Every year we get a few stories like this. It is by no means a unanimous view among Muslims, but is as always forwarded on the grounds of Islamic purity. This one comes from a weblog, Jundullah Online. “Haqq Means Truth: Wishing ‘Merry Xmas’ is HARAAM for the Muslim” (thanks to DFS):
In Christian theology, it is believed that Jesus is GOD and that he is of one in a Trinity, along with God and the Holy Spirit. What does the Qur’an say about the Trinity? We refer to the following holy verse on the matter:
They do blaspheme who say: God is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.
The Qur’an exhorts the Christians to cease and desist in this erroneous belief:
O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of God, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and His messengers, and say not “Three” – Cease! (it is) better for you! – God is only One God.
So what is the Muslim position regarding Christmas and wishing “Merry Xmas” or even celebrating Xmas? It goes without question that associating with Xmas is a haraam(forbidden) act, and one may refer to the fatawa of Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthmain regarding the matter. We will of course issue a translation of this important fatawa inro English, insha’allah. The point is that this fatawa is agreed upon by the consensus of the jumhur of the ulama, therefore there is no doubt that associating with Christmas is no doubt shirik [idolatry]….
Of course the liberal who has been going around celebrating Christmas and begging for presents on PPS (and openly on his blog) have no idea that he has gone against the spirit of the Qur’an and is committing an act of kufr [unbelief]. Perhaps he should just become one instead.