Christmas and Islam – Son of God vs Prophet of Allah; no contest

At the time of writing, we are in the ‘festive season’ according to Christians – Christmas time. And many Muslims around the world will be actually taking part in these festivities. They will do this without really questioning what they are doing, without even asking themselves if, as Muslims, they should be partaking in this.

The fact is that Muslims should not be taking part in Christmas or other festivals that are not based in Islam, that do not uphold the principles that we have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But many Muslims do. A sad fact and one that undermines the establishing of Islam and a united Ummah.

Why does it undermine things?

Committing Shirk

Firstly, and this is the key point, Christmas is the religious festival of the Christians – this is a time that is one of the most holiest for them. It means a lot to them – it means that they are celebrating the birth of JESUS Christ, who they MISTAKENLY BELIEVE IS THE SON OF GOD. This is the worst sin that you could commit and even worse if you die believing this. This is completely incompatible with Islam. All Muslims should know that THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD – ALLAH. There is no other deity, there is nothing equal to Allah, there is nothing that can be compared to Allah – there simply is no son of God, no family of God, there is only God – Allah, The Benificent, The Most Merciful.

So why would Muslims then help support Christianity, which is based upon a false premise? Why would Muslims then go against Islam – and Allah – by wishing Christians joy and happiness in their mistaken belief? This is wrong. If anything, Muslims should be trying to give da’wah to the non-Muslims, such as the Christians.

Some Muslims say that it is a sign of respect to say “Happy Christmas”. Who is most deserving of our respect? It is Allah! Surely it is a greater deed to show respect to Allah than to misguided servants of Allah? Never forget that when you say “Happy Christmas”, you are saying it to someone who is disobeying Allah and possibly doesn’t even believe in Allah! It is not fitting for a Muslim to act in this way and any Muslim who does, should be educated upon the principles of Islam, of Tawheed and of submitting to Allah, NOT to His Creation.

Be firm in Islam, not in other religions

Secondly, we are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating Christmas was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an. If doing this was ok, then would there be a need for Islam? Isn’t Islam enough for the Muslims?

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

Christmas is a made-up festival

Thirdly, Christmas is a pagan festival – it has NOTHING to do with Christianity. It isn’t the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as) and many Christians know this. Christmas is depicted as being lots of snow, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Reindeers, magical things – nothing to do with Christianity. It doesn’t snow in the Middle East, there’s no Christmas trees there, no such thing as Santa Claus, no such things as flying reindeers – absolutely nothing to do with Isa/Jesus (as). So what we are actually engaging in has no basis in any religion and as Muslims are supposed to be religious, then this is a bit hypocritical. Christmas has nothing to do with Allah or the Prophets, so as Muslims, it has nothing to do with us.

Even if Christmas WAS the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as), this is not something to be celebrated as, in Islam, Muslims are not supposed to celebrate birthdays. We do not celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday and this was not done by the Sahabas (Companions) either. Those Muslims who do celebrate birthdays need to check their beliefs and look into why Islam does not allow this.

It’s about money and materialism – not about God

Another point is that Christmas is a commercial affair these days. It’s all about selling presents, making money out of Christmas and this in itself is wrong. Many families are put under stress and the financial burden of trying to keep up with Christmas. People in the UK even start buying for Christmas months in advance to help with the finances. And if you cannot give presents, then how does this make you look? Any festivity that puts this kind of pressure and adversity on people is wrong. Even Eid is starting to go this way and Muslims need to wake up to this and not let festivities get out of hand.

Muslims are not Christians, pagans, jews, buddhists, hindus, sikhs, atheists or belonging to any other religion or way of life. Muslims are Muslims and follow Islam. By celebrating Christmas you are actually following something else. And this undermines the strength of the Ummah. This is one of the reasons why the Ummah is weak – we do not adhere to Islam and only Islam. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are a Muslim and so do not celebrate Christmas. Non-Muslims respect this but it seems that Muslims do not want to feel like they are upsetting others.

Evidence

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas who said: “The Messenger of Allah saw me wearing two saffron garments and he said: ‘Indeed these are from the dress of the Kuffaar so do not wear them.’ [Collected by Muslim (1/144), An-Nisaaee (2/298), Al-Haakim (4/190), and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/172, 164, 193, 207, and 211)]

At-Tirmidhi narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “He is not one of us who imitates other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians.”

At-Tabarani and Abu Dawud narrated that Ibn Umar and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.”

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.”

He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

What does Christmas mean to most people? Well most people are not devout Christians and do not even believe Christmas to be connected to Isa/Jesus (as). For these people, Christmas is just a time to feel good, have parties, have a good time. And that’s about it. This is not what Muslims are about or should be about.

Muslims need to start standing up for Islam and stop acting like non-Muslims. We are not Christians and do not hold to those beliefs, unless they coincide with what is from Qur’an and Sunnah. We are not pagans, taking part in rituals that have no significance with Allah.

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place. This is about societies welcoming Muslims and Islam – it isn’t about eating into Islamic identity, which is what those Muslims are doing who are taking part in Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hannukah and other non-Islamic festivals.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in Christmas festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving Christmas greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else – that is a hypocritical stance to have. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kufaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? Would you take part in Diwali which celebrates the many gods of the hindus? This would be committing shirk – the worst sin in Islam. The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Muslim parents need to explain to the schools that their children attend about Islamic values and why their children shouldnt take part in Christmas plays. This increases their understanding about Islam and helps future Muslims. Whenever I have explained things to non-Muslims, they have never looked at me in a bad way but respected me for my beliefs.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Stand up 4 Islam

[If you like this article, please share it with your friends]

Christmas and Islam – Muslims stop making excuses!

Another year passes and we’re again approaching Christmas time. I’ve previously posted about the fact that many Muslims around the world will be actually taking part in these festivities and that taking part in these festivities is wrong and haraam. This then provokes a defensive stance with those Muslims, who then cry out ‘extremism!’ The simple fact is this, Islam allows things and doesn’t allow things. If you don’t like the rulings about things that are not allowed, then you really need to check yourself, not lash out at what Islam says. The second fact is this – I am supplying the reader with the sources from Qur’an and hadith. These are not my rulings – these are Islamic rulings that have come down from scholars, the sahabas and the Prophet (pbuh) himself. In the end, we are Muslims and we shouldn’t have one foot in Islam and another in Christianity or Hinduism or any other religion. If that’s difficult to get your head around, then you probably need some more grounding in Islamic knowledge – especially issues of Aqeedah (belief/creed).

Here are some good links to Shaikh Al-Munajjid’s website that explain these issues:

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/69811/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/85108/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/7876/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/161539/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/947/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/101347/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/12777/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/45200/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/21694/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/108996/imitating

Think of it this way, if you’re a Muslim that celebrates Christmas, can you cite any hadith that shows the Prophet (pbuh) celebrating Christmas? The answer is no – and the below hadith explains why we do not partake in any celebrations other than Eid. When the Prophet (pbuh) was young, he was inclined to go into Makkah and partake of the celebrations, however Allah Caused him to sleep instead – these are not fairy tales – they are serious learning points for Muslims today!

The fact is that Muslims should not be taking part in Christmas or other festivals that are not based in Islam, that do not uphold the Islamic Principles that we have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But many Muslims do. A sad fact and one that undermines the establishing of Islam and a united Ummah.

Why does it undermine things?

Firstly, we are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating Christmas was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an. If doing this was ok, then would there be a need for Islam? Isn’t Islam enough for the Muslims?

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

Secondly, Christmas is a pagan festival – it has NOTHING to do with Christianity. It isn’t the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as) and many Christians know this. Christmas is depicted as being lots of snow, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Reindeers, magical things – nothing to do with Christianity. It doesn’t snow in the Middle East, there’s no Christmas trees there, no such thing as Santa Claus, no such things as flying reindeers – absolutely nothing to do with Isa/Jesus (as). So what we are actually engaging in has no basis in any religion and as Muslims are supposed to be religious, then this is a bit hypocritical. Christmas has nothing to do with Allah or the Prophets, so as Muslims, it has nothing to do with us.

Even if Christmas WAS the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as), this is not something to be celebrated as, in Islam, Muslims are not supposed to celebrate birthdays. We do not celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday and this was not done by the Sahabas (Companions) either. Those Muslims who do celebrate birthdays need to check their beliefs and look into why Islam does not allow this.

Another point is that Christmas is a commercial affair these days. It’s all about selling presents, making money out of Christmas and this in itself is wrong. Many families are put under stress and the financial burden of trying to keep up with Christmas. People in the UK even start buying for Christmas months in advance to help with the finances. And if you cannot give presents, then how does this make you look? Any festivity that puts this kind of pressure and adversity on people is wrong. Even Eid is starting to go this way and Muslims need to wake up to this and not let festivities get out of hand.

Muslims are not Christians, pagans, jews, buddhists, hindus, sikhs, atheists or belonging to any other religion or way of life. Muslims are Muslims and follow Islam. By celebrating Christmas you are actually following something else. And this undermines the strength of the Ummah. This is one of the reasons why the Ummah is weak – we do not adhere to Islam and only Islam. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are a Muslim and so do not celebrate Christmas. Non-Muslims respect this but it seems that Muslims do not want to feel like they are upsetting others.

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas who said: “The Messenger of Allah saw me wearing two saffron garments and he said: ‘Indeed these are from the dress of the Kuffaar so do not wear them.’ [Collected by Muslim (1/144), An-Nisaaee (2/298), Al-Haakim (4/190), and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/172, 164, 193, 207, and 211)]

At-Tirmidhi narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “He is not one of us who imitates other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians.”

At-Tabarani and Abu Dawud narrated that Ibn Umar and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.”

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.”

He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

What does Christmas mean to most people? Well most people are not devout Christians and do not even believe Christmas to be connected to Isa/Jesus (as). For these people, Christmas is just a time to feel good, have parties, have a good time. And that’s about it. This is not what Muslims are about or should be about.

Muslims need to start standing up for Islam and stop acting like non-Muslims. We are not Christians and do not hold to those beliefs, unless they coincide with what is from Qur’an and Sunnah. We are not pagans, taking part in rituals that have no significance with Allah.

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place. This is about societies welcoming Muslims and Islam – it isn’t about eating into Islamic identity, which is what those Muslims are doing who are taking part in Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hannukah and other non-Islamic festivals.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in Christmas festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving Christmas greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else – that is a hypocritical stance to have. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kufaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? Would you take part in Diwali which celebrates the many gods of the hindus? This would be committing shirk – the worst sin in Islam. The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Muslim parents need to explain to the schools that their children attend about Islamic values and why their children shouldnt take part in Christmas plays. This increases their understanding about Islam and helps future Muslims. Whenever I have explained things to non-Muslims, they have never looked at me in a bad way but respected me for my beliefs.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Christmas and Islam: Christmas Advice to Muslims

Stand up 4 Islam

[If you like this article, please share it with your friends]

Al-Mawlid: Celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (pbuh) – Why is it a big NO?

What is Al-Mawlid? It’s the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday.

Al-Mawlid is celebrated by many Muslims throughout the world. They will celebrate in many numbers of ways. Some will hold processions in the streets, marching through towns and cities, in much the same way that the Sikhs do on their holy days/festivals. Some will hold lectures and serve food in the masjids. Some will read the Qur’an and make collective dua after reading. Some will hold parties and gatherings in their homes.

It all sounds very good, doesn’t it. Except for one, very important fact – this is not an Islamic festival. And so it is not part of Islam. And those who make it part of Islam are in fact introducing an innovation. And what’s the position of innovations in Islam?

“Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

“…The most truthful speech is the Book of Allah. The best way is the way of Muhammad. The worst of affairs are the novelties and every novelty is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is in the Fire.” Reported by an-Nasaa’ee

Celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not something we have been Ordered to do by Allah, nor the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). There is no verse nor saheeh hadith (strong hadith) that instructs us to do this. So this is an innovation and not part of Islam. Further evidences from shari’ah can be found at the bottom of this post.

Al-Mawlid An-Nabi (ie. the birthday of the Prophet (pbuh)) is not an Islamic festival and you will find that those who call upon Muslims to practise this, (the ‘pirs’ and ‘saints’ and ‘religious leaders’) are also engaged in other innovations as well. Now there’s an interesting coincidence!

HISTORY OF AL-MAWLID

Public celebrations of the Prophet’s birth first occurred 400 years after his death. Milad un-Nabi started as a festival for the Shia ruling class, without the involvement of ordinary people, near the end of the 11th century in Egypt. The celebrations emphasised the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the Prophet Muhammad, with sermons and recitation of the Qu’ran. The first Sunni celebration took place in the 12th Century in Syria, when Nur ad-Din was the ruler. The reason why the Sunnis adopted the Shi’ite festival is not clear, but it is possible it was done to counter Christian influence in Spain and Morocco.

SO WHY DO PEOPLE CELEBRATE IT?

I offer one explanation, and that is that they have misinterpreted the following hadiths:

Muslim (1162) narrated from Abu Qataadah al-Ansaari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said: “On (that day) I was born and on it Revelation came down to me.”

Al-Tirmidhi (747) narrated, in a hadeeth that he classed as hasan, from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Deeds are presented (to Allah) on Monday and Thursday and I like my deeds to be presented when I am fasting.”

Many Muslims have mistaken these hadiths to meaning that the day the Prophet (pbuh) was born is a blessed day and that we should celebrate this ‘birthday’. However, the hadith clearly is about MONDAYS – meaning, any Monday and not one specific Monday in the year. Also, the Prophet (pbuh) fasted on Mondays for the reasons outlined above – he (pbuh) didn’t fast on his day of birth only. He also fasted on Thursdays as well, so his actions did not show any more significance for his day of birth than other days. We would realise this, if we thought about it. Also, the Prophet (pbuh) used to FAST on Mondays, as he did on Thursdays – he did not hold a procession, nor a gathering, nor a feast, nor a festival… need I go on?

WHAT’S THE HARM?

Enjoining good and forbidding wrong is one of the key principles of Islam. We don’t just sit back and allow things to happen, in front of our eyes, like mindless couch potatoes sitting in front of the TV.

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Qur’an, Aal ‘Imraan 3:104].

So we have been instructed to be protective about Islam, keep it free of wrongdoings, of keeping made-up practises away from Islam. By doing this, we keep the message clear for people to learn the truth. And we avoid going down roads that lead to bigger sins. Once you start to introduce innovations in Islam, you give room for other innovations to creep in. Over time, the religion will have changed from what it originally was. Remember that Shaytaan is an open enemy to mankind and he will try to mislead us in SMALL things – things that we will think are good but lead to wrongdoing. If these things were obvious, we would reject Shaytaan very easily.

We have been Instructed by Allah not to make distinctions between the Prophets:

Say (O Muhamma, pbuh): We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat (the twelve sons of Ya’qub) and what was given to Musa (Moses), ‘Isa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another amon them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam).” (Qur’an, 3:84)

So if we are not to make distinctions, then if celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday was halaal, shouldn’t we celebrate ALL the prophets’ birthdays? Yet we all know the harm of celebrating Christmas. So isn’t there a hypocrisy here by those who call on other Muslims to celebrate Al-Mawlid?

Look at what has happened with birthdays generally speaking – they involve making someone feel special for ONE day – if you miss it, they feel bad. You have to spend money, waste money on buying things – there is a culture of trying to better your gifts each time – it becomes a burden. And yet there is nothing, after all this effort, that benefits a person in the HereAfter. Look at what’s happened with Christmas and the distortions and mistruths that are surrounding the Prophet Isa (as).

An extract from the last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

“…Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things…”

Secondly, we do not emulate non-Muslims, nor the Christians, nor the Jews. The Christians exaggerate in their love for Prophet Isa (as) – we should not exaggerate in our love for the Prophet Muhamamd (pbuh) – we must love him but not to the extreme, wherein we will be stepping into sin. By celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday, we end up following the path of the Christians and Christmas and we open up the door of practising extremes – and MUSLIMS ARE NOT EXTREMISTS.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Do not exaggerate about me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say, ‘The slave of Allaah and His Messenger.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari)

So Muslims, love our Prophet (pbuh) but stay within the Islamic bounds. Shaytaan is always trying to push you outside the boundaries of Islam, so that you don’t even realise when you’ve stepped over the edge! Don’t fall into Shaytaan’s trap. Think about what you’re doing and does it make sense? Always ask, did the Prophet (pbuh) do this? And if he (pbuh) didn’t, then don’t you do it either.

We Muslims are meant to contemplate about things – to be Men of Understanding (including women in this as well, of course!). Islam is not hard but we make it hard with our own little ways that we introduce. Do not spoil your good deeds by mixing them with bad deeds.

Stay away from innovations. Stand up 4 Islam!

Further information about the Islamic rulings on celebrating birthdays, whether it is the Prophet’s (pbuh) birthday or anyone else’s birthday, can be found in the following links:

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/117651/mawlid

http://islamqa.info/en/ref/10070

http://islamqa.info/en/ref/13810

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/70317/mawlid

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/128530/mawlid

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/249/mawlid

[If you like this article, please share it with your friends]

Valentine’s Day and Islam

It’s that time of the year again where an annual ritual takes the world by frenzy, and sweeps along the Muslims with it. Now it’s the turn of Valentine’s Day.

It shouldn’t take too much to work out that Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with Islam, thereby it should also have nothing to do with Muslims. However, many a Muslim will be taking part in this festivity, which is steeped in illicit relationships, promotes such things and devalues the honour of men, women and families. You may think, that’s a very strong thing to say about something as harmless as remembering to be loving to your wife and making the day special for her. But if Muslims engage in festivities that are not Islamic in nature or origin, then this is a grave thing, as revealed in the Qur’an:

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers” [Surah Aal ‘Imraan, 3:85]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned us of our following the ways of the Jews and Christians and those who came before us:

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” We said, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?!” [Sahih Bukhari]

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The following is an excerpt from a book by Shaikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid, which explains the origins of Valentine’s Day.

THE STORY OF THE FESTIVAL OF LOVE (Valentine’s Day)

The Festival of Love was one of the festivals of the pagan Romans, when paganism was the prevalent religion of the Romans more than seventeen centuries ago. In the pagan Roman concept, it was an expression of “spiritual love”. There were myths associated with this pagan festival of the Romans, which persisted with their Christian heirs. Among the most famous of these myths was the Roman belief that Romulus, the founder of Rome, was suckled one day by a she-wolf, which gave him strength and wisdom.

The Romans used to celebrate this event in mid-February each year with a big festival. One of the rituals of this festival was the sacrifice of a dog and a goat. Two strong and muscular youths would daub the blood of the dog and goat onto their bodies, then they would wash the blood away with milk. After that there would be a great parade, with these two youths at its head, which would go about the streets. The two youths would have pieces of leather with which they would hit everyone who crossed their path. The Roman women would welcome these blows, because they believed that they could prevent or cure infertility.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SAINT VALENTINE AND THIS FESTIVAL

Saint Valentine is a name which is given to two of the ancient “martyrs” of the Christian Church. It was said that there were two of them, or that there was only one, who died in Rome as the result of the persecution of the Gothic leader Claudius, c. 296 CE. In 350 CE, a church was built in Rome on the site of the place where he died, to perpetuate his memory. When the Romans embraced Christianity, they continued to celebrate the Feast of Love mentioned above, but they changed it from the pagan concept of “spiritual love” to another concept known as the “martyrs of love”, represented by Saint Valentine who had advocated love and peace, for which cause he was martyred, according to their claims. It was also called the Feast of Lovers, and Saint Valentine was considered to be the patron saint of LOVERS.

One of their false beliefs connected with this festival was that the names of girls who had reached marriageable age would be written on small rolls of paper and placed in a dish on a table. Then the young men who wanted to get married would be called, and each of them would pick a piece of paper. He would put himself at the service of the girl whose name he had drawn for one year, so that they could find out about one another. Then they would get married, or they would repeat the same process again on the day of the festival in the following year.

The Christian clergy reacted against this tradition, which they considered to have a corrupting influence on the morals of young men and women. It was abolished in Italy, where it had been well-known, then it was revived in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when in some western countries there appeared shops which sold small books called “Valentine’s books”, which contained love poems, from which the one who wanted to send a greeting to his sweetheart could choose. They also contained suggestions for writing love letters.

It was also said concerning the origins of this holiday that when the Romans became Christian, after Christianity had become widespread, the Roman emperor Claudius II decreed in the third century CE that soldiers should not get married, because marriage would distract them from the wars they used to fight. This decree was opposed by Saint Valentine, who started to perform marriages for the soldiers in secret. When the emperor found out about that, he threw him in jail and sentenced him to execution. In prison, he (Saint Valentine) fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, but this was a secret because according to Christian laws, priests and monks were forbidden to marry or fall in love. But he is still regarded highly by the Christians because of his steadfastness in adhering to Christianity when the emperor offered to pardon him if he forsook Christianity and worshipped the Roman gods; then he would be one of his closest confidantes and he would make him his son-in-law. But Valentine refused this offer and preferred Christianity, so he was executed on 14 February 270 CE, on the eve of February 15, the festival of Lupercalis. So this day was named for this saint.

In The Story of Civilisation, it says that the Church devised a calendar in which every day was designated as the feast day of one of the saints. In England, Saint Valentine’s Day was to come at the end of winter. When that day came, according to them, the birds mated enthusiastically in the forests, and the young men would put flowers on the windowsills of the homes of the girls whom they loved. (The Story of Civilization by Will Durant, 15/23). The Pope designated the day of the death of Saint Valentine, February 14, 270 CE, as a festival of love.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We should not fall into the same mistakes that the Jews and the Christians fell into:

“They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allaah)…” [Surah Al-Tawbah 9:31]

MUSLIMS, DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM VALENTINE’S DAY

From the above, we can see many religious reasons why taking part in Valentine’s Day is at odds with Islam. The Day itself has roots in paganism and we have been instructed to not follow the rituals and ways of the Jews and the Christians.

Remember, we are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion or pagan ritual, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else.

Muslims are not Christians, pagans, jews, buddhists, hindus, sikhs, atheists or belonging to any other religion or way of life. Muslims are Muslims and follow Islam. By celebrating Valentine’s Day, you are actually following something else. And this undermines the strength of the Ummah. This is one of the reasons why the Ummah is weak – we do not adhere to Islam and only Islam. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are a Muslim and so do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. Non-Muslims respect this but it seems that Muslims do not want to feel like they are upsetting others.

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas who said: “The Messenger of Allah saw me wearing two saffron garments and he said: ‘Indeed these are from the dress of the Kuffaar so do not wear them.’ [Collected by Muslim (1/144), An-Nisaaee (2/298), Al-Haakim (4/190), and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/172, 164, 193, 207, and 211)]

At-Tirmidhi narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “He is not one of us who imitates other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians.”

At-Tabarani and Abu Dawud narrated that Ibn Umar and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.”

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.”

He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

Finally, we need to look at the context in which Valentine’s Day has taken hold in the modern world. Although it is focused around expressing love, Valentine’s Day sets no boundaries. There are many boys and girls, men and women, who start off illicit relationships, outside of marriage, through Valentine’s Day. People send Valentine’s cards to each other, hinting to them at ‘secret loves and crushes’, encouraging the other party to look into this further, teasing their curiousity, which ends up indirectly (or even directly) promoting fornication and adultery (zina).

Living in places like the UK, where Valentine’s Day is a major thing across the country. It is not easy for the Muslim youth to stay firm on Islam – the influences that they are feeling, the peer pressure that they face, needs to be challenged. This can only be done by upright Muslims, standing up and showing themselves to be Muslims, following Islam and showing a better way of living than taking part in rituals like Valentine’s Day.

Muslims do express love but they do this in a halaal way, amongst husband and wife, in halaal relationships and without crossing boundaries that have been Put in place, with infinite Wisdom, by Allah. We do not restrict this to a single day and are instructed to be kind and generous and considerate to our spouses at all times.

Muslims need to start standing up for Islam and stop acting like non-Muslims. We are not pagans, taking part in rituals that have no significance with Allah.

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place. This is about societies welcoming Muslims and Islam – it isn’t about eating into Islamic identity, which is what those Muslims are doing who are taking part in Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hannukah and other non-Islamic festivals.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Stand up 4 Islam

[If you like this article, please share it with your friends]

Christmas and Islam

At the time of writing, we are in the ‘festive season’ according to Christians – Christmas time. And many Muslims around the world will be actually taking part in these festivities. They will do this without really questioning what they are doing, without even asking themselves if, as Muslims, they should be partaking in this.

The fact is that Muslims should not be taking part in Christmas or other festivals that are not based in Islam, that do not uphold the principles that we have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But many Muslims do. A sad fact and one that undermines the establishing of Islam and a united Ummah.

Why does it undermine things?

Firstly, we are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating Christmas was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an. If doing this was ok, then would there be a need for Islam? Isn’t Islam enough for the Muslims?

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

Secondly, Christmas is a pagan festival – it has NOTHING to do with Christianity. It isn’t the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as) and many Christians know this. Christmas is depicted as being lots of snow, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Reindeers, magical things – nothing to do with Christianity. It doesn’t snow in the Middle East, there’s no Christmas trees there, no such thing as Santa Claus, no such things as flying reindeers – absolutely nothing to do with Isa/Jesus (as). So what we are actually engaging in has no basis in any religion and as Muslims are supposed to be religious, then this is a bit hypocritical. Christmas has nothing to do with Allah or the Prophets, so as Muslims, it has nothing to do with us.

Even if Christmas WAS the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as), this is not something to be celebrated as, in Islam, Muslims are not supposed to celebrate birthdays. We do not celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday and this was not done by the Sahabas (Companions) either. Those Muslims who do celebrate birthdays need to check their beliefs and look into why Islam does not allow this.

Another point is that Christmas is a commercial affair these days. It’s all about selling presents, making money out of Christmas and this in itself is wrong. Many families are put under stress and the financial burden of trying to keep up with Christmas. People in the UK even start buying for Christmas months in advance to help with the finances. And if you cannot give presents, then how does this make you look? Any festivity that puts this kind of pressure and adversity on people is wrong. Even Eid is starting to go this way and Muslims need to wake up to this and not let festivities get out of hand.

Muslims are not Christians, pagans, jews, buddhists, hindus, sikhs, atheists or belonging to any other religion or way of life. Muslims are Muslims and follow Islam. By celebrating Christmas you are actually following something else. And this undermines the strength of the Ummah. This is one of the reasons why the Ummah is weak – we do not adhere to Islam and only Islam. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are a Muslim and so do not celebrate Christmas. Non-Muslims respect this but it seems that Muslims do not want to feel like they are upsetting others.

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas who said: “The Messenger of Allah saw me wearing two saffron garments and he said: ‘Indeed these are from the dress of the Kuffaar so do not wear them.’ [Collected by Muslim (1/144), An-Nisaaee (2/298), Al-Haakim (4/190), and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/172, 164, 193, 207, and 211)]

At-Tirmidhi narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “He is not one of us who imitates other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians.”

At-Tabarani and Abu Dawud narrated that Ibn Umar and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.”

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.”

He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

What does Christmas mean to most people? Well most people are not devout Christians and do not even believe Christmas to be connected to Isa/Jesus (as). For these people, Christmas is just a time to feel good, have parties, have a good time. And that’s about it. This is not what Muslims are about or should be about.

Muslims need to start standing up for Islam and stop acting like non-Muslims. We are not Christians and do not hold to those beliefs, unless they coincide with what is from Qur’an and Sunnah. We are not pagans, taking part in rituals that have no significance with Allah.

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place. This is about societies welcoming Muslims and Islam – it isn’t about eating into Islamic identity, which is what those Muslims are doing who are taking part in Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hannukah and other non-Islamic festivals.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in Christmas festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving Christmas greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else – that is a hypocritical stance to have. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kufaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? Would you take part in Diwali which celebrates the many gods of the hindus? This would be committing shirk – the worst sin in Islam. The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Muslim parents need to explain to the schools that their children attend about Islamic values and why their children shouldnt take part in Christmas plays. This increases their understanding about Islam and helps future Muslims. Whenever I have explained things to non-Muslims, they have never looked at me in a bad way but respected me for my beliefs.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Stand up 4 Islam

[If you like this article, please share it with your friends]