Of course, none of the Muslim theologians call for celebrating the Nativity of Christ (especially since Muslims have their own 'Christmas' – the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, or Mawlid al-Nabi, which is celebrated on the 12th day of the third month of Rabi' al-awwal of the Islamic calendar – for example, in 2013 this day fell on January 24 for Sunnis and on the 29th for Shiites).
Nevertheless, since Jesus Christ is considered a prophet in Islam (in the Qur'an he is called Isa bin Maryam), they believe that Muslims have every right to congratulate their neighbors and Christian relatives on his birthday. However, ulema (theologians) recommend avoiding active participation in Christmas ceremonies and feasts, decorating one's home with a Christmas tree and ornaments, and especially honoring such an ambiguous character as Santa Claus. Although Turks, for example, are much more tolerant of the old man, because it was on the territory of present-day Turkey, in the town of Demre (then Myra in Lycia), that the prototype of Santa Claus served – Archbishop Nicholas, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.
But Muslim Turkey is rather an exception to the rule – in this secular and 'tourist' state, one can easily see not only Christmas symbols in commercial use, but even a Christmas tree with Santa Claus.
Commercial interest also drives the Christmas season in Muslim Malaysia. It relates to the Christian holiday only through supermarket decorations and Santa Claus costumes. But, incidentally, the tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts is also developing in this country.
The celebration of Christian Christmas is treated calmly in Lebanon. Not only because this country positions itself as a secular state, but also because 30% of its population is Christian.
Since 2003, according to a decree by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Coptic Christmas (January 7) is considered a public holiday in the country (there are 6-8 million Copts here). But Mubarak was overthrown; whether this holiday will remain under the new government remains to be seen.
Modestly but legally, Iranian Christians (mainly Armenians and Assyrians) celebrate Christmas. Although any propaganda of Western values is prohibited in Iran overall, December 24 is a Christian community holiday. And at the Christmas dinner of Iranian Christians, Muslim friends and relatives may be present.
Actually, such tolerance of Christmas is characteristic of most Muslim countries. In their fatwas (rulings), theologians remind that Muslims were tolerant of Christians even in the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Although, of course, there are radical prohibitions on any communication with infidels.
For example, the celebration of Christmas is officially banned in Saudi Arabia. Well, it is logical for a country where the public practice of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. It is almost impossible to get not only clergy of other faiths, but even a Christmas tree there. The religious police – muttawa – keep a close watch on this. And foreigners wishing to celebrate Christmas gather at the diplomatic missions of their countries, where they spend Holy Evening in prayer and – in violation of the 'dry law' established by Sharia.
Margarita DORSHTEIN,
Russkaya Germaniya.