beritakini

WHENEVER Christmas comes (or any other religious celebrations, for that matter), many Muslims often face pressures to show “respect” for the other faith by taking part in the celebrations. The plethora of reasons often cited range from “peace-keeping” to “pluralism.” A barrage of messages both in person and through the media tell Muslims that this “respect” is vital for the establishment of a peaceful coexistence.

More often than not, the messages’ senders are confused about, or confusing between, “plurality” and “pluralism”. While the first term describes a God-given condition of the world that is marked by the diversity of tribes and nations, the second goes against Islam because it teaches that there is more than one Truth. Yes, there are various faiths adhered to by peoples of the world, but the Muslim faith rests upon the absolute oneness of God.Respect for the other faiths is ingrained in Islam.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) turned Madinah into a sanctuary even for people who were not Muslim. When addressing a delegation of Christians from Najran (Yaman), he spoke thus: “Najran has the protection of God and the pledges of Muhammad, the Prophet, to protect their (the Christians’) lives, faith, land, property, those who are absent and those who are present, and their clan and allies. They need not change anything of their past customs. No right of theirs or their religion shall be altered.

No church leader, monk or church guard shall be removed from his position.” When the time for their prayers came, the Prophet said, “Let them pray.”The same guarantee was given by the companions of the Prophet. When Caliph ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab entered Al Quds peacefully by foot, he guaranteed the safety of the Christians, their church and their faith. When the governor, Amr bin al-’Ash, tried to appropriate the property of a Jewish man to make way for the construction of a masjid, ‘Umar became angry and ordered that the land be returned to the owner.

True respect for the other faiths, however, rises from an understanding. The Muslim belief in all of the Prophets and Messengers of Allah is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. A person claiming to be a Muslim who, for instance, denies that Isa was a Messenger of God, is not considered a Muslim. Muslims also believe Isa was born of a virgin mother, Maryam, that he had a miraculous birth. Muslims believe that Isa spoke in the cradle, and that he performed miracles. But Muslims do not believe in the concept of Trinity, or that Isa was the son of God that was killed on the cross then resurrected; instead Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of God, who has no partners in His Divinity.

Respect and the search for peaceful coexistence should never come at the cost of the ultimate mark of a Muslim, namely their tawhid.

On a practical level, Muslims are taught to be kind to the followers of the other faiths including Christianity, all year round, not only in December.”Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.” (translation of Al Quran, Surah al-Mumtahanah 60:8).

Send gifts of food and greetings upon happy occasions such as the birth of babies and promotion at the workplace, extend help when the Christian friends face hardship, act fair and just when involved in business deals or other engagements, shower them with smiles and kind words… Those are all good deeds. But not taking part in Christmas celebrations and their worship.

“I worship not that which ye worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship. To you be your way, and to me mine.” (Surah Al Kaafiruun/109).