Many people question why Muslims do not celebrate Christmas so I thought I would give some insight on Christmas through an Islamic lens, focusing on reflection, faith, and respect after the festivities.

As the Christmas season draws to a close and festive lights begin to dim, many people take time to reflect on what has just been celebrated. Beyond the gatherings, gift-giving, and messages of goodwill, Christmas often raises deeper questions about faith, belief, and shared values in an increasingly diverse society.

For Muslims, Christmas occupies a distinctive place — shaped by profound reverence for Jesus (peace be upon him), clear theological boundaries, and a strong commitment to respectful coexistence.

In Islam, Jesus — known as Isa ibn Maryam — is among the most honoured prophets of Allah (God). The Koran affirms his miraculous birth, describing Mary’s astonishment when told she would bear a child: “She said, ‘How can I have a son when no man has touched me?’ He said, ‘Thus it will be; Allah creates what He wills.’” (Koran, 3:47).

Mary (Maryam) herself holds a unique status in Islam; she is the only woman named explicitly in the Koran, and an entire chapter is dedicated to her life and devotion.

Muslims believe that Jesus was sent to guide people towards righteousness and sincere worship of Allah. The Koran records his message plainly: “Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path.” (Koran, 3:51). Belief in Jesus is therefore essential in Islam; denying him as a prophet falls outside the faith.

Where Islam differs fundamentally from Christianity is in theology. Islam rejects the belief that Jesus is divine or the son of God, emphasising instead God’s absolute oneness (tawḥid).

The Koran states: “He is God, One … He neither begets nor is begotten.” (Koran, 112:1—3). For this reason, Muslims do not celebrate Christmas as a religious festival, as it commemorates beliefs that conflict with Islamic monotheism.

Yet theological disagreement does not translate into social withdrawal or hostility. Islam places strong emphasis on justice, kindness, and good character towards others, including those of different faiths.

The Koran clarifies: “Allah does not forbid you from showing kindness and justice to those who do not fight you because of religion.” (Koran, 60:8)

Many Muslims therefore engage with the social aspects of the season — offering goodwill, maintaining family ties, and participating in non-religious community events — while refraining from religious observance.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) embodied this balance in his own conduct. He warned against harming others under one’s care or protection, saying that such injustice carries severe moral consequences, and he also taught: “The most beloved of you to me are those with the best character.” (Ṣaḥiḥ al-Tirmidhi).

In Islam, ethical behaviour is not secondary to belief; it is one of its clearest expressions.

Many of the values emphasised during Christmas resonate deeply with Islamic teachings. Charity, generosity, compassion for the vulnerable, family connection, humility, and the pursuit of peace are central pillars of Islam.

Muslims give obligatory charity (zakah) and voluntary charity (ṣadaqah) throughout the year, reflecting the Koranic principle that righteousness is expressed through belief accompanied by care for others (Koran, 2:177).

From an Islamic perspective, prophets — including Jesus — never sought personal glorification. Their purpose was to guide humanity towards ethical living and sincere devotion to God. Honouring Jesus, therefore, lies not in celebration, but in emulating the virtues he embodied: compassion, humility, and obedience to God.

As the Christmas season passes, the Islamic perspective offers a timely reminder that difference need not lead to division. The Koran explains the wisdom behind human diversity itself: “O mankind, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.” (Koran 49:13)

In a world searching for harmony, Islam calls for clarity in belief alongside dignity, kindness, and peaceful coexistence — principles that remain relevant long after the festivities end.

May the beautiful spirit of joy, peace, and compassion remain alive in our hearts and reflected in our actions throughout the year. Let us also remember those around the world who are deprived of the safety, stability, and joy that many of us so often take for granted.

“O Allah, unite our hearts upon goodness, grant peace to the oppressed, guide us to act with justice and mercy, and make us a source of benefit and comfort to others wherever we may be.”

May we move forward with gratitude, conscience, and care for one another. Have a blessed year ahead.

As-salaamu alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam