Can I say Merry Christmas?

In December, "Merry Christmas" is everywhere: at work, in shops, and from the people you love most. It is natural to wonder how to respond as a Muslim. This lesson explains the majority view and gives you warm words you can use, so your relationships stay strong.

What the majority of scholars say

The majority of scholars hold that a Muslim does not congratulate people on the religious festivals of other faiths, for example by saying "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter". The scholar Ibn al-Qayyim reported that scholars agree on this. The reason is that congratulating someone on a religious festival expresses approval of its religious meaning, and a Muslim's belief is different. For example, Muslims love and honor Jesus, peace be upon him, as a great prophet of Allah, not as the son of God.

Some contemporary scholars permit these greetings when the words do not contradict Islamic belief. This lesson follows the majority view.

Warm words you can use

Not saying "Merry Christmas" never means being cold. Scholars point out that everyday kind greetings are fine, and that you can congratulate people on the happy events of life that everyone shares.

• Everyday greetings: "Good morning", "It is so good to see you", "How have you been?"

• Kind words when parting: "I hope to see you again soon", "Take care".

• Congratulations on life events: a wedding, a new baby, recovering from an illness, a safe return from a trip, and similar good news.

Allah commands good speech toward people. Among the commands He mentions in His covenant with the Children of Israel is this one, which scholars cite for how Muslims speak to everyone:

And speak to people good [words]

Quran 2:83 (part of the verse, translation of the meaning)

When someone says it to you

Your family and coworkers mean it kindly, so answer kindly. There is no need to correct them or give a speech. A scholar who answered this question for the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), and who became Muslim himself, shared what worked with his own family. When they greeted him with "Merry Christmas", he warmly changed the subject, for example: "So, how have you been?" When they said it as he left, he answered: "I hope to see you again soon." He added that, with time, your family will likely understand.

Gifts and visits

• Receiving a gift: if a relative or neighbor gives you a Christmas gift, scholars say you may accept it kindly, as long as it is not something forbidden, such as alcohol, or an item used to celebrate the festival.

• Giving a gift: most scholars say not to give gifts for the festival itself. Give your gifts at other times of the year instead. Gifts to relatives are a lovely way to show love.

• Visiting: keep visiting your family all year. As the previous lesson explained, the majority view is not to join the religious service or the festival celebration itself.

Above all, never be harsh with your family over this. A gentle smile, a kind word, and good character will speak for your faith far more than any argument.

Next, you will look at national holidays like Thanksgiving, which many families spend together.

Scholars hold more than one view on this question. This lesson presents the view held by the majority of scholars. If you are unsure what applies to you, ask a trusted scholar or the imam at your local masjid.