Should Muslims celebrate Christmas? (X-posted from Religion)

[guillaumeb]

From the article:

If Christmas is to celebrate the birth of an elite, highly revered Prophet, most Muslims have no problem observing the occasion. If Christmas is to celebrate his message of social justice and reforms, most Muslims have no problem observing the occasion. If Christmas is to celebrate his message to feed the hungry, welcome the immigrants, and love thy neighbor, then the Muslims have no issues celebrating the Christmas.

To read more:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/askamuslim/2018/12/should-muslims-celebrate-christmas/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Islamic+Wisdom&utm_content=49

I generally find this poster to be quite insightful. Personally, I give the same holiday greetings to others as they initiate with me.

[Sneederbunk]

1. Why not? Even atheists celebrate Christmas.

[guillaumeb]

2. True.

We can celebrate the hope, even as we recognize how often we fail to achieve it.

[procon]

3. Christmas is more like a profitable commercial venture.

As an atheist I can wholeheartedly indulge in the so called spirit of Christmas with no thought to any religious connection. I eat, drink, socialize with family and friends, exchange gifts with a clear understanding that this is a corporate sponsored celebration. All hail the great god Mammon!

The endless stream of TV commercials, sales brochures, advertising inserts, and cheery discount signs in store windows tells me money is the reason for the season, and I accept that as truth.

Every commercial I watch has an energetic announcer eager to persuade me to buy something. I need to prepare a fabulous feast, buy a perfectly pruned pine tree and designer ornaments to decorate my house... 50% off! Every store in town teases me with coupons, 2 for 1 sales, 70% off to early bird shoppers, free shipping, guaranteed delivery.

It's a wonderful time of year!

[guillaumeb]

5. Capitalism.

Jeff Bezos approves.

[Grins]

4. Muslim Scholar on radio a few years back

Said Christmas is celebrated in many Muslim countries because Jesus is considered a prophet. May be rare but it does happen.

[guillaumeb]

6. He is celebrated as one of the Prophets. eom

[safeinOhio]

7. Folks focus on differences.

They and forget what is the same. I go with John Lennon, Imagine.

[guillaumeb]

8. The author suggests focusing on shared values.

And those shared values are not dependent on any religious framework.