Every year, as Christmas approaches, many Muslims living in Western societies face the same questions and concerns. Parents wonder how to explain Christmas to their children, how to speak about Jesus peace be upon him, and how to help their families remain confident in their Islamic identity while living in a non Muslim environment.
Children raised in Western countries often experience a hybrid culture shaped by school, media, and friends. It is natural for them to ask, “Why don’t Muslims celebrate Christmas?” Answering this question correctly is essential for nurturing faith, clarity, and confidence.
Etiquette and Respect
Islam teaches Muslims to uphold good manners and ethical conduct at all times. Parents must teach their children never to insult others because of their customs. While Muslims do not accept practices that Allah has not permitted, Islam also commands justice, wisdom, and respectful dialogue.
Allah says in the Quran not to insult those who worship other than Allah, lest they respond by insulting Islam in ignorance. Muslims believe their path is the truth, yet they remain hopeful that others may one day be guided. Respect does not mean agreement, and kindness does not mean compromise.
Explaining Jesus, Peace Be Upon Him, in Islam
Children should be taught that Christmas comes from the word “Christ,” a title used for Jesus Christ. The term “Christ” refers to the Messiah, meaning the chosen messenger of God. However, the religious meaning attached to Christmas differs fundamentally from Islamic belief.
In Islam, Jesus is known as Isa peace be upon him. Muslims hold immense respect and love for Prophet Jesus, and every time his name is mentioned, Muslims say peace be upon him. Remarkably, the Quran mentions Prophet Jesus more times than it mentions Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them both.
Islam teaches that Jesus, peace be upon him, was a great prophet sent by Allah, born miraculously to Maryam, peace be upon her, without a father. Parents are encouraged to read the Quranic chapters that speak about him with their children, especially Surah Aal Imran and Surah Maryam, to ground their understanding in revelation rather than popular culture.
Key Differences Between Islamic and Christian Beliefs
While Muslims and Christians share reverence for Jesus, peace be upon him, there are major theological differences that must be explained clearly and gently.
Islam teaches that Jesus, peace be upon him, spoke as an infant by Allah’s permission to defend his mother and convey the truth. Christians believe his preaching began later in adulthood. Due to his miraculous birth, Christians believe Jesus is the son of God, a belief Islam firmly rejects. Muslims believe he was a human prophet, honoured but not divine.
Both faiths affirm that Jesus performed miracles. The Quran confirms that he healed the blind and the leper and raised the dead, all by Allah’s permission. However, Islam rejects the belief that Jesus was crucified or that he carried the sins of others. Islam teaches that no soul bears the burden of another and that salvation is tied to faith, repentance, and righteous deeds.
Strengthening Muslim Identity During the Christmas Season
Christmas can make Muslim children feel excluded, especially when celebrations dominate public spaces and schools. This is why education is crucial. When children understand the origins of Christmas and the Islamic position on Jesus, peace be upon him, they gain clarity rather than confusion.
Teaching children early about their faith helps them develop pride, not isolation. Knowing why Muslims do not celebrate Christmas empowers them to explain their beliefs calmly and confidently. Difference is not a weakness in Islam; it is a sign of identity and conviction.
Parents should encourage their children to say with confidence, “I am a Muslim,” without embarrassment or apology.
It is also worth noting that many practising Christians today do not view Christmas as a religious celebration. Surveys in the United Kingdom have shown that a large percentage of people consider Christmas to be cultural or commercial rather than religious, further reinforcing that abstaining from it does not isolate Muslims from society as much as it may seem.
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