Christmas Reflections
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URL: https://www.islamicity.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13781
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Topic: Christmas Reflections
Posted By: hat2010
Subject: Christmas Reflections
Date Posted: 23 December 2008 at 2:23am
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Original article here:
http://www.soundvision.com/info/christmas/ctreat.asp Treating Christmas with Respect by Abdul Malik Mujahid Christmas is an annual Christian religious holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him. For many Muslims who even do not celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, it becomes an issue of what stand they should take. There have been a number of legitimate criticisms of the holiday from Muslims and non-Muslims based on theological and cultural considerations. However, this cannot be used to disregard the holiday as merely an exercise in ancient pagan practices, for instance, or excessive consumerism. Muslims have to remember that for practicing Christians, Christmas really is about Jesus. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was so accommodating of Christians that according to the two earliest Islamic historians, Ibn e Saad and Ibn Hisham, the Prophet even allowed a delegation of 60 Byzantine Christians from Najran in Yemen to worship in his own mosque in Madinah. Lead by their bishop (Usquf), they had come to discuss a number of issues with him. When time of their prayer came, they asked the Prophet's permission to perform this in the mosque. He answered, "conduct your service here in the mosque. It is a place consecrated to God." God expects us to stay away from mocking the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much we disagree with them. He says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do" (Quran, 6:108). We also have to remember that even if for many nominal Christians, the celebration is not really about participating in religious traditions, Christmas is a time for families to get together. In a number of cases it is the only time of year families get together, either because family members are scattered in different parts of the country or the world, because of communication and relationship problems, or because in America today, the family unit is becoming weaker and weaker. Christmas is a great time to relate to our neighbors. We should not forget though, that "relating" does not mean "preaching". Dawa cannot be made in a rude manner. Allah says in the Quran: "Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful advice, and reason with them by ways that are the best and most gracious: because your Lord knows best, (those) who have strayed from His Path, and those who receive guidance " (Quran, 16:125). In particular, when dealing with Jews and Christians, Allah says: "Do not argue with the People of the Book unless it is in the politest manner, except for those of them who do wrong. Say: 'We believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you. Our God and your God is [the same] One, and we are Muslims before Him'" (Quran, 29:46). This may not be an occasion to emphasis the differences as much as the commonality of our beliefs, unless someone is really asking you about them. A starting point for a discussion about Christmas could be the Islamic belief in all Books revealed by Allah and all Prophets sent by Him. In this discussion, special emphasis could be made on Prophet Jesus. Non-Muslims are often surprised to discover that Muslims also believe in this noble Prophet and his great mother Mary (peace be upon her). Remember that respect does not mean compromise. This article is not asking you to compromise anything. You have freedom of religion given by God to believe in what you believe in. But in a world where conflict is increasing, a Muslim should be a bridge- builder and a peacemaker. It was due to the Muslim practice of Islamic ideals of respect and tolerance that the key of the holiest Christian Shrine in Jerusalem, the church of the Holy Sepulcher, remains entrusted with a Muslim family, as it has been for over 1400 years. These are the lessons which need to be learned by those extremists who attack Christians during their worship in Nigeria and those extremists who burn Masjids in the USA. |
Replies:
Posted By: aka2x2
Date Posted: 23 December 2008 at 6:50pm
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I like Christmas! I like seeing beautiful decorations, and cheerful colors in the dead of winter. I like happy crowds and I even like exchanging gifts. I find no verse in the Quran forbidding Muslims to celebrate Christmas. In fact I find no verse in the Quran forbidding us from enjoying what is lawful in this world. What Allah (SWT) made Halal no man may make Haram. ------------- Respectfully  aka2x2
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Posted By: nothing
Date Posted: 23 December 2008 at 10:13pm
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The religious Christmas in the western world is diminishing. What we see lately is a cultural Christmas, which mostly appreciated by having two days off on payrol. The people here will definately will welcome the two Eids as public holidays. But making them without pay will end up into riot. I will go riot myself. But for those who are truly Christians I say Merry Christmas. |
Posted By: Nur_Ilahi
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 6:46am
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I simply cannot find any similarity between Santa Claus and Jesus.  ------------- Ilahi Anta Maksudi, Wa Redhaka Mathlubi - Oh Allah, You are my destination, Your Pleasure is my Intention. |
Posted By: hat2010
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 10:51am
For starters: A beard, cool to children, generally good natured, lots of folks look forward to his coming. |
Nur_Ilahi wrote:Posted By: Sign*Reader
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 12:25pm
Iran's president to deliver Christmas message on British TV43 minutes ago LONDON (AFP) � Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will deliver an alternative Christmas message on Channel Four to rival Queen Elizabeth II's annual address, the broadcaster said Wednesday. Ahmadinejad, whose comments will go out on 1915 GMT on Christmas Day, will say that if Jesus Christ were alive today, he would oppose "bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers," according to a pre-released transcript. Britain and Iran have had rocky relations since the 1979 Islamic revolution, particularly over Iran's disputed nuclear programme, which the West fears could be used to build arms but Tehran insists is for civilian purposes. Ahmadinejad is the most high-profile guest yet on Channel Four's alternative broadcast, which was started in 1993 and has seen Jesse Jackson, Brigitte Bardot and cartoon character Marge Simpson among others take to the airwaves. However, Israel's ambassador in London, Ron Prosor, condemned the message as a "scandal and a national embarrassment" given the Iranian president's denial of the Holocaust and his calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. "In Iran, converts to Christianity face the death penalty. It is perverse that this despot is allowed to speculate on the views of Jesus, while his government leads Christ's followers to the gallows," he said. The message begins with Ahmadinejad congratulating Christians and the people of Britain on the anniversary of the birth of Christ, which Christians celebrate on Christmas Day. "If Christ were on Earth today, undoubtedly he would stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers," he says. "If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly he would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over." Speaking in Farsi, Ahmadinejad blames society's problems on humanity's rejection of religion but predicts Christ will return "with one of the children of the revered Messenger of Islam and will lead the world to love, brotherhood and justice". He ends by saying: "I pray for the New Year to be a year of happiness, prosperity, peace and brotherhood for humanity. I wish you every success and happiness." Explaining the the decision to invite Ahmadinejad to speak, Channel Four's head of news and current affairs Dorothy Byrne said: "As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential. "As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view." In October, Foreign Secretary David Miliband warned of a possible nuclear arms race in the Middle East if Iran was allowed to press ahead unchecked with a uranium enrichment programme. In response, Tehran accused Miliband of having "strong ties with Zionists". Ties between the two countries were further strained last year when Iran seized 15 British sailors and marines in disputed waters in the Shatt al-Arab waterway between Iran and Iraq. The troops were released safely nearly two weeks later after a televised meeting with Ahmadinejad. Stephen Smith, director of Britain's Holocaust Centre, which aims to educate people about genocide, said Ahmadinejad's message should be treated with care. "People need to be alert to the fact that this is a wolf in sheep's clothing," he said. "Many of his political and historical views are very dangerous and do not uphold the views in his------------- Kismet Domino: Faith/Courage/Liberty/Abundance/Selfishness/Immorality/Apathy/Bondage or extinction. |
Posted By: mariacanadiana
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 1:21pm
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That is because santa has nothing to do with Jesus....well not anymore that is. There are a few tales bout Santa clause, st.nicholas, chris kringle, and even a female variation that I forget the name of.
If taken into religous context, this figure was there at the time of Jesus supposed birth and was late bringing gifts. He then searched the world leaving gifts with each child in hopes one of theme was God's son.
Moral of the story, we are all children of God.
The santa you see now a days has no religious connect...excet, well, he has,a full, beard, a big loose coat, is always happy and loves to give freely, and never leaves home without a hat....SANTA IS MUSLIM!!! ;)
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Posted By: abuayisha
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 2:01pm
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxiv5w6MEP0&eurl=http://news.google.com/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn&feature=player_embedded - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxiv5w6MEP0&eurl=http://news.google.com/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn&feature=player_embedded |
Posted By: Hyposonic
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 4:29pm
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Sanata was created by a department store I believe in the 70's. I believe it was mervins or some department store that begins with an "M."
Nothing,
It seems your posts seem to lack the substance that is truly Islamic. Simply saying you'd riot is admitting that you would conduct idiotic behavior. You would riot simply over because of a holiday? That is not civilized behavior that is idiocy. ------------- "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism" |
Posted By: Akhe Abdullah
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 4:44pm
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Posted By: Akhe Abdullah
Date Posted: 24 December 2008 at 5:01pm
 Close but no cigar.We give regularly.This whole so-called holly-day is fishy.Santa Claus seeks into peoples houses while they are sleep,by way of the chiminy (fire)and if you ever saw him he would through hot ashes in your face he names carries names of shayton.And people who celebrate Christ-Mass not knowing it is not about Prophet Isa (AS) at all.Ill give you something to chukle about, they sing songs noel"noel".But do they know it means No-EL NO god.
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Posted By: Gulliver
Date Posted: 25 December 2008 at 3:09am
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"And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do" (Quran, 6:108). This one is interesting. I tell people this all the time. It's known to God alone what a person's faith means to them in their heart and none have a right to 'judge' that in any way. ________________________________________ Akhe. You have just proven the above. People sing, 'No el' - meaning 'No God'. What a load of tripe. You should be heartily ashamed of yourself and do your 'faith' no good whatsoever. "Chuckle" - as in 'MOCK'. Many would call that hypocrisy. Again - see above. Noel (or no�l, sometimes spelled nowell for the English pronunciation) refers either to the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas - Christmas celebration or a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_carol - Christmas carol . The word comes from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language - French word No�l meaning "Christmas" which derives from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_French - Old French word no�l, a variant of nael. The http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin - Latin origin is the word natalis (" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childbirth - birth "). Noel may also refer to:
Whatever it 'means', people do NOT sing it with the intent of it meaning, "No God". I'm assuming you're about 12 years old. So we'll forgive you as it's Christmas. Now. go chuckle away till you're heart's content. ;-) God bless |
Posted By: Shasta'sAunt
Date Posted: 25 December 2008 at 6:22am
The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun and lively tradition (some even say cult) to America.
This version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and these most curious traditions: A merry old man with red and white clothes Eight flying reindeer, later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. A home located on or near the North Pole The habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th. Also the habit of entering houses through the chimney. The most important single source for our modern day version of Santa Claus comes from the Christmas poem http://www.lone-star.net/mall/main-areas/Night_B_Xmas.html - A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore. Written for his children in 1823, the family poem was later published for the general public and included what became the now famous picture of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast ( see below right ). Actually the old "cult" of Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English. Santa brings us all together! Kids all over the world know who Santa is... And although he may be a little commercial, who can help, but love the jolly old elf? It's the Idea of giving that reminds us; we are all on this planet together, for the long run. So lets be kind to one another.
Thereafter no one could prevent the inevitable triumph of Moore's lovable Santa. Thus Thomas Nast, a very real and now historical newspaper artist, was the VERY FIRST PERSON to paint the first definitive portrait of our present day Santa Claus in 1870. http://www.lone-star.net/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm - http://www.lone-star.net/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm ------------- �No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.� Eleanor Roosevelt |
Thomas Nast, a well known and respected painter, found inspiration for his extremely popular painting of today's Santa Claus from Clement C. Moore's world famous poem, The Night Before Christmas ( http://www.lone-star.net/mall/main-areas/Night_B_Xmas.html - "A Visit from St.Nicholas" ). Posted By: abuayisha
Date Posted: 25 December 2008 at 6:41am
| '........Santa brings us all together!' Shasta'sAunt, the Boston Celtics will be here in LA today; any predictions? Keep in mind that we're talking home game at Staples Center prior to answering. |
Posted By: Shasta'sAunt
Date Posted: 25 December 2008 at 5:28pm
Sorry I didn't read this in time, but my money was on LA. A little pay back for the pounding they took at the playoffs.
Despite today's unfortunate outcome, I have to say that the Celtics are riding a streak and if they keep it up there might be another championship in their future.
------------- �No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.� Eleanor Roosevelt |
Posted By: Hyposonic
Date Posted: 25 December 2008 at 6:51pm
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Boston Celtics lost enough said!
I personally don't think Celtics are going to win. They are Irish not Scottish. ------------- "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism" |
Posted By: abuayisha
Date Posted: 25 December 2008 at 8:51pm
| Well for the sake of my kids I'm hoping Kobe can get a ring without Shaq. Lakers are looking pretty good. |
Posted By: Akhe Abdullah
Date Posted: 26 December 2008 at 5:14am
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Posted By: aka2x2
Date Posted: 28 December 2008 at 6:13am
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As far as I am concerned Non-Muslims are always welcome on this forum, as long as they are not disrespectful or hostile. I don't believe Gulliver was either. He was informative and Muslims must seek knowledge even if it is in China... Translating "noel" as NO-GOD is not correct; he pointed it out and his point is valid. ------------- Respectfully aka2x2
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Posted By: Akhe Abdullah
Date Posted: 28 December 2008 at 9:38am
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Posted By: Shasta'sAunt
Date Posted: 28 December 2008 at 11:51am
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"A Muslims never sides with Non-Muslims against another Muslim weather he is in the wrong." Assalamu Alaikum: Do you truly believe this? ------------- �No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.� Eleanor Roosevelt |
Posted By: nothing
Date Posted: 28 December 2008 at 1:14pm
Salaam Akhe Abdullah. You are right, but I think you shoud not make it as an issue.
Sometimes brother we must treat ourselves as "nothing". We give the due respect without expecting anything in return. It is known as the art of "sacrifice" for the greater good. It takes long time to get into this, and it is a hit and miss in real practical life.
You are not wrong with your view, but there is a greater thing to achieve while we are still living that is greatly missed by many - making friends:
The good deed and the evil deed are not alike.
Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo! he, between whom and thee there was enmity (will become) as though he was a bosom friend. (41:34)
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Posted By: Akhe Abdullah
Date Posted: 29 December 2008 at 9:49am
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Posted By: TruthRealm
Date Posted: 31 December 2008 at 12:47pm
That explains everything.  ------------- �Moses dragged us for 40 years through the desert to bring us to the one place in the Middle East where there was no oil.� -Golda Meir |