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- Asep Haryono | One God, Many Beliefs: An Islamic Reflection on Christmas, Jesus, and Respect - Powered by Blogger
DISCLAIMER :
This article reflects my personal beliefs as a Muslim and is written with respect for all faiths.
Every year when December comes, the world seems to slow down just a little. Streets light up, songs about peace and love play everywhere, and people greet each other with words like Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. For many, it is a joyful time. For others, especially those of different faiths, it can also bring questions, reflections, and sometimes confusion.
As a Muslim, I often get questions like: Do Muslims believe in Jesus?Why don’t Muslims celebrate Christmas?Why does Islam reject the Trinity?
This blog post is not written to attack or convert anyone. It is simply a casual and friendly reflection from an Islamic point of view, while fully respecting other religions and beliefs. Faith is personal, and mutual respect matters more than winning arguments.
Jesus in Islam: Nabi Isa (Peace Be Upon Him)
Let’s start with something many people don’t realize: Muslims do believe in Jesus. In Islam, Jesus is known as Nabi Isa (عيسى عليه السلام), and he is one of the most honored prophets. Muslims believe that:
• He was born miraculously to Maryam (Mary), who is deeply respected in the Qur’an
Every year when December comes, the world seems to slow down just a little. Streets light up, songs about peace and love play everywhere, and people greet each other with words like Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. For many, it is a joyful time. For others, especially those of different faiths, it can also bring questions, reflections, and sometimes confusion.
As a Muslim, I often get questions like: Do Muslims believe in Jesus?Why don’t Muslims celebrate Christmas?Why does Islam reject the Trinity?
This blog post is not written to attack or convert anyone. It is simply a casual and friendly reflection from an Islamic point of view, while fully respecting other religions and beliefs. Faith is personal, and mutual respect matters more than winning arguments.
Jesus in Islam: Nabi Isa (Peace Be Upon Him)
Let’s start with something many people don’t realize: Muslims do believe in Jesus. In Islam, Jesus is known as Nabi Isa (عيسى عليه السلام), and he is one of the most honored prophets. Muslims believe that:
• He was born miraculously to Maryam (Mary), who is deeply respected in the Qur’an
• He performed miracles by the permission of Allah
• He preached worship of One God
• He will return near the end of time
So when Muslims hear about Jesus during Christmas season, it does not feel foreign or strange. We respect him deeply. However, the difference lies in who Jesus is believed to be.Christians believe Jesus is divine the Son of God. Muslims believe he is a prophet, not God, and not the son of God. This difference is important, but it does not cancel out respect.
Why Muslims Do Not Celebrate Christmas
Many people assume that Muslims reject Christmas because they reject Jesus. That is not true.Muslims do not celebrate Christmas mainly because:
• The Qur’an does not mention a date for Jesus’ birth
So when Muslims hear about Jesus during Christmas season, it does not feel foreign or strange. We respect him deeply. However, the difference lies in who Jesus is believed to be.Christians believe Jesus is divine the Son of God. Muslims believe he is a prophet, not God, and not the son of God. This difference is important, but it does not cancel out respect.
 |
One God,
many beliefs an illustration symbolizing respect, dialogue, and understanding
between Islam and Christianity. |
Why Muslims Do Not Celebrate Christmas
Many people assume that Muslims reject Christmas because they reject Jesus. That is not true.Muslims do not celebrate Christmas mainly because:
• The Qur’an does not mention a date for Jesus’ birth
• Islam does not support celebrating religious events that are not part of its teachings
• Christmas today is both a religious and cultural holiday, often centered around beliefs Islam does not share
This does not mean Muslims are against joy, family gatherings, or kindness. Islam encourages all of these but within its own religious framework. Many Muslims still say things like Happy Holidays or respond politely to Christmas wishes. That is about good manners, not religious agreement.
The Trinity: Why It Feels Confusing to Muslims
One of the biggest questions Muslims have about Christianity is the concept of the Trinity: God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit Christians say this is one God in three persons.
From an Islamic point of view, this concept feels confusing and difficult to understand. Islam teaches absolute monotheism, known as Tawhid.This belief is clearly summarized in Surah Al-Ikhlas, one of the shortest but most powerful chapters in the Qur’an:
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. And there is none comparable to Him.” (Qur’an 112)
For Muslims, this verse answers the question of God completely and clearly. Allah is One no division, no partners, no offspring. This is why Muslims respectfully disagree with ideas like the Trinity or the Son of God. It is not confusion it is a different theological foundation. Is Christmas “Made Up”?
Another common discussion point is whether Christmas is divinely commanded or human-made.Historically speaking: The Bible does not state December 25 as Jesus’ birth date The date was chosen centuries later Many Christmas traditions come from older cultural and seasonal customs
From an Islamic perspective, this reinforces the idea that Christmas is a human-established tradition, not a divinely mandated event. That said, this does not mean it is meaningless to Christians. Faith gives meaning to traditions, and people experience spirituality in different ways.
Respecting Differences Without Compromising Belief
Here is an important point: believing Islam is the truth does not require disrespecting others. Muslims are confident in their faith. Islam teaches clarity, consistency, and pure monotheism. At the same time, Islam also teaches adab good manners, humility, and respect.
The Qur’an itself says there is no compulsion in religion.
So when Muslims interact with Christians, Jews, or people of any other belief, the goal should not be to argue aggressively, but to: Explain beliefs honestlym Listen respectfully and Maintain peace
Disagreement does not equal hatred.
Why Interfaith Conversations Matter
In today’s global world, we interact with people from many cultures and religions online, at work, and in daily life. Misunderstandings happen easily. Someone may think Muslims reject Jesus. Someone else may think Christians worship three gods. These ideas usually come from lack of communication, not bad intentions. Talking openly but politely helps remove fear and stereotypes.
I can say: “This is my belief as a Muslim.”, “I respect your faith, even though mine is different.” And “We see God differently, and that’s okay.” These simple sentences can keep conversations peaceful and meaningful.
Conclusion
Faith is deeply personal. For Muslims, the message of One God as described in Surah Al-Ikhlas is complete and satisfying. It leaves no confusion about who Allah is.For Christians, Jesus and Christmas hold deep spiritual meaning.
We do not need to agree to respect each other. As a Muslim, I am confident in Islam as the truth. At the same time, I believe good character, honesty, and respect are just as important as belief itself.
If this reflection feels uncomfortable to some, that is understandable. Differences can be uncomfortable. But respectful dialogue is always better than silence or hostility. At the end of the day, peace begins with understanding and understanding begins with listening.
Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and peace to everyone.
This does not mean Muslims are against joy, family gatherings, or kindness. Islam encourages all of these but within its own religious framework. Many Muslims still say things like Happy Holidays or respond politely to Christmas wishes. That is about good manners, not religious agreement.
The Trinity: Why It Feels Confusing to Muslims
One of the biggest questions Muslims have about Christianity is the concept of the Trinity: God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit Christians say this is one God in three persons.
From an Islamic point of view, this concept feels confusing and difficult to understand. Islam teaches absolute monotheism, known as Tawhid.This belief is clearly summarized in Surah Al-Ikhlas, one of the shortest but most powerful chapters in the Qur’an:
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. And there is none comparable to Him.” (Qur’an 112)
For Muslims, this verse answers the question of God completely and clearly. Allah is One no division, no partners, no offspring. This is why Muslims respectfully disagree with ideas like the Trinity or the Son of God. It is not confusion it is a different theological foundation. Is Christmas “Made Up”?
Another common discussion point is whether Christmas is divinely commanded or human-made.Historically speaking: The Bible does not state December 25 as Jesus’ birth date The date was chosen centuries later Many Christmas traditions come from older cultural and seasonal customs
From an Islamic perspective, this reinforces the idea that Christmas is a human-established tradition, not a divinely mandated event. That said, this does not mean it is meaningless to Christians. Faith gives meaning to traditions, and people experience spirituality in different ways.
Respecting Differences Without Compromising Belief
Here is an important point: believing Islam is the truth does not require disrespecting others. Muslims are confident in their faith. Islam teaches clarity, consistency, and pure monotheism. At the same time, Islam also teaches adab good manners, humility, and respect.
The Qur’an itself says there is no compulsion in religion.
So when Muslims interact with Christians, Jews, or people of any other belief, the goal should not be to argue aggressively, but to: Explain beliefs honestlym Listen respectfully and Maintain peace
Disagreement does not equal hatred.
Why Interfaith Conversations Matter
In today’s global world, we interact with people from many cultures and religions online, at work, and in daily life. Misunderstandings happen easily. Someone may think Muslims reject Jesus. Someone else may think Christians worship three gods. These ideas usually come from lack of communication, not bad intentions. Talking openly but politely helps remove fear and stereotypes.
I can say: “This is my belief as a Muslim.”, “I respect your faith, even though mine is different.” And “We see God differently, and that’s okay.” These simple sentences can keep conversations peaceful and meaningful.
Conclusion
Faith is deeply personal. For Muslims, the message of One God as described in Surah Al-Ikhlas is complete and satisfying. It leaves no confusion about who Allah is.For Christians, Jesus and Christmas hold deep spiritual meaning.
We do not need to agree to respect each other. As a Muslim, I am confident in Islam as the truth. At the same time, I believe good character, honesty, and respect are just as important as belief itself.
If this reflection feels uncomfortable to some, that is understandable. Differences can be uncomfortable. But respectful dialogue is always better than silence or hostility. At the end of the day, peace begins with understanding and understanding begins with listening.
Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and peace to everyone.
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
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