December 24, 2014

Dear Friends,

 

As we celebrate the joys of this holiday season, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember all those who have lost their loved ones in the most recent tragedy of Peshawar. The Quran reminds us that God's mercy and felicity awaits all those who endure hardship with grace and patience.

 

"And most certainly, we shall test you with a certain amount of danger, hunger loss of wealth, loss of life and loss of the fruits of your labor. But give good tidings unto those who are patient in adversity. Those who, when calamity befalls  them, say, 'Verily, unto God we belong and verily unto Him we will return'. It is they who will receive the blessings and mercy from their sustainer and it is they who are among the guided." Quran (2:155-157).


With Warm Salaams,

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf
Chairman, The Cordoba Initiative

Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, is one of the most important holidays of the year in most Christian traditions. The Quran states that the angel Gabriel, who also plays a significant role in the Christian narrative, visits Mary with news that she will bear a son, even though "no man has touched" her (3:47). This son will be "highly distinguished and favored in this world and hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah]" (3:45). Muslims believe that Jesus is among those who brought God's guidance into the world and is known as 'Ruh Allah' or the "Spirit of God".


Today, most Western churches observe Christmas on December 25, though the exact month and day Jesus was born is unknown. The popular holiday traditions we see in the United States developed gradually over many centuries and incorporate elements from several different cultures, such as the Yule festival in Scandinavia. The legend of Santa Claus, which now features a jolly man who brings children presents, may combine stories about Saint Nicholas of modern-day Turkey, the Germanic god Odin, England's Father Christmas, and the Dutch character Sinterklaas. Other popular traditions include giving gifts to loved ones, decorating households with greenery and cheerful lights, singing carols, and putting up a Christmas tree. Through these customs, many Americans (both Christian and non-Christian) celebrate the weeks leading up to the holiday as a season devoted to expressing love for their communities, giving thanks for blessings, and spreading good will. Many also volunteer or donate to charity in order to share good fortune with others and work to make the world a better, more harmonious place.

Speaking with the Muslim Community about Christmas

TCI spoke with Shekaiba, a Muslim American who lives in New Canaan, CT with her husband and two children. Originally from Afghanistan, Shekaiba has lived in the tri-state area since she was ten years old. Her husband is of Jewish and Christian background, so her family celebrates the winter holiday season every year. She generously agreed to talk with TCI about her experiences of Christmas as a Muslim American.

TCI: Are you doing anything to celebrate Christmas this year?

 

Shekaiba: Yes! On Christmas Eve we're going to go caroling in the center of town, right underneath the huge Christmas tree that's decorated there. It's a huge event-there's caroling and then people from our town either go to church or out to dinner... We will come home and leave some milk and cookies for Santa, and then the kids are going to go to bed. Then the next morning, hopefully Santa will have arrived with lots of presents.

 

Continue Reading: Click Here.

 


TCI spoke also spoke with another community member, Huma, about her Christmas tradition.

TCI: What is your ethnic/national background?

 

Huma: I am South Asian.

 

TCI: Do you celebrate or appreciate Christmas? Do you have a tree, do you give gifts to friends who do? Why or why not?

 

Huma: Yes, I celebrate Christmas and feel very excited about it each year. I both exchange and receive gifts from friends and family, because why not? Particularly when that gift is time together. It's a wonderful way to celebrate and appreciate one another.

 

 

Continue Reading: Click Here.

 

Support Our Work

In pursuing our mission of Improving Muslim-West relations, we know that without your commitment and support, we could not have achieved such remarkable strides in building bridges and amplifying moderate voices across faith communities. You empowered us to pursue our common aspiration to dismantle prejudices and barriers that prevent communities to coexist.


This work is now more important than ever and we need your help to achieve a greater impact. Please consider making a donation of any size to support this important work. Click Here to Make a Donation.


Thank you for your generosity and continued support.





Connect with Cordoba
Connect with Imam Feisal