Muslims & Christmas

[melly 0]

One reason why I'm asking is that this is the first year that I've been doing a lot of work with regional Chambers of Commerce. Several have asked me to participate in setting up events that allow for sales opportunities (I don't mind that). When I got to one recently, they were building a creshe and asked me to join in communal prayers to kick off the set up.

While I respect everyone's right to worship as they please, and I even prefer remembrances of Jesus at this time instead of crass commercialism, I'm not sure where to draw the line re participation in holiday activities that involve clients and business partnerships. Naively, I expected business events to be crassly commerical, but now I'm finding them to be more religious in nature than represented to me. I said I would participate out of respect for my associates, but now, I'm procrastinating and don't know how to deal with my wish to withdraw, since these are business relationships. They can be sticky.

That's difficult for sure since it involves your work. I'm not really sure how you could get out of it but that doesn't mean there isn't a way.

What kind of participation is required? I mean can you help set up the things that aren't religious in nature?

[peezey 0]

One reason why I'm asking is that this is the first year that I've been doing a lot of work with regional Chambers of Commerce. Several have asked me to participate in setting up events that allow for sales opportunities (I don't mind that). When I got to one recently, they were building a creshe and asked me to join in communal prayers to kick off the set up.

While I respect everyone's right to worship as they please, and I even prefer remembrances of Jesus at this time instead of crass commercialism, I'm not sure where to draw the line re participation in holiday activities that involve clients and business partnerships. Naively, I expected business events to be crassly commerical, but now I'm finding them to be more religious in nature than represented to me. I said I would participate out of respect for my associates, but now, I'm procrastinating and don't know how to deal with my wish to withdraw, since these are business relationships. They can be sticky.

This is a tough one. I would absolutely not want to participate at all, and I find it offensive business is being mixed with religion. Not knowing exactly what you are talking about, I get the feeling it might be a PC move on the part of the sponsoring business. With that said, this would probably be one of the few times I'd go along with it, using the prayer time to think about what needs to be done next. I have had to do this before, when it was thrust upon me quite surprisingly, and so I stood quietly and lowered my eyes until they finished.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

It's ok, thx. I'll deal with it and take what comes. What I'm getting at is how there is a line to draw, and if so, what is it? I've seen a lot here about Muslim husbands celebrating with their non-Muslim wives, or even Muslim couples celebrating Christmas. In a multiculural society, this is one area that is not equal; non-Christian holidays do not get the attention Christian holidays do.

At least when my husband was alive, I had something to talk about re Christmas. Now, I'm finding it hard to make it go away. It's never been a favorite of mine, as you may be able to tell I can't imagine explaining to God how I'm a Muslim celebrating Christmas without being a closet Christian. But, it's so pervasive and everyone is expected to have some involvement. That's why many of us leave the country this time of year.

Just a small venting . . .

[Welshcookie 17]

As an atheist Christmas means little to me apart from a pleasant time of the year where I get to eat more, ppl are a bit more pleasant, and I see more of my family than usual

But this year my son's school held their xmas concert in the local church and I felt quite uncomfortable about that....I went of course but I did not like being forced to enter a religious building....I went because I didnt want my son to be dissappointed that I wasn't there to see him sing....and no I didn't contribute to the little cash collection that always happens in church

Anyway..this has little to do with your topic but felt like getting off my chest....hehehehe....

[peezey 0]

Pervasive is exactly it, and every year I lose more and more patience with it. Interestingly enough, I find myself much more willing to support my 2nd family, through participation, during Ramadan, Eids, zakat, etc. I know, I know, if you fast during Ramadan and are not muslim, you're just starving yourself....anyway, I don't have the answer, because every time I say "I'm avoiding it all from now on!", there is a party, or a dinner, or need for volunteers for the Giving Tree project, which I totally love because needy kids get things. As I'm writing this, I'm remembering what I've told myself in the past....if the good outweighs the negative, without compromising my principles, then I can participate in things without being so angry that it's supposedly in the name of Christ.

[peezey 0]

As an atheist Christmas means little to me apart from a pleasant time of the year where I get to eat more, ppl are a bit more pleasant, and I see more of my family than usual

Me, too, but sometimes things still end up being way too much for me at this time of year. That dang Nativity movie is really grating on my nerves right now, not only because it's a Christmas story, but because it's historically inaccurate. grrrrrrrrrrr

[Together4ever 1]

For whatever it's worth, I normally say/write "xmas" to avoid the Christ portion. I've become less and less of a fan as the years go by. We do secular xmas in my family which = eating and gifts and out of town family coming home. I have finally convinced my mother to forgo gift giving. Other than that, I don't mind seeing my neighbors' lights, but that's pretty much it. Oh, my husband isn't happy with the plan to end gift giving. This is pretty much the greatest invention of the western world, in his opinion.

I am not seeking drama or debate, but I would like to point out that Muslims are "supposed" to show respect for Jews and Christians as stated in the quran.

[peezey 0]

For whatever it's worth, I normally say/write "xmas" to avoid the Christ portion. I've become less and less of a fan as the years go by. We do secular xmas in my family which = eating and gifts and out of town family coming home. I have finally convinced my mother to forgo gift giving. Other than that, I don't mind seeing my neighbors' lights, but that's pretty much it. Oh, my husband isn't happy with the plan to end gift giving. This is pretty much the greatest invention of the western world, in his opinion.

I am not seeking drama or debate, but I would like to point out that Muslims are "supposed" to show respect for Jews and Christians as stated in the quran.

Right. But who is Christian, Jew or Muslim in my post?

[Ban Hammer 13,343]

For whatever it's worth, I normally say/write "xmas" to avoid the Christ portion. I've become less and less of a fan as the years go by. We do secular xmas in my family which = eating and gifts and out of town family coming home. I have finally convinced my mother to forgo gift giving. Other than that, I don't mind seeing my neighbors' lights, but that's pretty much it. Oh, my husband isn't happy with the plan to end gift giving. This is pretty much the greatest invention of the western world, in his opinion.

I am not seeking drama or debate, but I would like to point out that Muslims are "supposed" to show respect for Jews and Christians as stated in the quran.

Right. But who is Christian, Jew or Muslim in my post?

you mentioned you and your husband which i take it are muslim. your mom is mentioned but no idea what religion.

Edited December 17, 2006 by charlesandnessa

[melly 0]

I could be mistaken but I think her husband is Muslim and she isn't? Again, my memory could be playing tricks on me.

[Henia 11]

Anyone?

Will you take a response from a Jew and a Muslim? We are in Morocco for the next few weeks where we get to ignore Christmas and slaughter a sheep for Eid.

good one Jpaula... Well I guess I donnot go out of my way to avoid Christmas, as I know too many people who celebrate it and have lived in country where it is a major holiday! LOL

[peezey 0]

Nope, neither, but my mother is Catholic. I'm atheist.

[Ban Hammer 13,343]

Nope, neither, but my mother is Catholic. I'm atheist.

um how is that possible then? i was under the impression (from vp) that muslims had a strong dislike for unbelievers.

[LaL 418]

Nope, neither, but my mother is Catholic. I'm atheist.

um how is that possible then? i was under the impression (from vp) that muslims had a strong dislike for unbelievers.

hey - i am an atheist and i am loved too

[mybackpages 0]

Nope, neither, but my mother is Catholic. I'm atheist.

um how is that possible then? i was under the impression (from vp) that muslims had a strong dislike for unbelievers.

YOu should stop watching so much tv

ETA OOPs saw your source as VP...well that should tell you something right there.

Edited December 17, 2006 by mybackpages