Considering these facts, it is worth considering why the 25th of December was chosen for the celebration of Christ’s (as) birth. Various theories have been suggested to explain this apparent inconsistency. It has been argued that Christianity was greatly influenced by the converts, especially in the third and early fourth centuries, and that a date coinciding with the celebration of a pagan god’s birthday was specifically chosen. What, however, seems more probable is Professor Diarmaid MacCaulloch’s theory. According to MacCaullouch, the choice of date may be related to the time of the year Mary received the revelation regarding the birth of Jesus and conceived (MacCulloch, 2017). That is, if Jesus was born in August or September, as the facts point out, then Mary received the glad tidings of the conception of the Messiah at least 36 weeks before. This leads us to the last week of December. As a result, December 25 appears to be an approximate date when Mary received the joyful news of the birth of the Israelite Messiah.
Perhaps what Christians intended to commemorate was the day God Almighty, hearing their fathers’ sorrows, fulfilled His promise to them (as made through their prophets) and sent word to Mary about the birth of their expected savior. This period of the Mosaic dispensation, during which Allah the Almighty blessed them with such good news, is known in Islam as Laylatul Qadr (the night of destiny), because with his arrival, a new heaven and a new earth will be created, and their individual and national destinies will take on a new form based on their receptivity to the Messiah.
The joy associated with this occasion appears to have been maintained over the ages, even though its focus appears to have shifted from discussing the prophecies about the advent of the Mosaic Messiah, its fulfillment, and his exemplary lifestyle and teachings to the material things—gifts, cuisines, costumes, business—that were to just complement the occasion.
One key aspect of various cultural and religious occasions is wishing each other well. For those who do not share in the culture or religious activity, showing kindness and good will to those who are adherents is important in establishing a harmonious and loving community.
The Holy Prophet’s (saw) tolerance and respect for others were at their peak. A few narrations from the life of the Holy Prophet (saw) will amply display the Prophet’s practical example:
Qais Ibn Sa’d (ra) reported: “A funeral passed by the Messenger of Allah (saw), and he stood up.” It was said to him, “It is a Jew.” The prophet said, “Was he not a soul?” (Sahih Bukhari).
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) said: “If any of you is invited for meals, he should accept the invitation. If he is fasting, he should offer supplications of goodness and blessings for the inviter, and if he is not fasting, he should partake of the meal.” (Sahih Muslim).
The above narrations make it clear that it is important to respect the rights of people of other faiths, to wish them well on their happy occasions, and to offer them as much support as possible, even if it is by honoring an invitation.
Muslims should therefore wish their Christian brethren well in this Christmas season. A supportive environment and atmosphere can be created by organizing charitable events in our localities.
The occasion of Christmas, therefore, offers an opportunity for Christians to revitalize their faiths. The celebration associated with it has also given it economic significance. Among all the peoples of the world, it is the Muslims who have been granted access to the teachings of that Prophet (saw), who was a mercy for the entire world. As a result, they must take the lead in wishing their Christian brothers and sisters well and offering any assistance they can in the legal yuletide celebrations.
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