Editor: This Sunday, Dec. 25, Christians worldwide will once again be celebrating Christmas-the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him). Christmas, however, has now become a commercial enterprise with too much emphasis on shopping and buying expensive gifts. One cannot take his eyes off from brightly colored beautiful decorations. But what is the significance of Christmas in Islam?
Though Muslims do not celebrate Christmas they hold Jesus in great respect as one of the greatest prophets. He was born to one of the most pious women in history, Mary. A whole chapter in the Qur’an is named after Mary (Chapter 19-Maryam). Qur’an has mentioned Jesus more times than the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
According to Islam, Jesus was a noble prophet who believed in the absolute unity of God. For this reason, we Muslims do not believe in the divinity of Jesus. Qur’an clearly mentions, “Said Jesus: ‘surely, God is my Lord, and your Lord, so worship Him alone, this is the right path” (19:37).
Muslims may not celebrate Christmas but certainly they consider Jesus (peace be upon him) as a true servant of God.