Jesus in Islam and Christmas

View of the Dome of the Rock from window of Dominus Flevit Church on the Mount of Olives, opposite the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Highlights Topics: Christmas, Islam, Prophet Jesus (Isa) Views: 175586
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Many Christians are unaware that the true spirit of reverence which Muslims display towards Jesus and his mother Mary spring from the fountainhead of their faith as prescribed in the Holy Quran. Most do not know that a Muslim does not take the name of Jesus , without saying Eesa alai-hiss-salaam i.e. (Jesus peace be upon him).

Jesus in the Quran

Many Christians do not know that in the Holy Quran Jesus is mentioned by name twenty-five times.  For example:

.. We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. .. Quran 2:87

Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah gives thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. Quran 3:45

.. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah .. Quran 4:171

 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him .. Quran 5:46

And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the righteous: Quran 6:85

The Quranic Titles of Jesus

Though Jesus is mentioned by name in twenty-five places in the Holy Quran he is also addressed with respect as: "Ibne Maryam" - son of Mary; as Masi (Heb) Messiah - translated as Christ; "Abd-ullah" servant of Allah; "Rasul -Ullah" - Messenger of Allah.

He is spoken of as "the word of God", as "the spirit of God", as a "Sign of God", and numerous other epithets of honor spread over fifteen different chapters. The Holy Quran honors this great Messenger of God, and over the past fourteen hundred years Muslims continue to hold Jesus as a symbol of truth.

Christmas and 25th of December

Jesus is commonly considered to have been born on the 25th of December. However, it is common knowledge among Christian scholars that he was not born on this day. It is well known that the first Christian churches held their festival in May, April, or January. Scholars of the first two centuries AD even differ in which year he was born. Some believing that he was born fully twenty years before the current accepted date. So how was the 25th of December selected as the birthday of Jesus ?

Grolier's encyclopedia says: "Christmas is the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25 ... Despite the beliefs about Christ that the birth stories expressed, the church did not observe a festival for the celebration of the event until the 4th century.... since 274, under the emperor Aurelian, Rome had celebrated the feast of the "Invincible Sun" on December 25. In the Eastern Church, January 6, a day also associated with the winter solstice, was initially preferred. In course of time, however, the West added the Eastern date as the Feast of the Epiphany, and the East added the Western date of Christmas".

So who else celebrated the 25th of December as the birth day of their gods before it was agreed upon as the birth day of Jesus ? In India there is the Hindu festival to honor the Hindu deity, Ganesha, where people rejoice, decorate their houses with garlands, and give presents to their friends on this day. The people of China also celebrate this day and close their shops. Buddha is believed to have been born on this day. The great savior and god of the Persians, Mithras, is also believed to have been born on the 25th of December long before the coming of Jesus .

The Egyptians celebrated this day as the birth day of their great savior Horus, the Egyptian god of light and the son of the "virgin mother" and "queen of the heavens" Isis. Osiris, god of the dead and the underworld in Egypt, the son of "the holy virgin", again was believed to have been born on the 25th of December.

The Greeks celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of Hercules, the son of the supreme god of the Greeks, Zeus, through the mortal woman Alcmene Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry among the Romans (known among the Greeks as Dionysus) was also born on this day.

Adonis, revered as a "dying-and-rising god" among the Greeks, miraculously was also born on the 25th of December. His worshipers held him a yearly festival representing his death and resurrection, in midsummer. The ceremonies of his birthday are recorded to have taken place in the same cave in Bethlehem which is claimed to have been the birth place of Jesus .

The Scandinavians celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of their god Freyr, the son of their supreme god of the heavens, Odin.

The Romans observed this day as the birthday of the god of the sun, Natalis Solis Invicti ("Birthday of Sol the invincible"). There was great rejoicing and all shops were closed. There was illumination and public games. Presents were exchanged, and the slaves were indulged in great liberties. These are the same Romans who would later preside over the council of Nicea (325 CE) which lead to the official Christian recognition of the "Trinity" as the "true" nature of God, and the "fact" that Jesus was born on the 25th of December too.

In Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Gibbon says: "The Roman Christians, ignorant of his (Christ's) birth, fixed the solemn festival to the 25th of December, the Brumalia, or Winter Solstice, when the Pagans annually celebrated the birth of Sol " vol. ii, p. 383.

Christians opposed to Christmas

There are several Christian groups who are opposed to Christmas. For example, they take the verse from the Bible in Jeremiah 10:2-4 as an admonition against decorating Christmas trees.

The King James Version reads: "Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen.... For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

In order to understand this subject, it is helpful to trace some of the history of Christmas avoidance, particularly its roots in Puritanism.

The Puritans believed that the first-century church modeled a Christianity that modern Christians should copy. They attempted to base their faith and practice solely on the New Testament, and their position on Christmas reflected their commitment to practice a pure, scriptural form of Christianity. Puritans argued that God reserved to himself the determination of all proper forms of worship, and that he disapproved of any human innovations - even innovations that celebrated the great events of salvation. The name Christmas also alienated many Puritans. Christmas, after all, meant "the mass of Christ." The mass was despised as a Roman Catholic institution that undermined the Protestant concept of Christ, who offered himself once for all. The Puritans' passionate avoidance of any practice that was associated with papal Rome caused them to overlook the fact that in many countries the name for the day had nothing to do with the Catholic mass, but focused instead on Jesus' birth. The mass did not evolve into the form abhorred by Protestants until long after Christmas was widely observed. The two customs had separate, though interconnected, histories.

As ardent Protestants, Puritans identified the embracing of Christianity by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the early 300s CE as the starting point of the degeneration and corruption of the church. They believed the corruption of the church was brought on by the interweaving of the church with the pagan Roman state. To Puritans, Christmas was impure because it entered the Roman Church sometime in this period. No one knows the exact year or under what circumstances Roman Christians began to celebrate the birth of their Lord, but by the mid-300s CE, the practice was well established.

Islam requires Muslims to respect the faith of others

Regardless of historical facts and theological differences that Christians may have among themselves or theological differences Muslims may have with Christianity we cannot disregard the sentiments of practicing Christians who use this occasion to revere Jesus .

Prophet Muhammad was always very respectful towards the Christians. According to Islamic historians, Ibn e Saad and Ibn e Hisham, once there was a delegation of Byzantine Christians, who were traveling from Yemen to Madinah. The delegation was lead by a bishop by the name of Zqyd al-Usquf , who came to discuss a number of issues with Prophet Muhammad . When the time of their prayer came, they asked the Prophet if they could do their worship in the mosque of the Prophet. He answered, "Conduct your service here in the mosque. It is a place dedicated to God."

A Muslim cannot and should not ridicule the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much they disagree with them. God says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they 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


  Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Highlights
  Topics: Christmas, Islam, Prophet Jesus (Isa)
Views: 175586

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Older Comments:
CARMEL said:
Babandi A. Gumel So therefore Jesus Son of Mary is the Prophet of Allah and not the Son of God as many people believe or think. We Christians Believe that God created and made all by One Spirit; a spirit we call "THE WORD" of God. Hence this spirit of God created also His mother Mary, in her soul/ heart, and God the Father in the Holy Spirit,furnished Mary with her soul/mind , while Mary's body was the entire angels of heaven.This is depicted in Luke 1: 46 And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord.( Mary's soul manifested the Lord Jesus) 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ( Mary's spirit, the Holy Spirit from her conception in her mother's womb, rejoiced in God, Mary's saviour when the Holy Spirit again, conceived Mary and became Jesus' mother) 48 Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. ( all Generations, from the souls, not from the flesh, shall call Mary blessed, as Mother of all souls, in Jesus her son, as son of God, while Jesus, her son, the son of man, in the flesh, "THE WORD" was made flesh, is the father of all flesh.
2017-06-01

CARMEL said:
Jesus is both a son of man, and a son of God Jesus is the name attributed to the son of God. Emmanuel is the name attributed to the son of man. The name Jesus was given by the angel Gabriel. The name Jesus is a modification due to various languages Yeshua (disambiguation) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Yeshua is the Hebrew name ישוע, an ancient common variant of Yehoshua יהושע (equivalent to English Joshua or Jeshua). It may also refer to: Jesus, whose English name comes from the Hebrew "Yeshua" via the Greek "Iesous"
2017-06-01

YOHAN YISHAI FROM BHUTAN said:
He is spoken of as "the word of God", as "the spirit of God",
as a "Sign of God", and numerous other epithets of honor spread
over fifteen different chapters. The Holy Quran honors this
great Messenger of God, and over the past fourteen hundred years
Muslims continue to hold Jesus as a symbol of truth.

What an OXYMORON, dear author endowed with so much wisdom and
understanding!

He that is called "the word of God", "the spirit of God", and
"Sign of God" is not just SYMBOL of truth but THE TRUTH. Blessed
Messiah declared Himself being the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Seeing Him was Equal to Seeing God. Those honoring God were
commended to honour Him as Equal with Him.

Unless anyone considers Him a Fraud, the Word of God reveal He
is God in the flesh. Why should we divert our attention to
MESSENGER leaving the person of Mediator while seeking to build
fruitful relationship with God?
2015-01-06

SUJAN FROM INDIA said:
Who else in Quran is called "Masi". What is the role of Messiah in
Quran.

Who else is spocken as "word of god" in Quran.

Is Jesus the only charecter in Quran, born of a virgin. What is God
trying to tell here. What is the reason is he born from a virgin.
2014-12-27

SHUAIBU ABUBAKAR FROM NIGERIA said:
Allahu akbar may allah grant us aljannatul pirdaus.
2013-12-28

BAKARE SHAMSUDEEN SAMSON FROM NIGERIA said:
Good message. Pls wf need the source and authencity of the quotations
2013-12-18

BABANDI A. GUMEL FROM U.K said:
We have to invite the whole humanity to the truth that Jesus Son of Mary is the Word of Allah conveyed to Virgin Mary and is the Prophet of Allah like all other Prophets Alaihimus Salam His example is that of Adam whom Allah created without Father and Mother and Hauwa the Eve Wife of Adam, Allah through HIs Qudurah created from the Rib of Adam without Mum, and Jesus Son of Mary Allah created him without father.He created you and me with father and mother.So therefore Jesus Son of Mary is the Prophet of Allah and not the Son of God as many people believe or think. He is one of the Messengers of Allah whom He gave Injil like He gave Moses taurat and David Psalm and Muhammad the Quran.He is coming back and Muslims have all believed as he is a sign and Mercy to the whole humanity.He is coming back towards the end of the World and would live normal life and gets married and dies the natural death and be buried next to our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Medinah an honour reserved to no body except the two companions Abubakar and Umar (RAnhuma).May Allah make us become the means of hidayah to the entire mankind.
2012-12-29

ADEBAYO MOSHOOD FROM NIGERIA said:
Allahu akbar
2012-01-01

A.ABOOBAKER SAIT FROM INDIA said:
Please mention the verification of the authenticity of the hadeeth
that you have quoted from Islamic historians Ibn e Saad and Ibn
Hisham.
2011-12-27

SHEU IBRAHIM FROM NIGERIA said:
Well , may Allah make them understand, before it is too late
2011-12-27

ALMANA FROM USA said:
Good article.makes good sense .
2011-12-25

MARIA ELISABETH COIMBRA FROM BRASIL said:

I have little to say, the text talks by itself , when he talks about the Puritans, the Puritans are extremist, radicals, they are not good in any religion have the example of Hoshama Bin Lader
All religions deserve to be respected and all people deserve freedom of choice, GOD IS ONLY ONE1494
2011-12-23

ADEGBOYEGA HARUNA FROM NIGERIA said:
It is a good post.May AllahContinue to keep us in the right path.Jaxak
2011-12-23

KOLAWOLE FROM NIGERIA said:
It worth knowing fully well the historical background of christmas and As muslim it is not good to greet some one merry christmas it shrik
2011-12-23

ONISEMO SULAIMON FROM NIGERIA said:
Alhamudulilai,today all muslims and christians know that the birth of jesus is in miraculos way and only Allah can protect us from ignorance.
2011-12-23

DD FROM MALAYSIA said:
Muslims also believe in Moses and the teachings of the Buddha. Do you see Muslims converting to Judaism and Buddhism in droves?

To be a Muslim is to accept other religions as they are and at the same time inform others of our religion.
2011-12-23

UMM SUFYAN FROM ROC said:
Assalamu'alaikum

I'm a Chinese Muslimah from Taiwan. Please clarify as what Chinese holiday you refered to in your article, because as far as I know there is no specific Chinese holiday (in China) set on December 25th. The traditional Chinese holidays follow the lunar calendar. I'm pointing this out in goodwill.

Wassalam
2011-12-23

SUFIAN MOHAMMED FROM SWEDEN said:
Asselamaaleikum,

May Allah Bless All of You What You Are Doing for This Umma.
2011-12-22

UMAR ZULKANAIN MOHAMMED FROM NIGERIA (AFRICA) said:
And there is none from the poeple of book but that he surely believe in him (jesus) before his death, and on day of resurrection he be against them a witness. (Q4:v159) wallahu semeehu aleem (ALLAH is all-hearing and all-knowing)
2011-12-22

DR. MOMOH MUMUNI AUDU FROM NIGERIA said:
Please write detail of this festivity and circulate it so that the truth of this celebration will come out.

Good work
2011-12-21

SERGIO BARRON FROM USA said:
when they entice to worsip others besides allah, do not listen to them. surely allah knows all that you do and he will show us our deeds on the last day.why do you worship that which cannot harm you or do you any good? glory be to allah that he should have a wife or a partner.jesus is an idol!! the christians call mary "mother of god".god will reward them for their falsehood.
christmas is paganism only because they worship jesus but there is good deeds mixed in with it.but do not allow the world to deceive us.there is no god but god. one ilah,allah praise be to HIM.WE MUST RECITE THE QURAN FOR GUIDANCE, TO GUARD AGAINST EVIL.To guard against idolatry, in it's most subtle form (christmas!!!) glory be to Allah PRAISE BE TO ALLAH GLORY BE TO ALLAH. THE BEGINNING AND THE END ALHAMDULILLAH.
2011-12-21

REGINALD FROM USA said:
Peace Be Upon You All,

The biblical man called "Jesus", his true name is Immanuel.
The fact that Muslim reverence him and in the Arabic language he is
recognized as "Isa ibn Maryam", son of Mary (PBUT). An untruth mixed
with truth doesnt validate the untruth. The establishment of
Christianity based upon the truth and reality of who this man was
and truly IS has never been taught wholistically in the Bible. The
fact that he is mentioned in the Quran is a guidance for Christians
and Muslims to follow truth and not the broken, distorted
information taught repeatedly today. So Be It unto You whatever you
believe, however there is a vast amount of material available for
you to come into the reality of whom Immanuel is. However the topic
of the article is about Christmas. As a believer in truth of the
Bible - across the board whether you are a Christian, Baptist,
Methodist, Episcopalian, Jehovas Witness, 7th Day Adventist,
C.O.G.I.C, Missionary Church members or whatever other sect of
religious inclination - when building your faith on and from the
Bible - It "The Bible" teaches to NOT CELEBRATE Christmas! As Muslim
we support the truth of the spirit of Christianity & the Truth that
its rooted in, even far beyond Isa Ibm Maryam / Immanuel (Jesus the
CHRIST).
2011-12-21

JESSICA FROM USA said:
When I first started reading this article, I was hoping it would be a nice article to share with
my Christian friends about the common points between our religions. But then, I quickly
realized that would be impossible once the author started making Christianity "guilty by
association" with a history of paganism, etc. During times of so much misunderstanding
between Christians and Muslims, it would have been nice to have an article providing a
positive way to understand our common points in relation to Isa, peace be upon him.
Instead, I'm afraid this article lends itself to disparaging Christians.
2011-12-21

LEIGH FROM AUSTRALIA said:
I understand that Islam acknowledges Jesus as a Prophet yet no one Muslim is able to tell
what He taught? Why would you honour what you are ignorant of? Jesus said "why do you
call me Lord but do not do what I say? Why do you call Him, 'Apostle of Allah but don't do
what He says??
2011-12-21

JAMES STEWART FROM USA said:
If Muslims have reverance for Jesus then may I suggest Muslims embrace Biblical Christianity, the only way to God and Salvation. But whether you refuse to embrace it now does not matter because Biblical Christianity will continue to be preached to all peoples, Muslims included.
2009-12-28

NETANYAHU FROM USA said:
For those muslims that celebrate christmas and other festivals of non-muslims and qouting Quran (ignorantly)to justify your actions. The prophet (saw) said " You will indeed follow the ways of those before you: hands span by hands span, cubit by cubit. Even if they were to enter Lizard holes, you will follow them. - We asked is it Jews and chritians?" He (saw) replied: "Who else!" Reported Abu Al-khudri
Suhih Bhukhari
2009-12-26

J FROM UNITED STATES said:
It is wonderful to learn of the teachings of Islam in regards to Jesus and other religions. Keep up the wonderful works! Blessings upon thee.
2009-12-25

KEVIN KLINE FROM USA said:
Jesus is God in the flesh. Who but God can forgive sins like Jesus did? No prophet can forgive sins, only God can do that. So Jesus was not a prophet but the son of God as He claimed Se was. There is only one way to God and Biblical Christianity is it. Intolerant?,maybe, but it is the truth.

MERRY CHRISTMAS (-:
2009-12-24

OMER JAMIL FROM AUSTRALIA, DUBAI, PAKISTAN said:
Adam Ibrahim Muhammad
There's a detailed dialogue I wrote out and published on web on this topic when a friend of mine argues as pessimisticallya as you did.

http://www.hidayat.org/amoeed/

There're that might be of help to you in order to clear up your mind and see how vasten Islam has made the worlds for us, not at all as narrowed as of your opinion.
I believe and suggest that you must start to think and live outside the box, especially when concerning religion!
May Allah bless us all.
Amen
2008-01-11

ZEHIRR FROM CANADA said:
Dear Katyia4Jesus PBUH:
Please go to Islamicity and read 'Jesus in Islam' it will certainly clear up some misconceptions you have." " There is more information and biographical information on Mary in the Qur'an than can be found in the entire New Testament" Please do some reading on the Council of Nicea...the difference between what is referred to in some literature as Judeo and Pauline Christianity. The former were the earliest contemporaries of Christ. Many of their beliefs, regarding Jesus PBUH came into direct conflict with the teachings of Paul. Pauls teachings with regard to Christ's PBUH divinity, or a human being becomming a God Incarnate, fit in well with the Roman's previously held Pagan beliefs. The Roman's adopted Pauls theological teachings, consequently they impacted which gospels were chosen to formulate official canonical text. What is more significant is perhaps those that were not chosen.It was for these 'politically' incorrect beliefs that the Judeo Christians were persecuted. Pauls teachings formulate the basic beliefs of what is taught by the Church. The beliefs held by the Judeo Christians coincide with many of the Islamic teachings regarding Christ's PBUH nature. It might interest you to know that one of the first people to recognize Muhammed's prophethood was a learned Christian Monk named Waraqa. Also when then early Muslims were persecuted and a group of them fled Mecca,they were given asylum by a Christian King in Ethiopia. The Meccan's enraged by this sent a delegation to Ethiopia's King to try and discredit the Muslims. They advised him to ask the Muslims what they believe about his Christ PBUH. When the Muslims recited what the Holy Qur'an said about Jesus and Mary, the Kind said...the difference between us and you is as a line in the sand.. (please excuse loose translation). He did not turn his back on them and continued to give them sanctuary against the Pagan Meccans.
Please READ. Knowl empowrs us,ignorance breeds intoleranc
2007-12-26

BABANDI A. GUMEL FROM U.K said:
The morals behind Christmas is to revive the true teachings of Jesus Christ not that of Paul or any other so called Companion who did not even see him.His real teachings is like that of Muhammad or any other Prophet (Peace be Upon Them)the teachings of Islam reviving morality do away with immorality which is unfortunate so rampant in the so called civilised Christian societies which they wanted to export to uncivilised worlds.Jesus taught the institution of marriage life not committing adultery,he was against homosexual the destroyed followers of gormorah which Lot warned them.He encouraged giving Zakah and charity the only institution seen vertually retained in the Western Society (May be because they had enough),he did not encourage lottery and gambling so rampant. He was forbidden from eating pork as follower of the teaching of his predecessors Moses and other Prophets.He encouraged all known norms good character civility and good akhlaq.That was the teachings and morals of Christmas although invented but at least trying to copy Christ Son of Maryam Peacce be Upon Him.
2007-12-25

AWANG KERISNADA BIN HAJI AWANG MAHMUD FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamulaikum wrbt.
I thank ALMighty GOD that the gift of the learned author has been put in a right place. I find the article very thought provoking and educational. Yes, Muslims do revere Jesus ( peace be upon him ) and such reverence is one of the integrals beliefs among the six Islamic Articles of faith. And any Muslims who do not believe in Jesus as the Messenger of GOD, then his faith is questionable. And Mary ( may GOD bless her ) has been mentioned many times in the Holy Quran and is highly respected as the mother of Jesus (pbuh).
The Premier of Britain Tony Blair once admitted that there is more reverence to Mary the virgin in the Quran than the Bible itself. Therefore I call for more dialogues between the different Abrahamic faith and among the followers of various religion. Such a dialogue must be based on a true and genuine sense of respect along with the quest to search and find the truth.
And to the author, Thank you and May ALLAH ALMighty bless you, always.
Your Brother in Islam
2006-05-20

HUDD D'AELIA FROM CANADA said:
Adam Ibrahim Muhammad I heard this before and totally disagree with it. Regarding your first paragraph, your interpretation as well as that of many dyed-in-the-wool from the ulamah is just not practical. We boast that Islam is the fastest spreading religion? Consider also that more than 50% of those that claim Islam as their religion don't practice it or observe any tenants of Islamic faith or life. Reason being this kind of refractory interpretation of Quran and Hadith. The life of Muhammad,pbuh, was his life, we have ours. He was a prophet, we are something else. How he lived was valid in the seventh century, we have a different life and reality today. Muhammad's life style,pbuh, doesn't fit in our society. Will you exchange your car with a camel? Your third millenium practical clothes with the clothes of the seventh century? Will you give up on your computer only because Muhammad,pbuh, didn't have one? This is downright hilarious from any Muslim to claim that we have to follow the prophet in everything he did. We are not the prophet's clones! We have different personalities and characters. Can your son be like yourself? What is required from a Muslim is this:

"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward East or West;
But it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers;
To spend of your substance out of love for Him(God) for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of freeing the bound
To be steadfast in prayer and practice regular charity and to fulfil the contracts which you have made and to be firm and patient in distress and adversity and throughout all periods of panic.
Such are the people of truth, those that mind (God)." (Quran:Baqarah-177).

Every Muslim should do this first. Then he could try to immitate and replicate the life of the prophet,pbuh. Since we aren't prophets, the attempt would be in itself a mockery.
2005-12-29

ADAM IBRAHIM MUHAMMAD FROM NIGERIA said:
Allah told us in the Glorious Quran that indeed in the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are good examples to copy. Also He said the Quran was sent to the prophet so as to explain it to mankind. He also added that the prophet was sent as a mercy to all mankind. What the 'ulamas got from these and other similar facts from the Quran and Sunnah is that Islam MUST as matter of principle be practice the way the prophet practiced it, period. The prophet ordered us in an authentic tradition to follow the Quran, his sunnah and the ijma of his beloved companions.

It is a well known fact that neither the prophet nor the companions celebrated Christmas, and the companions did not celebrate the prophet's birthday! So why should any muslim (of the present day) observe any celebration of birth of either self or any of the prophets for that matter.

Yes actions are judged according to intentions, but u can bet those actions MUST fall within the perimeter of Islam. Cos Allah says '..wa adi'u-Allah, wa adi'u-rrasuul..' that is, total obedience is to Allah only and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and nobody else, not even parents!

Our (muslims) celebrations are on the two Eids (Eidl-Adhha and Eidl-Fitr) and marriage(if possible) only! These are the tenets in Islam as regards festivals. Any other celebration is an innovation and every innovation leads to hell fire wal-'iyazu bil-lah.

Peace.
2005-12-28

HUDD D'AELIA FROM CANADA said:
In the Generous Quran is stated,"Man(kind) will be judged according to his intention/niyah. Therefore, when celebrating/observing Christmas by a person, whether Muslim or otherwise, the question arises. What is your intention by doing this? Was your intention to give homage and respect to a great prophet and celebrate his appearance on earth? Or was your intention to promote a heathen custom or belief? Was it to find another reason to get drunk and waste yourself? If you did it for the first reason, then is there anything anti-Islamic in the act? Personally I don't think so and therefore since I live in a country where this celebration is a national hollyday, I do observe it in all the decency of being a Muslim. It is the respect I give to a prophet and to the country which assures me a tomorrow without worries. The fact that 25th wouldn't be acurate is irrelevant for the purpose. We have our dates(in lunar calendar) shifting over seasons. How acurate is that? Some of the Muslims celebrate prophet Muhammad,pbuh, birthday, which falls on the same lunar date but shifts through all the dates and seasons of the solar dates. Thus, Muhammad's birthday,pbuh, falls every so often in spring, summer, fall and winter. Now which is which? When was he born? Was it spring, summer,fall or winter? Bottom line, it doesn't matter. What matters is that he was really born and we remember him and celebrate his coming into the world. Same thing with Jesus,pbuh, it doesn't really matter when exactly he was born. But for those that care i6t is important to remember him and honour him as a prophet,pbuh.

Whatever you choose to do, remember, God will judge you according to your intention.

Peace to all of you!
2005-12-27

HASSAN FROM SAUDI ARABIA said:
Reply to Hany, again(19920)
"christians and jews were given the security to live amnong muslims unharmed BUT IN ONE CONDITION THAT THEY PAY THE JIZIAH"

The People of the Book (i.e. Jews and Christians), on the other hand, were penalized by having to pay the jizya, which could have been financial or in forms of services to the state, especially militarily. Any subjects of an Islamic state are to be given freedom of religion.
You misunderstood the meaning of the word 'jizya'. This jizya, has to pay by the People of the Book (i.e. Jews and Christians),
that time for their protection in the Islamic country, fom the enemies, by war.
In the Islamic rule, Muslims have to pay 'Zakkah', on their income, to the goverment, but non-muslims have not to pay the 'zakkah'.
And some non-muslims was ready to pay the 'zakkah' instead of the 'jizya', which is more higher amount, than jizya.

Once the Khalifa (Islamic ruler) found difficulties to protect them from the enemis, and he given back all jizya collected from them.

Allah Says in qur'an:
Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the JIZYA with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.(9:29)

Those who desire to obey Jesus and attain to life eternal must, necessarily, follow the Quran as well as the life of Muhammad (e) which was based on it. That is the path of eternal salvation.
Please read and learn Islamic articles, from the correct source, before you comment something.

Please visit "www.nicheoftruth.org", to read and understand 'who was Jesus Christ'.
There is correspodent course, for non-muslims only, if you are ready to learn and understand.
2005-12-26

HASSAN FROM SAUDI ARABIA said:
The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was. (Qur'an 3:59)
2005-12-26

H.A. FROM YATHRIB said:
Hey MY NAME!
Do you know how stupid you made yourself look by your stupid comment? One has to wonder your age and your stage of developement. Are you still at stage of infancy? GET YOUR FACTS right for your God's sake!

Next time when you visit Muslim websites, PLEASE DON'T DRINK THE "CIVILIZED FLUID" called BOOZE because according to civilized experts one's comprehension is directly proportional to amount of booze one consumes, meaning more booze you consume in the name of high-spirit, the more stupid one becomes, exactly like your evangelical boy, BUSH JR (the World's MOST WANTED CRIMINAL). Your HOWARD BOY is #3 Criminal in the WORLD.

The bottom line is that Christians still lead in killing. Your crusade boy, Bush jr, just killed more than one hundred thousand Muslims AND Christians and STILL KILLING with his so called "LOVEFUL IDEALOGY" . Your boy himself admitted that he killed around 30,000 innocent Iraqis. Killing = LOVE? Is that peaceful act and NOT violence? Maybe someone should "fly plane" thru your so called "loveful idealogy" to break open the true content of your idealogy. I know that your idealogy is full hate and violence. Your history has proven it.

Since you are from Australia (as you claim to be), do you how many Native Australians you've killed to occupy and oppress the native people in the name of spreading Christianity?

Just Go back to Europe! You've occupied, oppressed, and killed enough. Besides, there is no Caucaus mountain in Australia! Aren't you "mountain sick"? I don't think so...it's your greed that hold you back!

In terms of # of people died in tsunami, Why did Christians die? NOT A SINGLE CHRISTIAN SHOULD DIE if your Christian God is for Christians ONLY.

Boy..This is really getting stupid. MY NAME! I can make you grow-up. But you REALLY sound like a kid. So I am going to leave you alone...

Just don't drink and read the BIBLE at the same time. IT's very healthy!!! TRUST ME!



2005-12-26

AHMED ASGHER FROM BAHRAIN said:
don't judge islam by the attitude of muslims as i have never judged christ by the behaviour of christians. if you happen not to like what the quran says then go and be a good whatever your are: christian, jew, budhist, jain, or athiest. just be a good one, denounce the wrong and enjoin the right and have compassion for your fellow humans. if it is still hard for you do do so, then sit for 40 nights, an hour a night and meditate upon your own heart. then come back here and tell us all what you have discovered. peace be upon you.
2005-12-26

KARIM A. TALIB FROM AMERICA said:
Salaam alaikum:Very good article.More uneducated Muslims,should read it.One very good book is,"What Your Church Don`t Want You To Know".Have a nice day.Salaam.
2005-01-28

TODD FROM UK said:
My Name, I wonder what your Christian God has in store for us Christians at the biggest ongoing massacre of non-Christians since the Inquisition. So was our Christian God happy when Christian Americans were slaughtering Red Indians; or when the Christian Spanish in search for South American gold massacred men, women and children when none was to be found; or when Christian Germans wiped 6 million Jews in ovens and death pits or when Christian Americans dropped Atomic Bombs on the Japanese killing 650,000 innocent men, women and children; or was our Christian God smiling when Christian Americans slaughtered 530,000 civilians in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia' or was our Christian God thrilled when we slaughtered 130,000 North Korean civilians; or was our Christian God rubbing his hands will glee when Christian Americans buried alive more than 22,000 Afghan men in Shipping Containers, many of whom were boys as young as 11 and then went on to murder other innocent villagers thought to be helping the Taliban, all in all murdering 170,000 Afghan civilians, poisoning their rivers an wells and laying their country waste with mine fields and radioactive residue from depleted plutonium used in shells; or was our Christian God jumping with joy and snapping his fingers when we laid waste Fallujah, killing 'Only" 28,000 civilians - just a necessary casualty of war, wiped out 175,000 innocent Iraqi civilians in various towns and villages and even before the war, starved to death more than 500,000 Iraqi children denying them food and medicine whom Madeline Albright considered a necessary sacrifice. Or was our Christian God smiling on the Christian Serbs as they slaughtered 633,00 Muslims. So "My Name" what do you think our Christian God has ready for us, surely rich rewards in heaven, Yes? And a Merry Bloody Bloody Christmas to you too.
2005-01-12

MY NAME FROM AUSTRALIA said:
Many Muslims are complaining that non-Muslims associate Islam with violence, however, many Muslim web sites actively promote violence against non-Muslim religions. In my quest to understand Islam I have visited number of web sites promoting Islam and found that many articles on Muslim web site promote violence and non-acceptance of anyone else who holds a different political/religious view than the one that's accepted by Muslims. There is no mention of tolerance of others and sharing/loving your neighbours.

Is it then a wonder that some of those neighbours think that the death of over 120 000 Muslims in Indonesia has been brought by the Christian God a day after the birth of Jesus to punish the hate promoting Muslims for all the evil thing they have done during the last few years (terrorist action, beheadings, killing of children and so on...)
2005-01-09

AKBAR KHAN FROM CANADA said:
Read the Gospel:

This is Jesus the PROPHET of Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:11)

"..Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people" (Luke 24:19:)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying." (John 8:51-55)

"These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (Continued)...
2005-01-04

BAK TANUS FROM CANADA said:
Asif, read the Gospel of Barnabas. There you shall find substantial information on not just the coming again of Prophet Jesus (Issa), but also Prophet Jesus' prediction of the coming of the final Prophet, who is even mentioned by his name, Mohammed, (Peace be upon him). However unlike Christians, we believe that Christ never died and that he was taken away body and soul and remains in a state of which we do not know, except that he will return to his earthly state. Hence his coming to Muslims is not called resurrection, which to Christians means being brought back to life from a state of death. According to Islam he will simply be re-established in the same form as he left - living, and as a prophet of God. Once he appears he shall confirm that God is One and Eternal. That he has no father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter, and that he was created by miracle without a father, as was Prophets Adam and Eve who too were created by God by a miracle, in fact they, without even a mother, yet they never laid claim to being God's children. It would indeed be a terrible blasphemy to say so. God only has to say be, and it is. He needs no one. But we all need Him. No man can take upon himself the sins of another, and upon death dissolve these sins too. No one can be saved by the death or torture or sacrifice of another. Each is accountable for his or her own deeds. Each will enjoy bliss or perish accordingly.
2005-01-03

C. RICHLI FROM KENYA said:
Excellent article, well researched and objective. Christmas, like Sunday does not have any Biblical base, and are the product of later Catholic and imperial developments. I aapreciate also the admonition of tolerance towards those who do keep these relgious festivals.
2004-12-30

AHMED ASGHER FROM BAHRAIN said:
katia4jesus

you wrote; "If a book does not reconize Jesus as the Savior and born of a Virgin, and He is God. This book is considere as false writting".

as muslims, we generally agree that Jesus, peace be upon him, was saviour and born of virgin Mary, but we do not beieve he was God.

Now according to your own test if a book does not confirm Christ's divinity, then that book is "false".

Please do us a favour and quote from your Bible verses which actually state that Jesus IS GOD AND that he actually introduces the doctorine of trinity into Judaism, for he was a Jew and as we all know Judaism is like Islam, it does not associate anyone with God. In fact Jews do not even invoke the name of God. They even spell it as such G-d for fear of associating anything with HIM.

So, please put us all out of miseries and let us see those verses from your Bible. Thank you.
2004-12-28

AKBAR KHAN FROM CANADA said:
In response to Asif from Canada, comment #28650:

You say the hadith in Sahih Bukhari is false? Read it's chain of narrators and you'll see you are clearly in error. It is sick that you do not accept the second coming of the Messiah. There is not just one hadith in Sahih Bukhari mentioning his return bro, there are MANY. Obviously since you believe that the Christ will not return, you OBVIOUSLY have not read the Qur'an, so I will help you with that below:

3:55 Behold! Allah said: "O jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.


4:157 That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:-

4:158 Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise;-

43:61 And (jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way.

19:33 "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)"!

ASIF... understand that in Islam we believe that Jesus (as) was raised up to heaven, and from the verse of 19:33, Qur'an states "the day that I die" as the words written in the Qur'an...you see, Jesus in Islam was not crucified, and DID NOT DIE YET, he was raised up to be with Allah. Since the Qur'an states that he must die one day and be resurrected, he must return to Earth then die normally and be buried! Can't go against Quran, he's coming back, sorry buddy.
2004-12-28

YUNUSA ABDULLAHI FROM NIGERIA said:
The article was a resl reseach wrtie up.i eidh to sdvised that the author should developed it to s complete book for the benifit of both the Muslims and Christains brothers
2004-12-27

BROTHER ABDUL LATIF FROM USA said:
As Salaam Alikum!
I enjoy the articles and the site very much but, Insha Allah can you please provide footnotes for the hadith or narrations of the Prophet (S.A.W.) especially this one... [Prophet Muhammad was always very respectful towards the Christians. According to Islamic historians, Ibn e Saad and Ibn e Hisham, once there was a delegation of Byzantine Christians, who were traveling from Yemen to Madinah. The delegation was lead by a bishop by the name of Zqyd al-Usquf, who came to discuss a number of issues with Prophet Muhammad . When the time of their prayer came, they asked the Prophet if they could do their worship in the mosque of the Prophet. He answered, "Conduct your service here in the mosque. It is a place dedicated to God." can some please email me at [email protected] with where I can find this at...
2004-12-26

BARKI IMAM FROM BANGLADESH said:
Dear Katia,

Many thanks for your thoughtful comment. I would like to draw some attention of you towards the following:
a) The Holy Quran does regard Prophet Eesa (pbuh) as the Messiah.
b) The Holy Quran also regards that Eesa (pbuh) was born of a virgin mother by the order of God.
c) What Holy Quran does not say is that, Prophet Eesa (pbuh) is not God. He is just a Messenger of God, same as our Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)

The fact that one book says that Eesa (pbuh) as the god and another says he is not, does not necessarily mean that the book is false.

Our God bless you.
2004-12-26

DAWAN ELBARR FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA said:
I PERSONALY FELL THAT YOU GAVE ALL SOME GOOD IN SHA ALLAH.I HOPE EVERY DAY WAS CHRISTMAS.
2004-12-25

KABBA SESAY FROM CURRENTLY STATION IN BAGHDAD WITH THE U S ARMY said:
Thanks for allowing different opinions on this website.I read some of the articles on this site and it tells me that still people don't know who jesus the son of mary(peace and blessings be upon him)is.For someone to suggest that the quran is false because we don't recognise jesus as God is ignorant.
There is nowhere in the bible or the quran that he calls himself God so why do you think that we should see him as god.Everything that he did he said i'm doing this through the help of God or my father.
The quran is the only book that explains to us in detail about adam and eve all the way to mohammad(pbbh).All other books explains certain era, example the new testerment.
So i'm calling on all believers; muslims and christians to read both books with open mind to close the gap between the two religions.The quran recognises true believers whethre you're a jew, christian or muslim.Believe in one God,practice regular prayrs,help the needy people and guard yourself from shameful d things you will be saved in the day of judgement.May God bless us all.
2004-12-25

MUKHLIS FROM HONG KONG. said:
I agree that Prophets Musa & Isa (A.S.) have been mentioned in the Qur'an with great respect. I wonder why there is so much of acrimony between the followers of these religions where as Islam is just an extension of the religion of One God. "Qur'an" also says to emphasize what is common among us.


Mukhlis
2004-12-25

ZIA FROM USA said:
Perhaps this Prayer (done with sincereity) will help all who believe in God.

"O God, show as the Truth as truth, and grant us the blessing of following it, and show as falsehood as falsehood, and grant us the blessing of staying away from it."
2004-12-25

ASIF FROM CANADA said:
The biggest myth of all time: Jesus will return.

Such an idea that was invented by man is not found within the Revealed verses of the Qur'an, NOR in the original manuscripts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Sinaiticus). The verses which speak about his returning in the New Testament are omitted from the Sinaiticus.

The ahadith which we find in Bukhari, we do not find any in Imam Malik's book which was written well before Bukhari. Such ahadith are mere fabrications and/or misreported.

If you would like to discuss, email me:
[email protected]
2004-12-24

ASIF C FROM CANADA said:
Atonishing, but true...
2004-12-24

UMM ISA - MOTHER OF JESUS FROM MIDDLE EAST said:
Wow, this is a lesson for me from Quran and its teaches as well as the bible. Alhumdillah ya rabb as a muslim am glad that we show our respect to Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him.)Coming form a non muslim family i can now teach them about a holiday that they believe is the birth of jesus.
Verily Allah is Ar Rahman Ar Rehem.
Surely God is the Most Gracious, Most Mercifull.
:-)
2004-12-24

ABDULLAHI JIBIYA FROM NIGERIA said:
i felt so delighted when the writer raised these issues of recognizing and being polite to the beliefs of the faithfuls of other religions. perhaps one of the greatest problems afflicting the conduct of da'wah today is the conduct of my muslim brothers who refuse to comply with and abide by the ruling of the Qur'an to be polite and respectful about the belief of others, and not to abuse their faith - an action which had won for Islam uncountable faithfuls in the past.
we undisputably need the rest of the world to recognize that we are different. we need the rest of the world to understand our difference. Allah has also reserve the right for us to defend ourselves when attacked. but as a da'wah worker, i feel hurt whenever i hear of conflicts between muslims and the faithfuls of other religions and muslims because although we have the right to defend ourselves, to forgive is more beneficial, to islam and to our souls. the Prophet (saw)conquered Makkah in this manner.
2004-07-28

LULU-UK FROM UK said:
Prophet Jesus(Peace be on Him) will return and he will settle our differences. The beauty of the matter is that those who really believe in Jesus from the heart will find him be it muslims, christians or Jews. However, those who are away from the truth will need to search for the truth and find humanity in their hearts.

It is also a lesson for us that in the 21st century where we have the highest standards of knowledge in terms of universities, technology and so on we are still arrogant in our differences. However, if we leave our ego for one moment and think of the big picture which is God and us his servants one will find the truth in her/his heart. Isolation is never an answer to humanity's advancement. God has told us that if our sins were to reach the sky He wills still forgive us.

As a mother I feel humble and in peace when God said that He chose Mary above all women. This shows that Mary May God rest her soul has a special place in our hearts.

I hope we can be patient enough to wait for Jesus(SA) son of Mary returns to earth who will settle our differences. Until such day I would say peace.

Below is a teaching from the Quran on settling our differences where God tells us that:

2:62 Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

2:113 The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.

2:135 They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Al
2004-07-05

KATIA4JESUS FROM USA said:
What does it really mean when the Quran mention the name of Jesus? The Quran has a false teaching about Jesus. If a book does not reconize Jesus as the Savior and born of a Virgin, and He is God. This book is considere as false writting. When the trace history about the birth of the Savior the month of December came to surface,because it was recorded that Ceasar had a census done during this month. There is not another book which is Holier than the Bible only the writting of the Bible is true and gives up the true revelation of the Messiah.
I do urge muslin to read Isaiah 54
"unto us a child is born,unto us a son is given. He shall be called counselor....."

My God bless you
2004-01-09

MUSLIHA AHMADH FROM FRANCE said:
I thank u for publishing this very useful article which I have recommended to a cristian freind who would hopefully become a muslim, Insha Allah
2004-01-05

KIAMBU ABDUL-MALIK AKHDARR FROM USA [NYC] said:
Asalaamu-Alaikum. There is a difference between "Crucifixion" & "Cruci-fiction" and the Biblical acount of Jesus/Isa/Yeshua [PBUH]falls upon the latter. The Bible account tells us that Jesus[PBUH]was crucified to remove sin from the world but if this is so then why is sin still so prevailent in Humankind? Birth defects,war,adultery,racism,averist,sodomy,corruption,etc has not been removed by Jesus's so-called demise. This gives the Quran more credibility telling us that it was not Jesus who was crucified but someone killed in his place [but it doesnt say who]and this is one of the greatest falsehoods of this account. Adding to this falsehood is the various versions of the Bible,some are altered to fit the doctrine of any individual Christian sect. Which is another matter,Christanity has more sects by comparison than any other religon and each one of them claiming to be THE ONE TRUE FAITH. So many versions of the Bible=So many Christian sects,you do the math. But there is only ONE QURAN
2004-01-02

NERMIN FROM AU said:
some insightfull thoughts of a christian
hope you like it

http://www.libertybiblechurch.net/Christmass.html
2004-01-02

NERMIN FROM AU said:
Dear Jan,

Out of curiosity i did my research on Mithra the so called sun god....and the exercise proved to be rather difi'cult' with one webpage soon going offline and three books ever published ....i gotta acknowledge some of the eesa(pbuh) similarities that you are trying to point out are rather remarkable and make me wonder if some of the bible writers have used the scripts coppied rubbish like celebrate with wine and get baptised to get eternal life....

the choice here is rather clear you have the only 1000% preserved word of god (Allah SWT) so read it open your mind to it your heart will follow....
then you'll realise that the only way to success is to follow THE example

so act upon it


May Allah forgive us All

2004-01-01

YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
Jan - sorry to hear that you found nothing in "the writings" to nurture your "conscience mind." May you inherit that to which you invite others. May you receive that which you wish for others - such as peace, mercy, insight, etc.

2004-01-01

JAN FROM USA said:
The article reads "so who else celebrated their gods birthday on December 25?". Doesn't this give anyone a clue that perhaps the story of Jesus is just a continuation of previous MYTHS? It was after my conversion to Islam, while trying to gain more knowledge of the religion that I became aware for the first time in my life of Mithra. In researching Mithra, whose story is almost identical to that of Jesus, it was then that I began to question the authenticity of Jesus having existed at all. I challenge others to do their own research with an open mind. At this time in my life I have disavowed myself from all 'religions'. I believe our Creator, whomever it is, works only through our conscience mind not through the wrtings of men.
2003-12-31

MARTHA FROM USA said:
Ever thought of who Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus(son of Mary), John, Noah, Mohammad and everyone else, including us is going to answer to? God, the almighty power and light whom we can't imagine. He hasn't taken man's form. He just put messengers so we poor souls would get the message. Instead, unfortunately many get burned and start calling man a god. The bible is full of inconsistencies. No where does Jesus call himself God and say worship me. He was a great example for all of us. He was humble, not arrogant. He was loving to the righteous. Do we follow his example? No we spread hatred in this world. We forget what message Jesus brought to us. We disgrace other faiths even if they are good people. We mix politics and self interest with relion. Here we have Bush who thinks he's God and calls all the shots around the world. Is that not sinful? Does God love this? Do sinful people go to heaven? Can you say righteous people won't go to heaven and sinful christians will? That sounds extremist and supremacist-like to me. Where's the logic here? Do we know enough to say if we are christians we'll automatically go to heaven? No one has come back to tell us yet. Let's fix ourselves first and then worry about others later.
2003-12-31

CHRISTOPHER WARD FROM USA said:
Esther: I hope I did not imply one can be God's child and live an unrightous life and practice immoral values. I agree God hate's sin but He does love the sinner. I agree one should aspire to live a clean and sin free life. What I meant was when a person truly has a personal relationship with Christ they simply know (to use words that may be familiar to you) what is haram and what is halal. Sorry if I misspelled. God bless.
2003-12-31

NERMIN HAMID FROM AU said:
Esselamu Alejkum my dear brothers and sisters,

It is a view of our local imam that we should not congratulate christmass to the christians as this would mean agreeing with their religious beleives to which from hadith is apparently evindent we are not allowed to..

i am very skeptic to some views as i have found our imam to be rather limited in knowledge and always hesitating to give answers too often as he is unsure or doesn't know


may Allah forgive us all

Sincerely Yours,

Nermin Hamid
2003-12-30

ESTHER FROM USA said:
Christopher Ward you are right about what you say. Most Christians know Jesus was not born on December 25. Christians may not follow strict laws that are set in the Old Testament. However, you can not say you are God's child if you do not live a rightouse life and practice moral values. This is because God hates unritgheousness and sin.
2003-12-30

CHRISTOPHER WARD FROM USA said:
To Rabia,
It always confuses me that at one point Muslims think the bible has been corrupted but at another point they can use it if it jives with the Quran. As I understand it the Quran is complete and really does not need someone looking back at other scriptures to support it. I hope you are not doubting your faith so that you have to reach into the more ancient texts to provide comfort. As for your passage about Muhammed being the one liken to Moses your position is one that has good evidence but has been refuted. If you read the above and below verses that surround the verse you quoted (something that most Muslims tell others to do when they jump to conclusions that Islam is violent) you will see that this person is coming from the tribe of Levi (you'll have to check to be sure but I am sure it is from a tribe of Israel). Anyway, if the bible has been so corrupted I would advise you to stay away from it because it may lead you astray. If you are searching in the bible because you have questions as to the validity of the Quran the website answering islam is quite good. Take care.
2003-12-29

CHRISTOPHER WARD FROM USA said:
I think this was a pretty good article. I think most devout Christians do know that Christ's birthday was not on 25 December and that it is done in rememberance. I have always found Muslims to be very picky about things such as this which likely stems from their belief in the perfect transmission of the Quran. Very picky in deed. I think however that being picky and wanting things to be perfect, ie perfectionism, is kinda humanistic. What matters in Christianity is the message that Jesus was the fullfillment of Old Testament prophesies that one would be born of a virgin, he came to die for humanities sins, and to be risen again, and that the only way to go to heaven is by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When one truly has this relationship it is beautiful. Christ is always with you and you know the right thing to do. You do not have to pour over laws about cleaning, praying, or wether one can shake the hand of a dog owner. There are many details that can be refuted and there can be people who refute the refutations and people who refute the refutations that were refuted. I have read great evidence by Muslims that Mohammed was prophised in the Bible, that Christ did not believe himself to be God, and so on and so forth. But the truth is, much as Jesus said, ye have little faith. One must believe, or not believe Jesus is the Son of God. There is no inbetween. Muslims often wonder why Christians find them offensive. I find them offensive because I believe they are sending more than a billion to their eternal deaths in hell and because they defy the divinity of Jesus. But I still love them because one can see by the rigors of their religion they really yearn to love God. This yearning is noble and good.
2003-12-29

G.T. FROM USA said:
ok, if you want ahmed, but don't be surprised to find christians who read the koran with an open heart and still find it unenlightening. others to pick apart the koran word by word and interpret the meaning the way they see it, as opposed to a more scholarly view.

it sure is opening a can of worms. one that neither side is going to be able to stop. ahmed, i'm an atheist, btw. sorry if i gave the impression that i was a christian.
2003-12-29

AHMED ASGHER FROM BAHRAIN said:
g.t.
Why should not the Bible be interrogated by Muslims? We should not be afraid that by the same token, the Quran will be interrogated by Christians.
Let us use the word studied and not interrogated. When done with an open heart God (both in the Bible and in the Quran) welcomes man's (and woman's) heart to heart questioning. That is precisely the way of God: that we are supposed to question His wisdom and His creation. Otherwise what is the use of this inquisitive mind that HE has given us. QWe are not robots but exalted human being "made in the image" of God.
We have the free will and through our devotion we can be nearer to God than His angels. This devotion is then acquired through fighting with inner self and logically arriving at the result that "There is no god but The One God", and that can only be arrived at by studying His scriptures with an open heart, be it the Bible, the Torah or the Quran.
This religion was sent to the "alameen". That is the whole world. It is not confined to the Arabs.
Peace be on those who look for the devine in a seed of grass let alone His written words.
2003-12-29

L ALAHEM FROM USA said:
An excellent teaching article. As a new muslim, only 2 years, I am astounded at how much is not understood about Christians. Many muslims I have met only know of Catholisim, not knowing that there are several sects, scisms and schools of thought amongst them. Thank you to the author of this article for ackowleging this very important fact.

Our bretheren have been misled. Do you not understand? They have been told since birth that Jesus and Allah are one and the same, that Allah took a human form in Jesus, that being the son of Allah was a way to forge a link between himself and human kind. Now we know that this is not true, and we have had the benefit of the Qur'an to guide us, but they have not. Remember this before you condemn them. The evil that perverted the message of Jesus, pbuh, happened long ago. The present generation simply parrots the sins of those before them. We are the lucky ones, and our mission is to spread this word, to reach out to them, not in arogance and rudeness, but in love and understanding.

It is no accident that Qur'an is revealed at the beginning of the twisting of christianity, that our message, la illaha illallah, comes at the same time as the feast of christmas supplants the pagan holidays, that the divinity of Jesus, pbuh, is gaining popularity at the very time of the Last Revelation. This is no accident, brothers and sisters. Let us be understanding, and informative to our neighbors.


2003-12-29

NURAINI FROM MALAYSIA said:
i find this article quite interesting. i generally agree with the friendly tone, and would like to emphasise that just because we disagree with another religion, does not mean we must show a sour face. our beloved Prophet Muhammad himself was never rude or disrespectful to anyone, even to people he was vehemently disagreeing with. it was his beautiful conduct towards non-Muslims, his akhlaq, that caused many of these people to be interested in Islam. in my country everyone invites everyone to share festivals, and if there are things religion forbids us to do, we simply tell our friends politely. i feel that in many parts of the world, muslims must learn to treat non-Muslims well, and learn to coexist.
2003-12-28

SALAH FROM USA said:
this is in response to the comment written by lucas (19893).

Lucas you called Islam a violent religion mainly because of september 11
well, if you are going to call a religion violent just because of a violent incident. Then you might as well call christainity a violent religion. First you have the crusaders who after the captured Jeruslem they butchered its citizens ( it didnt matter if they where christians, muslims or jews). then you have the massacre of muslims and jews when spain finally conquered the last muslim state of grenada. then you have the massacre of the aztecs and incas and even later you have the massacre of all the indian tribes. I am not here to teach you history, i just want to tell you dont call a religion violent just because you saw someone who believes in the religion do something violent
God bless you .
2003-12-28

ANWAR FROM INDIA said:
The author mentions about the significance of 25th of December for Indians and as far as I know there is absolutely nothing of that sort. In India too 25th is celebrated as Christmas and nothing else. It is a distant possibility that it may be important for a small group of people but it certainly is not any important Indian date. If the author knows more kindly post it on the web. Unsubstantiated coments like this cast shadow on the authenticity of the whole article. I would love to be corrected. Anwar.
2003-12-28

G.T. FROM USA said:
rabia, it is not for muslims to interpret the bible, lest the koran be interpreted by christians.
2003-12-27

ABDUL AZEEZ FROM USA said:
Assalamu Alaikum,
In America, most of the Christians are Atheist and they don't believe in GOD. I know many Christians accepting their religion as FALSE one. So let us pray to Almighty ALLAH to show them(the Christians) the straight path and accept ISLAM as their true religion.
2003-12-27

MUZAMMIL FROM MALAYSIA said:
My comment is on those Christian extremists who say that Muslims and Christians worship different Gods.

Well..well..

This can be refuted simply this way...

Ask him, "OK. Lets just say you and I worship 2 different Gods. There will be at least 2 Gods in the entire universe. God of Christians and God of Muslims. Is that what you are saying? OK. Then, these 2 Gods would have at some points in time some kind of War among them to govern bigger slice of the universe, would'nt They?

However, have you ever heard of any reports by NASA of any signs of terrible war happening in the universe that would be caused by the War of Gods? I haven't"

Of course there has never been this war.

The truth it, there is only one God. All mankind worship this same God. However, each religion interpret and explain this same God in their own way and styles. And only one explanation is the truth. Muslims definitely believe Islam's view of God is the truth. While Christians believe their view is the truth. So do other worshippers, such as Jewish, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

At the end of the day, only one view is the truth. This truth can be examined using the intellects God has given to mankind.

Use it and search for that truth.

I have convingly and intellectully found mine
2003-12-27

MOHAMMAD ELHAWARY FROM USA said:
All these historical facts, so confusing!! I do agree that "Christmas" origin is not so pure and whoever inventented this celebration, Allah only knows his intention. I believe Allah likes us to remember and celebrate the birthdays of holy people like Jesus AS. Even in the Quran, Allah mentions the birth of John The Baptist in Surah Maryam, I believe to tell us that the birth of these holy people should be remembered.
Even though, the origin of Christmas may be impure, but I can't deny that christians do celebrate the birth of Jesus on thaat day. I think Christmas and the days before it are full of love to eachother and full of good human intentions. Rasoolol Allah (S) said " Hadoo, ta7aabo", means "give each other gifts and love one another". I don't even remember when was the last time I gave a muslim brother any gift!! May be the origin of Christmas was so bad and came from people that worshipped many gods, but I also believe that when islam came, there were some good things that the arabs in Jahiliya used to do that Islam kept, but changed its intention towards only Allah. One example is the "Khums" i.e. "the fifth". I don't think celebrating Christmas is evil, because the intention is to celebrate the birth of Jesus AS.
I know they think that Jesus is Son of God or part of God, but they say so because they are mistaken and they don't know the truth. Very very very different from knowing the truth and not wanting to admit it because of pride or afraid to lose power or position in life or even weak to admit the truth. I believe those are the ones that Quran speaks about as " allazeena Kafaro min Ahlulkitab".
As for those who are mistaken and really don't understand the truth, it takes much much more than giving them a Quran or telling them a few verses and asking them " Now you have to believe because you heard it, now u have no excuse". I wish that only this would be considered as Dawa.It would be one of the easiest and simple responsibilities, but it is
2003-12-26

ALI FROM USA said:
GT, re your post of 19960; I have only one comment to make to counter your incorrect perception: if the premises you hold was true, then Quran would encourage marriage between the Muslim men and non-Muslim women, but it discourages it.


Peace.
2003-12-26

MUSLIM WOMAN FROM USA said:
To g.t. how soon we forget the jewish rule for marriage. And by the way, with what logic can you say 2 people of the book can't make offspring of the book? Shows YOUR thinking.
2003-12-26

OLE D. RUGHEDE FROM DENMARK said:
Tank you for an excellent overview. It couldn't be told often enough how much we have in common in Christianity and Islam.

However, I think that your reference to Jeremiah 10:2-4 may reflect some misunderstanding, since, in my opinion, these verses are about pagan images like those mentioned Genesis 31:19 and 31:30-33 about Rachel's theft of her father's gods, and has nothing to do with "yule-trees".

Old Norse jol, Gothic jiuleis, as in "fruma Jiuleis" i.e. The holy month November = jiuleis in a fragment of an old Gothic calendar written in the same Gothic language as the famous translation by Ulfila from Greek into Gothic of the New Testament and parts of The Old Testament about 350 AD. A beautiful "Silver Manuscript" is kept at the University of Uppsala in Sweden.

The rather new tradition of jule-trees in the 19. centuray is probably a natural development of the very old idea to decorate the house with the ever-green and lovely fragrant spruce at festival and holidays in winter time, - precisely as house and home is decorated during the Islamic Eid-festival.
A burnt tvig of spruce gives a sweet fragrant incense.

Thanks again and best regards, Ole D. Rughede
2003-12-26

RABIA FROM AMERICA said:
In Deuteronomy 18, Moses states that God has told him: "I will raise up for them a prophet from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)

Now, we must note that Moses (pbuh) and Jesus(pbuh), are not as similar as Moses (pbuh) and Muhammad (saws) are. This is because Jesus (pbuh) did not have a natural birth, a family life and a death, unlike Prophets Moses (pbuh) and Muhammad (saws). Also, Muhammad (saws) is a descendant of Ismael, he is of the Ismaelites, which are the brother-tribe of the Israelites, and this too was promised in the Original Holy Bible. Lastly, the Jews were waiting for the fulfillment of three distinct prophecies, according to the Gospel of John: 1. The coming of Christ, 2. the coming of Elijah, 3. the coming of the prophet. When Jesus (pbuh) was asked whether or not he was these things, he said "NO" to all of them.(John 1:19-21) Thus, we can conclude that the prophet being referred to was not Jesus (pbuh), but Prophet Muhammad (saws). Earlier, in Deuteronomy, we see that God promises to hold to account anyone who does not listen to the words spoken by the Prophet, i.e. Muhammad (saws). Thus, anyone who believes in the Bible, must, by simple logical deduction alone, believe in Muhammad (saws), and they must also believe that Jesus (pbuh) was not "the son of God", he was a messenger of God. Again, why would God need a "son" (Nauzubillah) to carry out his mission, if he had so many prophets to do this? God has no relatives, nor family...He is ONE, ALONE, and He is Our Creator and Master, to whom we must all return, one day. God does not need us, rather, it is US that needs Him.

Thank you.
2003-12-26

G.T. FROM USA said:
yes ali, that is what muslim men SAY, but the real reason is to prevent more people of the book from being born... which is obviously what happens when a muslim man marries a non-muslim woman. very clever, but very sinister.
2003-12-25

UMM ABDUL AZIZ FROM USA said:
may Allah have mercy on the writer of this article.
Those who follow any religion other than Islam, Allah himself condemns.
Additionally, Allah is above that which they associate him with. Most Christians are those whom Allah calls the hyprocrites, the munafiqeen. Allah says the unbelievers are worst than animals (surah 8)
Muslims should not condone anti Islamic holidays in any way, shape or form. If Rasulallah (s.a.w.) did not celebrate Christmas, if the sahabah (r.a.) did not celebrate Christmas, if the tabieen did not celebrate Christmas how can we as Muslims write or say that Christians who celebrate Christmas should not be talked about. Allah is an nafi. His religion, al-Islam is enough for the people. Our religion demands that we speak out against the wrongdoers unless we be destroyed due to their wrong doing.
May Allah guide the Muslims. Ameen.
May He help the Muslims to realize the way of His last prophet is the best way. Ameen.
May He help us to fight against the celebrating of any belief against Islam. Ameen.
2003-12-25

SARAH ROBERTSON FROM USA said:
my sister is a muslim and iwould like to studie the culture
2003-12-25

ALI FROM USA said:
GT, THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO YOUR MISINFORMED POST. The reason Muslim women aren't allowed to marry the people (men) of the book is because, men are generally much stronger than women physically, and a non-Muslim husband can forbid a Muslima from practicing her faith. Whereas, a Muslim man is required protect a woman of the book's right to practice her faith.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity for enlightning you omn this matter, and pease be upon you.
2003-12-25

BNAK FROM USA said:
Lucas,
With regards to your comment about Islam having come 600 years after Christianity, well, Allah has sent messengers to people of different times with guidance to the Righteous path. And that Guidance has been the same irrespective of time and that is, 'Worshipping One God and not associating any partners with Him'.

This is the message that was conveyed to people of different times by the Messengers like Prophet Abraham, Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon them all) and the final Prophet, Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him). So, the essence of the message is the same where as the name is different. While all the messengers before Prophet Muhammed (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) were sent to their own people, Muhammed (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) was sent as a Guidance and Mercy for all mankind. He is the seal of the Prophets and no prophet is going to come after him to warn the people as he's the last prophet before the Judgement day.

Islam is 'Total Submission' to Allah, and Belief in all the Messengers sent by Allah to people of all times and belief in all the books revealed to all the Prophets. Please look at Muslims and Islam with a Fairmindedness and you should be able to see that it is only Muslims who acknowledge the Original Christianity and the Original Judaism where as the Christians and the Jews openly deny Islam.

Tell me by God, If you say that God sent down His son to be crucified to atone for the sins of the people alive at his time and afterwards, what about those who had come before and died as sinners before the time of Christ, and had no opportunity to know about him and believe in the Crucifixion so that their sins might be forgiven?" Ponder over it.
2003-12-24

G.T. FROM USA said:
yes, but the whole point of muslim men marrying people of the book is to prevent more people of the book from being born, since all the children from that relationship will be forced to grow up muslim. it effect, it cuts her off from producing more people of the book. it's actually an attack upon the people of the book since it only goes one way. muslim women would never be accepted to marry people of the book. it's a clever way to destroy the people of the book.
2003-12-24

BNAK FROM USA said:
Lucas: I know this statement has been said so many times but I will repeat it again.

"You cannot blame the entire community if a handful of bad folks do anything wrong."

Your comment about Islam being a Violent religion is unjustified. Those are the ignorant lot who just take direct verses from the Quran about violence, ignoring the context they were revealed in and the preceding and succeeding verses.

Islam does not advocate Violence at any cost. Muslims are encouraged in Islam to fight those who attack them or their religion unjustly. Muslims are exhorted to fight the oppression.

Neither the Quran nor any other Divine book tells how to make a bomb. Don't be ignorant and get your facts first before spitting your venom against Islam and Muslims.

Don't you see that it is Islam that approves the Original Torah and the Original Bible while it is people like you who continue to deny the Quran and the Prophet Muhammed (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him).

Please remove the blanket of Hatred against Islam from your eyes and you should see the true light of Guidance. May Allah guide you to the right path! Amen.
2003-12-24

MOHAMMAD YAKIN FROM INDONESIA said:
for lucas,thank you for remind us that islam came 600years after jesus,I thing all of us just smile for your comment.if Qur'an written by Muhammad(PBUH) or bible written by Jesus(PBUH),muslim never believe to both of them,but we believe it was revealed from GOD"It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong)."{quran 3:3},but muslim can't agree with todays bible,let me give you few example,no rational mind could accept the false charges and shameless references to the great prophets, peace and blessings be upon them all, such as:
Noah: getting drunk and naked in front of his sons. See Genesis 9: 20-24.
Solomon: worshiping false gods, to please his large harem. See 1 Kings 11: 9-10.
David: committing adultery. See 2 Samuel 11:4-5.
Lot: committing incest with his two daughters. See Genesis 19: 31-36. then in the quran God said"Say ye: "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)." (quran 2:136)
dear lucas thanks for visiting muslim website and may God bless all of us.
2003-12-24

MUSLIM WHO HAS TRUE RESPECT FOR JESUS FROM USA said:
To Valencia.
Does God (Allah) need a son to carry out his mission? Adam, and Abraham and Moses (may peace be upon them), before him were not sons. Yet, they had the same message as Jesus and Mohammad (may peace be upon them). None of them said I am God, but they all said God's good words. No lying, no stealing, no adultery, no fornication. Only caring for orphans, the weak, the poor etc. And lead the nations of their times with examples. All monotheistic religions truly praise GOD who doesn't need mans form. They all preach peace. Man has his self-serving motives to change interpretations, cause differences and hence rifts. How could Jesus, may peace be upon him, create the heaven, earth, and all creation? Who will determine salvation Allah, the almighty, or Jesus, may peace be upon him? Who is Jesus,may peace be upon him, answerable to? Why does he have to die for others' sins, if you give him credit of being a god, which he never professed to? Why would God have to "forsake" him for a bunch of ordinary people like us. The fact is we all stand together. Accountable for our own souls and deeds. Allah almighty is the greatest judge of all and doesn't need sons for anything. Not to create the earth, not to forgive the errors commited by those whom He created. He just did us a favor by sending us messengers to warn us of our own ill capabilities and to shape up by living a truly righteous and humble life. By caring and loving one another, rather than dividing and fighting, which the devil sits back and enjoys seeing. Ask Allah to forgive us all. And ask HIM to enter us all into HIS heaven by praising HIM, and giving respect to all those noble well meaning, self-sacrificing messengers of HIS. Truth is no one knows whom Allah will forgive and whom He will punish. So we need to submit to HIM. Peace.
2003-12-24

ASADULLAH FROM CANADA said:
For hany_
"Islam protects the right of Non-Muslims, who are not belligerent to the Muslims or the Islamic way of life. The Qur'an admonishes Muslims to be equitable and charitable to non-Muslims, especially the covenanted people of the Book; Jews and Christians. The Qur'an says; "Allah forbids you not, to be kind and just to those who do not fight you for your Religion nor drive you out of your homes. Verily! Allah Love those who are just." (Qur'an 60:8). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: (Whoever hurts a dhimi (a Jew or a Christian) he hurts me and who hurts me he hurts Allah). Islam allows Muslim men to marry Jewish and Christian women. They confide in them, trust them and have their children from them. It was narrated that Safiah the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and daughter of a Jewish chief came to the Prophet complaining that the Muslim women tease her that she is a Jew. The Prophet said to her; if they tease you next time tell them, that your father is Moses, your uncle is Aaron and your husband is Muhammad. Allah (swt) told Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Qur'an, to exonerate a Jew who was falsely accused by some Muslims of stealing.

Islam allows Muslims to eat the (not forbidden) food of Jews and Christians, visit their sick people and attend their funerals and meetings. Islam protects the houses of worship of Jews and Christians. The Khalifah Umer ibn Al-Khatab (may Allah be pleased with him) got down on his knees and cleaned a neglected Church in Jerusalem. When it became time to pray, Umer refused to pray in the Church for fear that Muslims might take it over and convert it into a Mosque, thus depriving the Christians from the use of their house of worship. Umer prayed outside the Church and on that site a mosque, named Umer Mosque was built opposite to the Church. Thus, demonstrating respect and tolerance of Islam toward other religions."
WAllah oAlam
(http://www.idrismosque.com/islamandmuslim.html)
2003-12-24

YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
The Pagan custom of the yule tree was, curiously enough, adopted by German Protestants - reportedly out of their aversion to displaying (as part of any religious observance) the sort of small statues that are typically found, for example, in nativity scenes. Please don't simply take my word for it, about the yule tree being Pagan in origin. Google '"yule tree" pagan' (omitting the single-quote marks) and see for yourself what you might imagine to be the origins of the custom.

And may Allah's (i.e., God's) peace be upon you, especially in the hereafter.
2003-12-24

DESI FROM CANADA said:
Lucas, Tell me in which chapter of the BIBLE explain how to make Atom Bomb? How about this "
The New York-based HRW said in a report released on December 12, that more than 1,000 Iraqi civilians were killed or wounded by the coalition's use of only one type of weapon, 13,000 cluster munitions, containing nearly two million sub-munitions". Please make comments which make some sence.
2003-12-24

DESI FROM CANADA said:
LUCAS CALLAHAN, What chapter in the book explain ATOM BOMB MAKING? How about lie to justify war? Please make comments which make some sence.
2003-12-24

LINDZAY FROM USA said:
Truthfully I really enjoyed reading your article. I work at the local mall, and I feel like CHRISTMAS is everywhere, which of course does not bother me. But it is nice to see an article like this, specially the ending where you state "We should never ridicule the religous beliefs of others..." Clients at work have been telling me have a happy holiday, which even though I wear hejab obvoiusly they don't know I don't celebrate Christmas, and now I don't feel guilty saying "same to you." Which by that I don't mean I agree with what they are celebrating, but I must respect their holiday. Before I was Christian and I always thought it was nice when people of other beliefs told me to enjoy my holiday, even though they didn't celebrate it.
2003-12-24

HANY "AGAIN" FROM CANADA said:
this time i'm responding to the editor in his comment on my first posting regarding this article . It's clear to me now as to many muslims who read this article that you are misinterpreting the meaning of what what allah is trying to tell us about christians and jews or other . Your answer to my first posting was for me to check "A Forgotten Covenant" as a proof that prophet Mohammad respected or was in love with christians and jews..this is absolutely not true , but, because of the peacefull side of islam and the generosite of our prophet . christians and jews were given the security to live amnong muslims unharmed BUT IN ONE CONDITION THAT THEY PAY THE JIZIAH. So what you showed in your articles "A Forgotten Covenant" was true but you didn't show that they had to pay for them to stay secure in muslim countries. It also means that by living among muslims they were given the ultimate freedom to do whatever they wished and that he will provide them protection if they wanted to keep their faith and not adopt islam.
thank you for letting us readers correct your misunderstanding of the islamic religion.
2003-12-23

ABDULRAHMAN KAMIL FROM NIGERIA said:
Alhamdulillahi,iam happy to havethis opportunity.this foraoffers aunique avenue andit is good for the humma.I am only been particular about the attitude of our people who did not appreciate the fcat that our existence withthe nonmuslims should be used to thank Allah for making us abeleiver. Jesus christ in the xtian gospel has been misunderstood tha is the major reason why the argument aginst 25th dec is always geniue to the muslims. either he was born then or not the most important thing to muslim is our attitude to them and the concept of believe as to what extent to which a muslim should associate himself with friend who are xtians in this period of thier celebration.
I am of the opinion that after knowing what sorround the so callled xmas, there is need for enlightement as to what to do and what not to do for a muslim durring this period. This will allow us in a mixed society guide against anything that can easily put us in conflictwith our believe.
Thanks.
NB: please, kindly enghlight me whether Sadam Hussein's captureis an islamic issue. If yes why? And if not why not?
Maasalama
2003-12-23

MUSA ADENIYAN FROM U.K. said:
The article is fine, but muslims dont' fight christian about christmass. reference to what lucas callahan (19893)said in his comments that is there any chapter of the Holy Quran that teaches the make of bombs?. Let him show me where it is wriien or chapter of the Holy Bible that teaches the American and British how to make Bombs. Don't bring politics into this article.The authour of this article is talking about celebrating christmass and not how to make bomb. If Lucas Callahan is having problem with "terrorist" let him talk to Bin Laden and PRESIDENT George Bush.
2003-12-23

HANY FROM CANADA said:
I would like to mention that by reading your article i was a bit surprised on how easy it was for you to say that Prophet Mohammad respected the christians in his time? while allah mentioned in the holy qu'ran " the people who lost their path" Fatiha verse 9. the prophet spent 10 years preaching about islam to everybody christians, jews and others until sourat "al-touba" where allah gave the order to prophet mohammad to fight the non-beleivers until they beleive that there is no god but allah and that Mohammad is his prophet..Apparently Muslims in this world have become too scared to say the truth about this religion that contains the true judaism of the prophet Abraham, moises and the true Christianism of the prophet Issa "jesus" Peace be upon them all. It's not a matter of racism as they describe it these days or fanatism or anti semetism, it's about the true religion of allah. Our great prophet Mohammad would never allow anybody who says "Jesus the son of god" to pray in his mosque or in his presence . Allah said in the holy Qu'ran " you were the best nation to be sent to people, you order goodness and you prevent evil" . We as muslims should not be afraid of confronting other religions and explaining to them the true meaning of islam which in the first place means the religion of peace. We are very Unfortunate to have fanatics in islam as do all religions but the circumstances that surround us muslims these days defines us as "terrorists" whenever we say the truth. We will only succeed in convincing others about the goodness of islam by being good educated muslims with a solid background about our religion. It's always good to compromise and let others know that we do not beleive in their religion but we are trying to communicate with them on a peacefull level. Pls be carefull about your article next time and be aware that if you want to show good intentions toward other religions you should do it with the limit of the holy Qu'ran and the haddith.
2003-12-23

MALIN FROM USA said:
Islam should respect other religous and chrismas.
2003-12-23

MUHAMMAD HESHAM SALAAM FROM UNITED STATES said:
As'Salaamu alaikum,

I do agree, that this type of article is good for the dialouge between Christians and Muslims. I understand because of evolving culture, the people of Western Christianity not only equate the celebratory status of Christmas but also equate this joyus event with "Santa Claus" with gift giving. I believe that Christians must understand that through in depth studying it is impossible to know the birth of Christ if you are going on a Biblical standpoint, because the Bible doesn't give references to date. Rather, Christians I'm sure go off from the message of Jesus.

But I think predominantly Christians should go off of the belief that links all believers in the Creator together which is, "la ilaha illAllah" "There is no god except GOD."
2003-12-23

HASSAN MURTADHA FROM NIGERIA said:
i see this article as a great challenge which i must rise up to, towards enhancing my faith in islam and to be able to dirrect any question that may arise from this challenge. notice, i have little knoledge about islam, this is why i've not been able to speed up my preaching.... thanks
2003-12-22

LUCAS CALLAHAN FROM USA said:
You point out nothing new. It is common knowledge that 25 December is symbolic. Just as Christmas and snow. Christmas is a celebration of many cultures. The manger comes from Italy and most of the other things (trees, etc) are from Germany. Santa Claus is from St. Nicholas. I would point out that Islam is just an extension of other religions. The only exception is the violance and hatred of Islam. What chapter in the book explains bomb making? How about crashing airplanes into innocent people. Does Allah kill in Islam or is he all forgiving as was Jesus. In conclusion, I must remind you that your religion came about 600 years after Jesus. Can you imagine 600 years? Just think in 600 years maybe Islam will learn PEACE.
2003-12-22

BRO. ERIC IN CHICAGO FROM UNITED STATES said:
In the Name of Allah...Articles like these are desparately needed to help diffuse tension in this dark and dangerous time. In order to win Christians we need to use the right bait. Sure, you may like strawberry shortcake, but when you go fishing, you use a worm--the food a fish will like to eat. So we must use tact. If you look at some of Min. Farrakhan's hundreds of sermons in various Christian denominations, you can get some great ideas on how to help Christians become better Christians. Of course, the residual value of such an approach will help recruit quite a few new acceptances of Islam from within Christianity. Alhamduillah, Islamcity is providing a great service with this article.
2003-12-22

HARIS FROM USA said:
Put more information. Very short article without enough information about Jesus, his life, teaching, conection with other prophets....
2003-12-22

IBRAHIM FROM NIGERIA said:
I found your article quite expository but I would like to have a concrete evidence that the holy prophet[SAW] allowed non muslims to enter the the mosque and pray.
2003-12-22

YUSUFU SAID FROM TANZANIA said:
I agree with the author that it is a high time (of Christmas)to remind all those who celebrate the birthday of Jesus that He was not born on this day. Secondly, that the way they celebrate is not spiritual but materialistic by turning the event into the whole month of consumerism. This I think is not the proper way of behaving in religious festivals. People are now intersted in shopping,led by false advertisements in the name of discounts, flocking shopping areas but not flocking in churches and other places of worships among the Christians. Religious festivals should aim at rejoicing for the glory of Almighty God brought to us human beings through the prophetic media, by remembring Him through prayers. If not convinced let them do research because faith should be preceded by education.This is the Age of enlightiment and not of ignorance.
2003-12-22

JAMES MACLAREN FROM UK said:
I enjoyed reading this article. I am a Christian that has recently started studying Islam quite closely. I find that I share many of the feelings that Muslims have regarding Jesus and the Trinity (although perhaps not all). One of the things that has impressed me most of all is the profound respect that Islam, and the Prophet (pbuh) has of Jesus. I wish that more of my fellow Christians could come close to that level of respect. It saddens me a great deal that so many are ignorant of the truth and beauty to be found in Islam, or even worse, remain hostile to it.

I am a theology graduate, and a religious studies teacher in the UK, and I have to admit that there were a few nuggets of information that were new to me here (the extent of the pagan associations of 25th December). So I wish to pay thanks to the author just for that.

As to the question of religious pluralism raised in another comment, I understand very well her discomfort. However, as a Christian that considers himself in a loose sense a Muslim, insofar as I seek to submit to Allah (not always well), I feel that we all need to be open to the possibility that Allah is present in places that we might not have anticipated. That is not to say that we should agree carelessly with people - there might be much to disagree with. But insofar as a faith recognises one true God, and the place of humanity before him, we might surmise that Allah might indeed be present, if not fully understood. Maybe here we are called to draw increased attention to the fullness of God, but at the same time to be patient and willing to enter into dialogue and ultimately to work together for a world where religious strife is less prevelant, if not eliminated.

Once again, thank you to the author and to Islamicity for posting the article.
2003-12-22

MILA FROM INDONESIA said:
I am agree that Jesus is moslem because I read history that God send many messenger since Adam till Mohammad.Quran is revision from last God's Book that became all prophet is brought Tauheed and Mohammed came to making completly all God voice also making better our habit (Innama buistu liutamima makarimal akhlak)not come to againts last prophet. So..we (Moslem) have strong connection with last prophet. (see the rules of 6 believe, 1. Believe in God, 2. Believe in God's Angel. 3. Believe in all God's prophet 4. Beleive in God's Book 5. Beleive in The end of day 6. Beleive in Qadha&Qadhar)
2003-12-22

ALLAN FROM SOUTH AFRICA said:
I agree with alot of what is stated in the article and your research will be very useful. I do, however, feel that the article was maybe too short to grant proper justice to the reverence with which The Quran treats Jesus. I believe that, although, The Quran talks about Jesus is a far more "exalting" light than most passages of the New Testament, many Muslims do not revere Jesus and in actual fact try to belittle his importance to us, as an example of how a muslim should live.
Secondly, to the Brother who wants to split hairs on what the Prophet's real name is....he should consider the fact that Jesus or Isa was of Hebrew descent and would have been given a Hebrew name...not Arabic....and therefore if the Hellenized name of Jesus is considered wrong, so too should the Arabic use of the name Isa or Ishya be frowned upon.
2003-12-22

VALENCIA WALKER FROM USA said:
I enjoyed reading your article, however, I think your piece falls short by actually stating that Christians use Christmas to revere Jesus. Christians go beyond revering Jesus and actually worship him as God. Allowing others to worship as they please is one thing, but I believe that your article takes a softer stand to pluralistic religions that is not followed in the Quran, "And to warn those who say: Allah has taken to Himself a son. They have no knowledge of it...Grievous is the word that comes out of their mouths. They speak nothing but a lie." (18:4-5). It saddens me that many of my Muslim brothers and sisters today have taken Allah's words for jest or manipulated them to suit the needs of the moment.
2003-12-22

ABDUL QADIR DRAPER FROM UK said:
I would like the author of this article to indicate what evidences or Hadiths the Islamic historians, (refered to in his text), provided to substantiate the fact that the Prophet Muhammad(SAW)authorised christians to conduct a christian Mass in the Masjid?
2003-12-21

SAID BEN SAIDA FROM USA said:
Just a comment. The author , when Mentioning Jesus PBUH didn't forget to say "PBUH", but when mentioning Mohamed PBUH, he didn't. I 'd like to understand why.
2003-12-21

BROTHER ADZANIL FROM AUSTRALIA said:
In general the article is fine, but I have an objection in the existence of Jesus in various verses of Qur'an.
We all know that Al Qur'an is the words of Allah. None of ayats in the Qur'an mention or name Jesus. SO THERE IS NO JESUS IN AL QUR'AN. The only name found/stated is Isya, Almasih, or Isya the son of Marryam. If Jesus is insisted in Qur'an, do you find any Jesus in arabic characters, as the characters used in the Qur'an, the characters representing the words of Allah?
If we Muslim believe in Qur'an as the words of Allah, why not use the name mentioned by Allah to describe the sone of Marryam? Why changing the name of Isya a.s to Jesus? Of course we have to question who Jesus is. Isn't that abusing the real name of the son of Marryam?
2003-12-21