And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous. — Qur’an 5:46

And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. — John 1:5

The Islamic new year has begun a couple months ago already, but it is still December to which I associate the closing of the year. The shortest day and the longest night just passed, and it is Christmas Eve. The holiday spirit and the traditions surrounding the holidays have their own cultural significance, one which all Americans share, regardless of whether we are Christian or Muslim or something else or nothing else. However, as a believer, I am grateful for this opportunity to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Jesus AS – and I note that the birth of the Prophet Muhammad SAW is right around the corner this year as well. These Abrahamic convergences always make me happy 🙂

I think that the idea of a War on Christmas is nonsense – if anything, Jesus won. In Texas they even have legal protection for saying Merry Christmas. However, imaginary persecution aside, I do believe that there is a need to put Christ back in Christmas, especially with regards to taking action – charity and forgiveness, values that the Prophet Isa AS urged his followers to uphold year-round, not just for a few weeks before and after the solstice. Muslims have every right to publicly embrace Jesus AS as a Prophet and saying “Merry Christmas” is one way to assert that co-ownership.

The Prophet Jesus – Isa Nabi AS – was indeed a guidance and light unto mankind, which the darkness comprehends not. I will celebrate Christmas by praying salawat upon him and striving to uphold his teachings.

Merry Christmas!

(and don’t forget folks. Santa is a Muslim. Really. It explains everything.)