Q. View or experience Christmas in Singapore?

Personally I would explain what the true meaning of Christmas is. That being, a time for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I would also share that these days, Christmas is very commercialised hence leading to the phenomenon that non-Christians like your friend are celebrating it too (as a matter of fact, a few of my European friends dislike that in places like Singapore, everyone including non-Christians celebrate it too, cos the meaning of Christmas is lost that way). It would be good if your friend understood the meaning of Christmas, then let him decide whether he still wants to enjoy the "universal period for joy and sharing of presents".

I think we should all be mindful when discussing such topics. Also remember to remain neutral when discussing such topics - neither condoning nor condemning ur friend. On a personal note, my colleague tried to coax me to join an office 'concert' where he'll be playing X'mas songs on his guitar. I politely said that I don't think I'll enjoy that genre of music and declined his offer. :)

Asker's comment:

Salaam princessaf,

Thanks for your view. I see now the opinion of Christmas by Christians, particularly how they feel the meaning of Christmas being 'stolen' away around the globe as a time of shopping and decor, sharing and singing. I would probably feel the same way too, if a Muslim festival like Hari Raya Puasa is adopted by non-Muslims into some Mega sale and world celebration, when the true meaning is lost from it's true heritage and religious intimacy.

In one way of another, I think in some way, a particular festival can also be misleading due to cultural assimilation into religion in a particular society. For example, Hari Raya Puasa is a cultural event as experienced by Muslims in Singapore after the fasting month of the Muslim calendar. Muslims, or I could say some Malay Muslims, used these opportunities to provide home decor offers and shopping festival during the fasting month, which often ignored the significance and importance of the holy month. At times, in my view, that some Muslims anticipate the Hari Raya festival more so than the fasting month, despite how the later constitutes part of the religious obligation and moral upbringing than the former.

Well, culture and religion often confused and even misinterpreted in a particular society, even though their actions are sincerely. In my view, despite the reason, the actions are sincerely wrong and misleading, which could result ignorance or even perversity among the society in the long term run. Then too,I may be wrong, wallahualam.

I simply enjoy there sales there are here and the holidays to plan for family trips.

Tell ur friend the history of how "christmas" was adapted by the christian.

A true christian whould not celebrate christmas as this is a pagan practise,( though there's nothing wrong with giving gifts. we all love gifts!) And aparently Jesus wasn't born on the 25 december.

"Based on Biblical evidence Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in the fall near the Jewish feast of Tabernacles or in the spring around the time of Passover. But sometime before 336 Pope Julius I, chose December 25th for the celebration of the birth of Christ -- the same date as the "Feast of the Nativity of the Sun of Righteousness" (Sol Invicti). The practice was adopted by the Christian church in Antioch around 374. By 380 it was being observed in Constantinople, and by 430 in Alexandria. (The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church, p. 223.) "

Please refer to history of the celebration of christmas and other links:- enjoy :)

http://www.new-life.net/chrtms...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...
http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbear...
http://www.sovereigngrace.net/...

Asker's comment:

Salaam,

Yeah, it's true. <sigh>.But I guess we still have to respect the Christian tradition for the Christians. Whether others, like some Christians, may disagree, I guess it's up to the Christian themselves and not us to decide what they want to conceive or accept the tradition of Christmas, historically or not.

Just as we Muslims feel irritated if some so-called non-Muslims "scholars" of Islam started blabbering about how Islam should be or what it is, whatever their intention or misgivings they have, Christians should be too if some non-Christian talk about their religion . Let the Christian scholars or adherents say and discuss what they have to say about our religion, less the discussion is formal between the two religions.

Salaam!

*my first day here and i love the topics "discussed" / asked* heee..

It's a very sensitive issues when discussing such matters to non-Muslims, especially if we "refuse" politely to take part in Christmas celebrations. As they love to quote, "nothing wrong wat! all other races also celebrate wat!" -.-" Sometimes, I find it hard to defend myself when people do not understand how Islam is. I somehow feel pluralism may be the cause of it. Or rather because in Singapore, you live in a "community" and it's important to be tolerant with many different races and religions. Religious tolerance is one matter, while enforcing a "religious" celebration onto people is another. Ever had to "take care" in Christmas decoration. And you can't say no at times because your rice bowl is at stake *not that I'm bothered by*, which is the case for some people.

I think it's important for Muslims to explain the stand of celebrating other religious festivals using Islamic lens, especially how it may affect the "aqidah" (religious belief) of a Muslim. It's a fine thread, where many Muslims do not realise how dangerous it may be.