The Christian World these days are deep into their Xmas. They claim to celebrate the birth of Jesus –Peace be Upon him-. Each nation celebrates religious festivals. Muslims celebrate two events after the completion of fasting the month of Ramadan and during the Hajj (Pilgrimage) days. In this article, I intend to compare Christmas celebration with Muslim's two Eids and want to show the difference in nature and objectives of the two.
Here is a comparison between Christmas and Islamic Eids (Religious Celebrations).
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Christmas
Islamic Eids
1
No one can tell exactly why Xmas is celebrated. It is most probably the influence of Roman paganism on the Christian ideology when Roman kings are converted into Christianity. Roman's before Jesus used to celebrate the birth of their gods like (Osiris, Jupiter, Plutus). Those Romans converts were successful in designing "pagan" Christendom with change of symbols only. So, Jesus was the new hero, and the old pagan rituals continued [1,2]
Muslims know exactly the day of their celebration. They know why they celebrate. Muslims consider "Allah" as the only subject of worship, and anyone else is His creatures and slaves. Muslims repeat the words "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is greater) in their celebrations to inscribe in their mind the greatness of Allah. Muslims celebrate the revelation of Quran after observing fast for a complete lunar month. A group of Muslims go for Hajj and visit the house of Allah and the whole Muslim nation joins them virtually by sacrificing an animal; a symbolic prove that one is ready to sacrifice his body for the sake of pleasing his Master –the Almighty Allah.
2
There is no consensus on why it is December 25th, the exact birth date of Jesus is unknown. Quran mentions in (19:25) that at time of delivery Mary was adviced to shake the date tree to get fresh dates. Have you ever heard dates growing in the middle of winter?
Muslims know exactly the dates, because it is based on clear vision of moon that repeats every year and not based on historical events that was not documented properly.
3
Why the Christmas tree? It is said that this triangular tree represents the trinity concept. Others say it is a symbol of evergreen. This tree business was introduced much later in the 16th century.[3]
Muslims celebrate monotheism creed during the two Eids. They show their happiness for worshiping One Supreme Lord who has no son, nor wife nor any helper or associates.
4
Christians introduced many rituals from their own and made it an obligatory habit during Xmas. This includes excessive shopping and gift-giving. As a result, many poor suffer from depression and anger on Xmas days.[4]
Muslims in the morning of Eid (of Ramadan) give food as charity to the poor, similarly on the morning of Eid (of Hajj) they distribute the sacrificial meat to the poor and friends, there is no burden on any.
5
Suicides and murders spike during the holiday season. Because of holiday celebrations involving alcohol, drunk driving-related fatalities may also increase.
Muslims celebrate by paying visits to family, friends and poors, they are not allowed alcohol throughout the year. The main joy of a Muslim is in the worship of Allah, not in drinking, dancing and having illegal-sex. It is reported by the Caliph Omar saying: "never enter the place of worship of the polytheists, because the wrath (of Allah) falls on such places".
6
Children are taught that Santa Clara will bring them gifts on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. They expect him coming through the chimney, some of them place empty shoes for him to wear.
Islam does not promote the concept of hidden power in any creature but only the creator. Muslims when ask, they Ask Allah. They never think of a protector or savior other than Allah. Contaminating the fresh mind of a child with such faith is regarded a big crime.
Indeed, We have sent down for you (O mankind) a Book, (the Qur'ân) in which there is your reminder (and Honor). Will you not then understand? [Quran al-Anbiay (21):10]
The Christian World these days are deep into their Xmas. They claim to celebrate the birth of Jesus –Peace be Upon him-. Each nation celebrates religious festivals. Muslims celebrate two events after the completion of fasting the month of Ramadan and during the Hajj (Pilgrimage) days. In this article, I intend to compare Christmas celebration with Muslim's two Eids and want to show the difference in nature and objectives of the two.
