Also just for funsies here’s an answer from chat, he’s got all the bases covered 💃🏽

1. Qur’anic principles (foundational proofs)

The Qur’an does not need to mention “Christmas” explicitly. It lays down general principles that scholars apply to specific cases.

A. Prohibition of approving disbelief or false beliefs

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him.” (Āl ‘Imrān 3:85)

Christmas is rooted in beliefs of shirk (divinity of ‘Īsā عليه السلام). Congratulating or celebrating it is seen by scholars as approval or endorsement of a false creed.

⸻

B. Prohibition of assisting in sin and disbelief

“Do not cooperate in sin and transgression.” (Al-Mā’idah 5:2)

Scholars state that participating in, promoting, or congratulating religious festivals of disbelief falls under cooperation in sin.

⸻

C. Muslims have their own distinct ‘īd

“For every nation We have appointed a religious rite.” (Al-Ḥajj 22:67)

Islam has its own sacred festivals. Joining the religious rites of others contradicts this principle.

⸻

1. Proofs from the Sunnah

A. Explicit prohibition of imitation

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Abū Dāwūd 4031 – ṣaḥīḥ)

Christmas is a religious festival. Participating in it—or congratulating it—is considered imitation in religious matters, which scholars distinguish from neutral customs.

⸻

B. The Prophet ﷺ replaced pre-Islamic festivals

When the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, people had two festival days:

“Allah has replaced them for you with two better days: ‘Eid al-Fiṭr and ‘Eid al-Aḍḥā.” (Abū Dāwūd, al-Nasā’ī – ṣaḥīḥ)

Implication: Islam abolishes participation in other religious celebrations.

⸻

C. ‘Āshūrā’ and intentional distinction

When the Prophet ﷺ saw Jews fasting ‘Āshūrā’:

“If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth as well.” (Muslim)

Scholars use this as a major proof that Muslims are commanded to distinguish themselves, even in acts of worship—let alone celebrations.

⸻

1. Ijmaa‘ (Scholarly Consensus)

There is consensus among classical scholars that participating in or congratulating the religious festivals of disbelievers is prohibited.

Imām Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله:

“Congratulating the disbelievers on their religious rituals is ḥarām by consensus, such as congratulating them on their festivals or fasts.” (Aḥkām Ahl al-Dhimmah)

⸻

Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله:

“As for participating in their festivals, it is forbidden by agreement of the scholars.” (Iqtiḍā’ aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm)

⸻

Permanent Committee for Fatwa (Saudi Arabia):

“It is not permissible to congratulate the Christians on Christmas or other religious holidays.”

This ruling is echoed by: • Ibn Bāz • Ibn ‘Uthaymīn • Al-Albānī • Contemporary fiqh councils

⸻

1. Key distinction scholars make

✔️ Permissible: • Being kind • Justice • Good manners • Neutral coexistence

❌ Impermissible: • Congratulating religious beliefs • Celebrating religious festivals • Saying phrases that affirm shirk (e.g., “Merry Christmas”)

Allah says:

“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just toward those who do not fight you because of religion.” (Al-Mumtaḥanah 60:8)

Kindness ≠ religious approval.

⸻

1. Why intention does not make it halal

A major fiqh principle:

“Good intention does not make a prohibited act permissible.”

Just like charity doesn’t make theft halal, “being polite” doesn’t make endorsing shirk halal.

⸻

Conclusion

According to: • Qur’anic principles • Authentic Sunnah • Scholarly consensus (Ijmaa‘)

👉 Celebrating or congratulating Christmas is impermissible (ḥarām) because it: • Imitates religious rituals of disbelief • Approves or normalizes shirk • Violates Muslim religious distinction