Christmas to you James

Thank you

a Christmas turkey is traditional in Britain and Ireland, where we do not traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Since Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus, shouldn't that mean it's also a day of important to Muslims? Prophet Isa(Islam) is also important to Muslims.

 

[sweep_shot]

I do not personally wish it.

I wish people well though (general wish).

 

[Robert]

Not sure what's the fuss here?

Here in United States, hardly anyone greets anyone with the term "Merry Christmas" in public anymore.

The standard term is, "Happy Holidays". It fits everyone, and no one takes offense or demands anything else for greeting in the Christmas season.

Hopefully, they will catch up in Pakistan and in the Mullah regime that is hell bent on putting the highest Islamic importance on things that matters the least in Islam.

I wish everyone Merry Christmas!

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Since Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus, shouldn't that mean it's also a day of important to Muslims? Prophet Isa(Islam) is also important to Muslims.

Classic!

Islamic doctrine doesn't put any emphasis on anyone's birthday. It's all about the acting on the message that God sent through his prophet/s.
There are much bigger things in Islamic message to worry about for Muslim rather than celebrating birthdays in the name of "important day".

And no offense to Christians whom I wish greetings but what I have noticed here in United States is that, for the most part, Christmas has no Christ in it.

It's all about a light show to decorate your house in effort to one up from your neighbor, exchange gifts and drink while you are off from work. Some people; however, do go to Church.

In places like Pakistan, we are on the same course in the name of Jashan-e-Milaad.
Just like Christmas, it has evolved over the years into a light show, music, dance etc.

Well ... who am I to stop anyone from doing whatever they want to do.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Classic!

Islamic doctrine doesn't put any emphasis on anyone's birthday. It's all about the acting on the message that God sent through his prophet/s.
There are much bigger things in Islamic message to worry about for Muslim rather than celebrating birthdays in the name of "important day".

And no offense to Christians whom I wish greetings but what I have noticed here in United States is that, for the most part, Christmas has no Christ in it.

It's all about a light show to decorate your house in effort to one up from your neighbor, exchange gifts and drink while you are off from work. Some people; however, do go to Church.

In places like Pakistan, we are on the same course in the name of Jashan-e-Milaad.
Just like Christmas, it has evolved over the years into a light show, music, dance etc.

Well ... who am I to stop anyone from doing whatever they want to do.

I do agree with you. I don't think Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s birthday should be celebrated really either. I was just curious in my earlier post, that's all.

 

[topspin]

Better to wish Merry Christmas than those who defend the Taliban and sympathise with terrorists.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I do agree with you. I don't think Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s birthday should be celebrated really either. I was just curious in my earlier post, that's all.

Yep, more over, we Muslims don't have an event on our calendar to know the Jesus's date of birth from that era. So no point in acting line "Parayee shadi mein Abdullah Dewana".

We should respect those who celebrate Christians, greet them with good wishes and help promote unity and peace among all faiths.

 

[Itachi]

Just for safety, now a days, I stopped wishing merry Xmas to my Christian friends if there is also a Muslim friend in the picture. I have seen that some Muslim friends are not open to the idea and even being in the same room is awkward for them. That defeats the purpose of wishing someone. So I'll just wait for the correct moment to wish.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I wish everyone Merry Christmas!

Good for you and whatever floats your boat. I guess the tradition is somewhat more alive in UK?

Here in United States, it's been years since I heard someone saying "Merry Christmas" in public greetings.
The standard here is just saying, "Happy Holidays" and no one has an issue with it.

 

[street cricketer]

Yep, more over, we Muslims don't have an event on our calendar to know the Jesus's date of birth from that era. So no point in acting line "Parayee shadi mein Abdullah Dewana".

We should respect those who celebrate Christians, greet them with good wishes and help promote unity and peace among all faiths.

So where do you lie in the Pakistani Bakery debate..

Were the bakery employees justified in declining to write "Merry Christmas" on cakes ordered by their Christian customers?

 

[PakLFC]

No not for me. "Happy holidays" is what i tell people.

 

[Justcrazy]

Precisely this. Very well said bro. We do not need Wahabis to dictate how we live and follow our religion.

Yes Wahabis should not dictate , but Quran and Hadeeth should , am I wrong ?

 

[Justcrazy]

Muslims are allowed to marry Christians but aren't allowed to greet them merry Christmas! Sometimes I take my time out just to laugh at some of the stuffs neo salafis propogate

What is there to laugh? Both are two different things altogether.

 

[Justcrazy]

I don't understand what's the big deal. I wish my muslim friends 'Eik Mubarak', and I'm a Christian.

There is Big deal only if you are a practicing Muslim who accepts Quran as true revelation, if you are not you can do whatever you wish for , there is NO bar.

For example Christians are supposed to believe in Bible , and most Christians would claim to be doing so , but when it comes to daily life , they will not take it as book of guidance , they only use it as lip service.

 

[Justcrazy]

Since Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus, shouldn't that mean it's also a day of important to Muslims? Prophet Isa(Islam) is also important to Muslims.

Firstly there is NO evidence that Jesus was Born on that day.

Secondly celebrating birthdays is innovation in Islam, whether it is birth of Jesus or Muhammad ( peace on both ).

 

[Justcrazy]

So where do you lie in the Pakistani Bakery debate..

Were the bakery employees justified in declining to write "Merry Christmas" on cakes ordered by their Christian customers?

If the Muslim employees are Not comfortable they cannot and should not be forced , they can get it done by people who want to do it. Its not a big issue, if you are sensible enough, but people want controversies because they sell.

For example I am a manager in a kitchen, and I have Hindu employee who is not comfortable with handling beef , I will not go into a debate with him about whether Hindu scriptures prohibit beef or not, I will get that work done by someone who is willing , instead of making this a big issue.

Debating and discussing has their own place and time , we need to respect the cultural sentiments of others as well.

 

[street cricketer]

If the Muslim employees are Not comfortable they cannot and should not be forced , they can get it done by people who want to do it. Its not a big issue, if you are sensible enough, but people want controversies because they sell.

For example I am a manager in a kitchen, and I have Hindu employee who is not comfortable with handling beef , I will not go into a debate with him about whether Hindu scriptures prohibit beef or not, I will get that work done by someone who is willing , instead of making this a big issue.

Debating and discussing has their own place and time , we need to respect the cultural sentiments of others as well.

If a Hindu is not comfortable with handling beef, he shouldn't have become a chef in the first place, or at least he should not have sought work in a place that serves beef dishes.

 

[street cricketer]

I do wonder what would be the scenario if everyone from every community adopted a hardline approach and refrained from wishing every other's community during their festivals - Hindus refraining from wishing muslims "Eid Mubarak", Muslims refraining from Christians "Merry Christmas" or Christians refraining from wishing Hindus "Happy Diwali". I'd imagine the world wouldn't be much different to present, but it would be less harmonious I suppose.

One of the reasons why I think Hindutvadi Hinduism is very similar to fundamentalist/political Islam in ideology is because I've seen quite a few Hindutvadis being offended when the likes of Virat Kohli or other famous Indian celebrities wish muslims "Eid Mubarak" on social media. You can see the same puritanical approach to religion when they seek changing the name of cities having muslim names or the recent Diwali ad controversy that wished its readers using an urdu word.

 

[Itachi]

If the Muslim employees are Not comfortable they cannot and should not be forced , they can get it done by people who want to do it. Its not a big issue, if you are sensible enough, but people want controversies because they sell.

For example I am a manager in a kitchen, and I have Hindu employee who is not comfortable with handling beef , I will not go into a debate with him about whether Hindu scriptures prohibit beef or not, I will get that work done by someone who is willing , instead of making this a big issue.

Debating and discussing has their own place and time , we need to respect the cultural sentiments of others as well.

That's a very healthy attitude. Debating doesn't resolve anything and it will only disrupt the work flow.

 

[Robert]

And no offense to Christians whom I wish greetings but what I have noticed here in United States is that, for the most part, Christmas has no Christ in it.

It's all about a light show to decorate your house in effort to one up from your neighbor, exchange gifts and drink while you are off from work. Some people; however, do go to Church.

.

The festival has largely gone back to what it was before the Christians made it about Jesus.

About a great feast and a roaring fire in the cold and the dark, to turn the world back to light and warmth.

 

[IMMY69]

It's my most favourite time of the year

 

[James]

I know a lot of non-Christians who celebrate Christmas, it’s mainly a cultural festival now and about getting together with family to enjoy some good food and exchange presents.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

It seems to have been made into a big issue post Zakir Naik and youtube maulvis who take a literal approach to everything.

There is no harm in wishing someone a merry christmas.

 

[Stewie]

Historically speaking, Christmas is a fake religious event because Jesus was not born on that date.

For Muslims, it’s a complicated issue. We are not supposed to indulge in ANYTHING that was it’s roots in a “non Muslim” faith. Doing so encourages the other faith or possibly leads to confusion of our own beliefs. (I am giving you the cliff notes version of why it’s discouraged. This is not my personal view)

Christmas is more complicated because while we love and respect Jesus as a prophet, we don’t believe it’s his birthday and even if it is… we do not celebrate birthdays. We would have to celebrate other prophets birthdays too if we celebrated Christmas .. and that’s a lot of them.
124,000 of them. It will be a celebration everyday. (Now these are definitely my own crudely put views)

I digress.. I wish my friends merry Christmas and happy Diwali, etc because they wish us happy Eid all the time. It’s rude and impolite not too and I wish them all sincerely every years. In my opinion, that’s the right thing to do.

 

[Justcrazy]

If a Hindu is not comfortable with handling beef, he shouldn't have become a chef in the first place, or at least he should not have sought work in a place that serves beef dishes.

Yes , but there are times in life when you have no choice , you are bound by circumstances.

Even for a Muslim if he has no choice in certain situations he can eat haraam food , but just to sustain one self. My point is that if we try to create controversies we can do that at everything, but its not worthy to do that.

 

[Justcrazy]

It seems to have been made into a big issue post Zakir Naik and youtube maulvis who take a literal approach to everything.

There is no harm in wishing someone a merry christmas.

There is no harm? If a Muslim believes that there is harm then what is wrong with that? What an individual does on own will there is NO issue. Problem is that when you want to modify Islam to suit own needs , which is not right.


You can go and ask a Christian about Christmas, why and what they celebrate, they celebrate then the birth of SON of God.

Does Islam agree with that?

So a believing Muslim should take your word for NO Harm or take Quran and hadeeth ?

 

[Colorblind Genius]

So where do you lie in the Pakistani Bakery debate..

Were the bakery employees justified in declining to write "Merry Christmas" on cakes ordered by their Christian customers?

Basically, yes each to it's own, but personally, I would have had no problem writing Merry Christmas on the cake.
Now,
The problem may arise if I try to indulge my personal religious granularities onto others.

My personal opinion the subject is the following three points.

The bakery employee looks to have been indoctrinated with ignorance on two counts.

First, he cannot comprehend that he is NOT greeting anyone with the words "Merry Christmas" which he has been led to believe is a form of Shirk (associating partners with God). He surely has the freedom of not greeting anyone with "Merry Christmas" but here he is simply doing his job. The brain is numb.

It reminds of that lil scene from Gulzar's Mirza Ghalib when a non-Muslim sends some sweets to Mirza. Just as Mirza tries to try to eat, an associate warns him, "Mirza ye barfi Hindu k ghar sey ayi hai".
Mirza laughs as he pops it in his mouth and says, "Barfi Hindu hai ya Musalman?"

I won't blame Dr. Zakir Naik for the talk he gave on this subject either, because people need to use common sense. And apparently common sense is not very common.


Second, he needs to be educated about the concept of finding common ground with other faiths and play his part to live in peace and harmony with not only with other faiths but also with fellow Pakistanis.

And I think, third point is the most important one. The media!

If this is one bakery example that has been highlighted and made a screaming headline of, then there are will be thousands of occasions where many, many bakeries in Pakistan would have happily wrote Merry Christmas on a cake. Did we get any news on that to portray solidarity between the two faiths?

In a population of 220 million people, if anyone expects a perfection in everyone, then good luck to him.

IMO, this is not as big of an issue, than what it has been made into. It happens in such a large group of people. Even through wrong but not really a biggie.

 

[Technics 1210]

Utterly Hillarious! People who have conviction of faith (or at least claim to) are flummoxed by 2 words - Merry Xmas! Oh ye of weak and feeble faith! Move on you pansies! If words hurt you then you ain’t fit to hold the flame of faith!

I personally have no issues in saying Merry Xmas to my non-muslim friends, because these same friends are the first to say Ramadan Mubarak/Eid Mubarak. Same goes for other religious celebrations. Islam teaches us tolerance among faiths.

Christmas isn’t about Jesus (PBUH) per se, it is about family values and charity. Such values transcend across all faiths. Snow is a bonus!

I condemn those who over analyse and are offended by a mere 2 words. In the words of Mr.T - I pity the fool!

Merry Christmas y’all and a happy prosperous new year Inshallah!

 

[Justcrazy]

Utterly Hillarious! People who have conviction of faith (or at least claim to) are flummoxed by 2 words - Merry Xmas! Oh ye of weak and feeble faith! Move on you pansies! If words hurt you then you ain’t fit to hold the flame of faith!

I personally have no issues in saying Merry Xmas to my non-muslim friends, because these same friends are the first to say Ramadan Mubarak/Eid Mubarak. Same goes for other religious celebrations. Islam teaches us tolerance among faiths.

Christmas isn’t about Jesus (PBUH) per se, it is about family values and charity. Such values transcend across all faiths. Snow is a bonus!

I condemn those who over analyse and are offended by a mere 2 words. In the words of Mr.T - I pity the fool!

Merry Christmas y’all and a happy prosperous new year Inshallah!

Other friends say Eid Mubarak or Ramdhan Mubarak , because they follow own whims . Can you tell me one of your friend who practice their religion according to scriptures , and I mean whatever scriptures they should be following NOT Quran.

No one is offended, the issue is in Quran we are commanded to let people know of our belief. We are Not apologetic about that , and are proud of that. We are not supposed to please humans but God when it comes to faith.

Yes, Islam teaches tolerance and getting together for a human cause, but not becoming part of their culture and festivals. If a Christian or Jew or Hindu etc are celebrating their festivals, fine we will not hamper that in any way that is tolerance.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1474574951202144259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Itachi]

Yes, Islam teaches tolerance and getting together for a human cause, but not becoming part of their culture and festivals. If a Christian or Jew or Hindu etc are celebrating their festivals, fine we will not hamper that in any way that is tolerance.

This is the point where Islamophobia may rise.

This is not assimilation (as a society) but segregation. We are "tolerating" your "antics" isn't something that will be seen positively by non muslims. And once it is realized by the people around that person, they will always feel that, that Muslim is somewhat "alien" to the establishment.

 

[Technics 1210]

Other friends say Eid Mubarak or Ramdhan Mubarak , because they follow own whims . Can you tell me one of your friend who practice their religion according to scriptures , and I mean whatever scriptures they should be following NOT Quran.

No one is offended, the issue is in Quran we are commanded to let people know of our belief. We are Not apologetic about that , and are proud of that. We are not supposed to please humans but God when it comes to faith.

Yes, Islam teaches tolerance and getting together for a human cause, but not becoming part of their culture and festivals. If a Christian or Jew or Hindu etc are celebrating their festivals, fine we will not hamper that in any way that is tolerance.

The Qu'ran mentions Jesus PBUH more times than Mohammed PBUH. Moses PBUH is mentioned more than any prophet/messenger of God.

The Qur'an also guides us to read the previous scriptures - The Pslams, The Torah, The Injeel.

The belief is simple - there is one god with multiple prophets/messengers and Mohammed PBUH is the seal of all messengers.

Saying Merry Xmas doesn't mean I've suddenly become Christian. As far as I am concerned its paying homage to one of God's messengers - Jesus PBUH.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

There is no harm? If a Muslim believes that there is harm then what is wrong with that? What an individual does on own will there is NO issue. Problem is that when you want to modify Islam to suit own needs , which is not right.


You can go and ask a Christian about Christmas, why and what they celebrate, they celebrate then the birth of SON of God.

Does Islam agree with that?

So a believing Muslim should take your word for NO Harm or take Quran and hadeeth ?

First lets be clear here. There is no hadith or quranic verse that says do not say Merry Christmas. There is an interpretation of verses by some scholars but no verses that explicitly forbid it.

To most people, the word Christmas has been stripped off its etymological and thus religious significance. It is just a statement akin to wishing someone a good day.

Soon literalists like you will complain about phrases like ' The test match begins on Saturday' because guess what the literal meaning of Saturday is?

 

[IMMY69]

Merry Xmas Everyone