Chicago – December 25, 2024
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for people of all faiths. For American Muslims, Christmas is a reminder of the deep connections between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. These three religions share many basic beliefs and values, showing how closely they are linked.
Islam teaches that Allah sent many prophets to guide humanity, including Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). Each prophet received a holy book: the Psalms (Zabur) to Prophet David, the Torah to Prophet Moses, the Bible to Prophet Jesus, and the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims respect these books as divine guidance from Allah.
Muslims believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) as a great prophet and honor his mother, Mary, who is highly respected in the Quran. While Muslims do not celebrate Christmas in the same way Christians do, they recognize its importance to their Christian neighbors and friends.
This season reminds us of shared values like kindness, love, and peace. Many American Muslims celebrate the holidays with neighbors, fostering harmony. We build a world of unity and understanding by appreciating our shared beliefs. May this season bring joy and peace to everyone!