Africa-Press – Uganda. It is that time of year when my friends and co-workers ask me why I do not celebrate Christmas. I am a Muslim and so I do not believe that Jesus was a son of God.
Christmas has become such a cultural phenomenon that for some people, the religious ties and historical background are forgotten. For those people, Christmas is a fun and joyous occasion about being with family and giving.
I have no problem with the Christmas decorations, parties, gifts, family time and fun. These things are not inherently contrary to Muslim beliefs. However, Islam has its own practices and holy days.
Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Muslims do, indeed believe in Jesus as among the most noble, dignified, honourable and righteous creations of God.
We do not see Jesus as the creator of the universe or as the offspring of the creator of the universe. A person who does not believe in Jesus as one of the Prophets of God cannot be a Muslim. We are taught to believe in all the Prophets and not to make a distinction between them.
Muslims also believe that the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Maryam (Mary), is one of the greatest women who ever lived. And, as a matter of fact, the 19th chapter of the Koran (Surat Maryam) is devoted to her.
The Koran venerates both Jesus and Mary by sharing their story of Jesus’ miraculous birth, his special gift of speaking from the cradle, and his ability to perform miracles with the help of God. But in Koran chapter 88-93, God says: “They say: “(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!” Indeed, you have put forth a thing most monstrous! At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin, that they should invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious. For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son. Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allah) Most Gracious as a servant.”
Muslims believe that Jesus is an Israelite prophet who was sent as a beloved prophet of God to deliver His word to the people of his time. That God commanded the Angel Gabriel to blow the soul of Jesus into Mary, who was a virgin. By the will of God, Mary became pregnant in this uncustomary manner.
Jesus, when young, studied the genuine Torah that had been revealed to Prophet Moses and had not yet been corrupted. At the age of 30, Jesus began his prophetic mission, a recipient of divine revelation, calling the Israelites and others to the worship of the One Creator of the universe.
Jesus also came with a new set of sacred laws, which abrogated the genuine Mosaic Law. Few believed in him — most did not. Fellow Israelites betrayed Jesus and conspired to have him executed by the Roman state. He was protected from such treachery; God made Jesus ascend to the Heavens and Muslims believe Jesus will return to earth before the end of time. Jesus will then inform people that he never called anyone to a religion called Christianity, but that he is indeed, among those who submit to the will and orders of God. And that he is a Muslim.
However, Muslims do not celebrate the birth of their prophets, including Muhammad (peace be upon him) although some Muslim sects celebrate it. The basis of our moral code is the Koran; the only intact revelation and the strict authenticated observation of those who observed Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sunnah. We follow the example of Prophet Muhammad upon which we base our daily life practices.
Muslims have two major holiday celebrations a year; the two Eids: Eid ul Fitr — the festival of fast-breaking immediately after the end of Ramadhan — and Eid ul Adha – the festival of sacrifice during the major pilgrimage time. They come at different times of the year based on the lunar calendar. They are filled with spending time with loved ones, charity, worship and other festive activities.
