Other Faiths and Holidays

Muslims believe in Jesus as the Messiah, a great prophet born of the Virgin Mary, a word and spirit from Allah who healed the sick and will return.

Muslims may celebrate Christmas with family and neighbors and say Merry Christmas. The Quran honors the birth of Jesus, and Egypt's muftis encourage greetings.

Celebrating birthdays is halal. The Prophet fasted Mondays because he was born on a Monday, the Quran blesses the days of birth, and custom is lawful in Islam.

Muslims and Christians worship the same God, the God of Abraham. The Quran says "our God and your God is one" (29:46), even where beliefs about Him differ.

The Quran calls Christians and Jews the People of the Book, promises reward to the faithful among them (2:62), and protects their churches and synagogues.

Muslims can be close friends with non-Muslims. The Quran commands kindness and justice toward them (60:8), and verse 5:51 concerns wartime alliances.

The Quran says Jesus's enemies did not kill or crucify him and that Allah raised him to Himself. Muslims read Quran 4:157 in several ways, explained here.

Celebrating the Mawlid, the Prophet's birthday, is halal and beloved. Ibn Hajar and al-Suyuti approved it, and most Muslim countries keep it as a holiday.

Halloween as harmless neighborhood fun is halal. Costumes and candy involve no worship, and kindness to neighbors is part of faith. Just avoid harm.

Islam honors Jews as People of the Book and the Torah as guidance and light. Moses is the Quran's most-named prophet, and hatred of Jews is haram.

Muslims can go to church and may pray in one. Ibn Abbas prayed in churches, Hanbali law permits it, and Egypt's Dar al-Ifta ruled such prayer valid.

Muslims may celebrate Valentine's Day with a spouse or someone they love. The Quran calls love and mercy between partners a sign of Allah (30:21).

Muslims can celebrate Thanksgiving. Gratitude is commanded in the Quran (14:7), and the Prophet taught that whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.

Muslims can read the Bible. The Quran calls the Torah and Gospel guidance and light, and the Prophet said there is no harm in narrating from the Israelites.

Non-Muslims are welcome to visit mosques. The Prophet hosted non-Muslims in his own mosque, and the Hanafi school allows them in any mosque.

Muslims can attend Christian funerals and weddings as loving guests. The Prophet stood for a Jewish funeral and told Ali to bury his father, Abu Talib.

Saudi law bars non-Muslims from Mecca. The scholars differed on Quran 9:28, and the Hanafi school let Jews and Christians enter the Sacred Mosque.

The Quran says Allah chose Mary (Maryam) above the women of the worlds. She is the only woman it names, and a whole sura bears her name.

Islam says there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256). Muslims may befriend atheists, discuss faith with wisdom and kindness, and leave judgment to Allah.

Muslims may celebrate New Year's as a civil holiday with family and friends. The Quran swears by time and teaches gratitude for each year Allah gives.

Islam teaches that Allah sent a warner to every nation (Quran 35:24). Muslims respect Hindus and Buddhists as neighbors, and Muslim law protected them.

Muslims may visit Hindu temples as guests and celebrate Diwali with friends: lights, sweets, and greetings. They leave aside the worship of images.

Non-Muslims may say as-salamu alaykum, and Muslims should answer in full. Salam is a prayer for peace, and the Quran commands returning every greeting (4:86).

Muslims may say amen, hallelujah, and oh my God. Āmīn is said after al-Fātiḥa, hallelujah means praise the Lord, and calling on God is a form of duʿāʾ.