HOLIDAYS and CHRISTMAS. PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN’S IMAAN.
Islam does not prevents us from taking a break and relaxing. In fact, if a person takes a break with the correct intention, he will also be rewarded.
Just as our physical safety as well as that of our children is of utmost importance to us, it is even more important that we take into consideration the safety of our and their imaan, Deen, modesty, etc. Hence, imaani and Deeni safety tips are extremely important and relevant during this season as well.
Furthermore, just as advice on physical safety is taken with a sense of appreciation, advice on our spiritual safety during this season should be received with the same sentiments so that we do not ‘drown’ or ‘injure’ our Imaan in the tides of vice prevalent around us.
As Muslims we are sensitive to our belief of pure Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah Taʿālā). This requires us to also completely disassociate ourselves from all practices related to Christianity and other religions.
Allah Ta’ala says Definitely, the only religion acceptable to Allah is Islam. (Al-Imran19).
In another verse Allah Ta’ala states,
O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as friends. They are but friends to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them.” (Surah al-Ma’idah,51)
In order to preserve our Imaan and value, we are even prohibited to imitate them.
The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam has said:
“Whosoever emulates a nation is amongst them” Sunan Abi Dawud 4/44
In view of the above, it is not permissible for a Muslim to harmonize in the religious festivals and ceremonies of non-Muslims.
Moreover, Christmas in its very origin; celebrating the birth of Jesus, and its traditions is against the pure teachings and principles of Islam, such as the traditional colour of Christmas, red, symbolizes the blood of Jesus which was shed in his crucifixion, the heart-shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus, while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches, its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed.
Allah Taa’la has blessed us with the wealth of Islam. Islam is the way of life that is perfect and complete. There is no need to celebrate the traditions and ways of the disbelievers when complete success and salvation of both the worlds is guaranteed in loyalty to Allah and His Deen and in emulating the way of life of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
One may face various challenges in his Imaan especially from non-Muslim friends and family members. On one side, Shari’ah emphasizes on guarding our Imaan and on the other side Shari’ah also emphasizes on maintaining ties. Obviously, this would be without compromising ones Islamic values and beliefs. A muslim should make it clear that he loves his friends and family but loves his Imaan more. He should maintain ties with family and be kind and compassionate to them without joining them in Christmas and other celebrations that are non-Islamic.
As holidays and the ‘festive season’ approaches, it is necessary that a Muslim takes a proactive approach to protect one’s own and children’s Imaan. Enjoyment and relaxation is good, but in doing this, one must never compromise our Islamic way of life!
Some Islamic Guidelines
- – Islam allows and encourages celebration and amusement within the boundaries laid down by the Shariah. The entertainment and play should have some religious or worldly (physical, mental) benefits. Our Deen teaches us to utilise our time in the most beneficial manner..
- – Anything that distracts or prevents a person from their religious duties (Salaat etc.) is Haraam.
- – Imitating the Disbelievers in their celebrations, customs, ways, dress etc. is totally forbidden.
- – Beware of places of sin, music, immoral songs and free intermingling and mixing between genders.
- – Usage of Internet, television etc should be minimised as much as possible, content must be monitored at all times.
- – Keep in mind the importance of being attached to an Islamic environment and friends. Frequenting the musjid has a very powerful impact in keeping us and our children aligned to Deen.
