Balancing Holiday Traditions In Mixed-Faith Families - Christmas As A Muslim - Podcast Ep.15

[@shaf621]

That was a brilliant podcast Afsar and Alex, I'm British Bangladeshi Muslim myself and this has always been a hot topic growing up especially in my teenage years where it'd be the case in which I'd fully understand the connotations behind the festivities. For me, I've always focused on the family aspect of Christmas alongside the movies, games, food and presents, I've always cast aside the religious aspect, though while acknowledging that I've always respected people's wish to engage in the celebrations. However I've noticed an increased wave of insensitivity from my fellow Muslims in recent years regarding Christmas, this has been evident through top athletes of a Muslim faith such as Mo Salah and Amir Khan having Christmas Trees shown in their house during the festive period. They'd get spouts of hate and abuse for merely having a tree in their house, if that's how they want to celebrate the occasion then that's fine, who are we to judge? It's also important to consider that they have children as well. I'm sure they want a feel of the festivities as much as their fellow friends in School. When I was younger especially in Primary School I'd participate in the Nativities and Christmas Carols at Church. but my parents said that it was fine as I didn't have a choice back then and that I was young so it could be condoned. From Secondary School onwards, I stopped going to the Church as I wasn't obliged to anymore and the only ways I'd engage in Christmas was through the means of sending Christmas Cards, attending parties and doing Secret Santa at times. Even at Uni, some of my fellow flatmates would ask me, 'Shaf how do you celebrate Christmas, as you're Muslim?' I'd usually respond with my family have our own way of doing it, we still do the get togethers, the presents, the movies and the food - and yeah this would be the full Christmas dinner haha - Turkey, Roast Potatoes, Gravy, Stuffing, Veg, Leg of Lamb and Yorkshire Puddings. Then with movies/TV shows, you have of course Die Hard, Home Alone, EastEnders Christmas Special, The Chase Christmas Special and when I was younger the Doctor Who Christmas Specials were great. We just view it all as an international Winter festive holiday as that's what it is and ignore all the religious connections with the holiday. I also believe that's the best way of explaining it to kids who are in the realm of confusion as that way you're still enjoying 'Christmas' while still keeping your own faith strong.

[@aalam418]

This was a good podcast. Answered a lot of the questions that I was thinking about

[@clairuddin5496]

I married a bangarli man nearly 8 years ago and adapted everything Muslim celebrated all year long and dress and cook like any other bangarli lady would. When we started having our children I would do a Christmas dinner and Christmas pj and stockings and gift and they were may had a tree at the time but it kinda faded fast as two older children started getting older and would ask questions so it stopped my last child has never experienced Christmas. As growing up as an English girl as a child I loved everything about Christmas family/decoration/food/gifts/games. I would love to do this for Eid time for my children but it’s chaos on Eid as can imagine. Christmas was never religious when I was growing up we never went church or celebrate Jesus or read the books. As a child we celebrated Christmas because of Santa 🥰. Even tho this time of year it all ways gets to me and hurts that i can’t give my children that experience or still excited for this time of year. I love to see my sisters and family celebrate with there kids 🥰 even tho I don’t see them on Christmas. Me and my husband and kids we just have curry’s on Christmas even tho my husband would love to have a roast dinner but it can’t be one with out the other. I love how you both are supportive to each other may you both continue as your family grows 🥰🥰

[@Nbvcxt]

Christmas is actually a pagan festival look it up on KZbin Google it’s known. The religious part of Christmas is not even celebrated. Even though you’re not celebrating the religious aspect of Christmas even taking part in it or any other celebration like birthdays, Mother’s Day it’s not permissible. Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”

[@fs-yh6pb]

Your husband really needs to talk to a scholar with the story he's telling himself re " supporting you " at xmas Don't compromise your religion for no one ...would be my advise to him .

[@knowledge.seeker874]

ALEX, please look into Islam. You will find it makes so much sense. Christmas is experienced as a cultural tradition rather than faith. Inshallah next time you can do UMMRAH with Afsar ❤

[@user-gy9ne7ev1x]

Yawn ***