Islamic Ruling and Guidance on Celebrating Christmas
Source: Fatawa Ilmiyyah (Tawzeeḥ al-Ahkam)
Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on celebrating Christmas?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.
Islam is a complete code of life that provides guidance to its followers in every aspect, including defining the boundaries of relations with non-Muslims. On this basis, Islam forbids Muslims from imitating non-Muslim communities or participating in their religious festivals and rituals.
Prohibition of Imitating and Participating with Non-Muslims
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Man tashabbaha biqawmin fahuwa minhum"
(Sunan Abi Dawood: 4031)
"Whoever imitates a people is considered to be one of them."
This Hadith establishes a general principle: when a Muslim adopts the customs, festivals, or traditions of non-Muslims, it is as if they have joined their ranks.
Command to Differ from the People of the Book
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
"Khalifoo al-Yahooda wal-Nasara"
(Sunan Abi Dawood: 652; Sahih Ibn Hibban: 2183)
"Differ from the Jews and Christians."
This clear guidance emphasizes that Muslims should not adopt the practices of the People of the Book but maintain distinction from them.
Statement of Sayyiduna Umar Farooq (RA)
Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said:
"La tadkhulu fee kana’isihim yawma ‘Eidihim, fa-inna al-sakhta tanzilu ‘alayhim"
(Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq: 1609; Sunan al-Kubra al-Bayhaqi: 18861)
"Do not enter their churches on their festival days, for Allah’s wrath descends upon them."
Imam Ibn Kathir confirmed the chain of narration as authentic. This further emphasizes avoiding participation in the religious festivals of the People of the Book.
Avoidance of Non-Muslim Festivals
It is also reported:
"Ijtaniboo a‘da Allah fi ‘Eedihim"
(Sunan al-Kubra al-Bayhaqi: 18862)
"Avoid the festivals of Allah’s enemies!"
This instruction is very clear: Muslims must refrain from attending the celebrations of the enemies of religion, whether formally or in greeting.
Statement of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Amr (RA)
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) said:
"A Muslim residing in non-Muslim lands who celebrates their Nowruz (New Year) or festivals like them, and dies in this practice, will be raised on the Day of Judgment with those non-Muslims."
(Sunan al-Kubra al-Bayhaqi: Hadith 18863, chain authentic; Iqtida’ al-Sirat al-Mustaqim by Ibn Taymiyyah: 1/200)
This is a severe warning highlighting both worldly and Hereafter consequences. Muslims must maintain purity in faith and practice, completely avoiding the festivals of non-Muslims.
For further details, refer to the original source link.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
