CHRISTMAS
 
Islam teaches to believe in Jesus as a Prophet of God.
Muslims believe that Jesus is a Great man and a Great Messenger of God.
 
"WITH REGARDS TO CHRISTMAS"
 
It was a common saying by the Christians that when the month ends with the word "Ber" i.e. September then, according to them that "Christmas is just around the corner".
 
Christmas is one of the most celebrated festival in the Christian world today. So it is in this spirit that the following three (3) important points are being presented.
 
(I). The first point to consider is the notion that Jesus was born on the 25th of December.
 
If the Gregorian Calendar serves as a strong support to prove that the date of the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) is in fact 25th of December, then this is a grave error, simply because the calendar itself is based on the Roman Julian Calendar which is pagan in essence.
 
Considering the names of the months of the Gregorian Calendar, we will find that most of these are named in honor of a pagan god if not a Roman Ruler.
 
1. January is named after the Roman god Jesus.
2. February comes from the Latin Februa, meaning purification, because the Roman feast of purification, because the Roman feast of purification was held on the 15th day of the second month.
3. March of course owes its name to Mars the god of war.
4. May takes its name from Maia the goddess of growth or increase.
5. June, July, and August honor pagan Roman personalities.
 
Likewise, 25th of December is also a pagan celebrated day, because they believe that this is the birthday of Mithra, the Roman sun god.
 
Another dummy-god of the pagans, Dionysius or Bacchus of Greece was termed The Only Begotten Son of Jupiter, He was born of a virgin mother named Demeter on December 25th. His followers regarded him as their Redeemer and Savior.
 
The similarities are too remarkable to be merely coincidental. The movement of the Sun starting its return journey northwards about the  25th of December, depicting birth could be used to create myths and legends which in due course to be adopted by the Christian Church.
 
(II) Another grave error concerning the customs practice by all Christians is their belief about a jolly man with a long beard dressed in red known as Santa Claus going around giving gifts. This is a form of "SHIRK" associating partner with God.
 
Why do we say this?
 
Because here we have a character who is said to have come from the north pole and in one night he is able to personally distribute gifts all over the world.
 
Many parents tell their children that if they behave, if they will be good, Santa Claus will reward them with a gift. What power has been ascribed to this man ! How did he know that a child is good or bad? It is only God who knows the unseen, It is only God alone who knows our heart and mind. Not only that, This is a great sin, for in the first place parents should not lie to their children.
 
Secondly, parents are indirectly teaching their children that the reward for being good is from Santa Claus instead of their creator, and also that thanks for the bounties of this life should be given to a fictitious human being instead of God. In other words, children are being taught to fear a man instead of fearing their Creator.
 
We must all be aware of this facts, for when we take part in Christmas celebrations we are in fact committing "SHIRK" that is we are knowingly or unknowingly setting partner with God.
 
(III) Lastly, Christmas is only a great business day - Crime rate increase - This is the month in which more alcohol is consumed with the excuse of celebrating, and of course, the more people drink, the greater the propensity to commit anti-social acts. Also, many people become depressed because of economic constraints. A person might be out of job, so he drives himself crazy thinking about all the presents he feels he has to buy but can't afford. Other people fall in a state of depression when they think of loved ones that are not with them anymore. Side by side with that seems to be joyous mood of the holidays there is a strong current of tension and anxiety.
 
People with a sound mind should reflect on this situation. At Christmas time the business community goes to extremes to induce people to spend their year's earnings foolishly in a few days.
 
"A PIECE OF ADVICE":
 
O' People let us all take a stand for right and do what we know is right. We need not be afraid of what people will say, for if we seek the pleasure of God first and foremost we need not fear nor worry.
 
May God guide us all to the right path.
 
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