As the festive season approaches, Muslims worldwide often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between upholding their faith and fostering good relationships with non-Muslims. Celebrations like Christmas and other non-Islamic festivals provide opportunities to contemplate on how Muslims can maintain their religious identity while upholding the values of compassion, respect, and love that Islam teaches.

Islam places greater emphasis on maintaining the purity of its practices and avoiding imitation of non-Islamic traditions in matters of worship and rituals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them” (Abu Dawood). This teaching highlights the importance of distinguishing Islamic identity in actions, particularly in religious contexts.

However, Islam equally emphasizes good conduct toward neighbours and non-Muslims. Allah commands in the Quran, “Allah does not forbid you from being righteous and just toward those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly” (Quran 60:8). This principle, guides Muslims to act with kindness and fairness, even when cultural or religious differences exist in their midst. 

To attain the intended balance, Muslims should abstain from participating in rituals specific to non-Islamic faiths, such as attending church services for Christmas or engaging in acts that may conflict with Islamic teachings. This, in turn, maintains the integrity of Islamic beliefs and practices. 

On the other hand, Islam encourages good relations with neighbours and colleagues, regardless of their faith. Simple gestures such as extending holiday greetings like “Happy Holidays” (without endorsing theological aspects) can influence goodwill without compromising Islamic principles.

Further to that, engaging in community and charity work can be of great value to Muslims.
Many non-Islamic festivals emphasize giving and kindness, which align with Islamic values. Muslims can use this time to participate in or organize community charity drives or volunteer work, which reflect shared values of compassion and care.

Engaging in respectful dialogues about Islamic practices and perspectives can deepen mutual understanding. Explaining the reasons behind Islamic principles regarding festivals can help build bridges while dispelling rampant misconceptions.

Parents and community leaders should, therefore, ensure that Islamic teachings are reinforced during such times, particularly for children to shift their focus towards valuable Islamic undertakings. Organizing Islamic events, storytelling sessions, or family gatherings can help Muslims celebrate their own traditions and preserve their identity.

The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offers abundant examples of coexistence with people of other faiths. He maintained cordial relationships, exchanged gifts, and acted justly with non-Muslims while upholding Islamic teachings. Muslims today can emulate this by engaging positively with their non-Muslim neighbours during festive times, avoiding religious practices that contradict Islam, but still fostering a spirit of mutual respect and kindness.