Christmas is revered in the Quran ... but whether or not Muslims can or should celebrate is a much more complicated subject.
One must understand how >Jesus relates to Islam to even begin the discussion on whether or not the holiday can be celebrated.
Jesus and Islam are not at odds ... and Muslims are tired of hearing these questions during the holiday season.
1. Do you even celebrate it?
The Quran considers Jesus's birth a miracle ... so why wouldn't we celebrate it?
The Qur'an contains a chapter (soora) entitled 'Maryam' (Mary), which tells the story of Mary and the birth of her son Jesus.
According to the Qur'an, Jesus was born without a father by the command of God. Virgin Mary gave birth under a palm tree.
To prove this very fact, a number of Muslim-majority cities have >gone all out with Christmas celebrations over the years including Aleppo, Tripoli in Lebanon and Cairo.
So, yes we celebrate it, and love it just as much as you do.
2. Is Christmas haram?
How is it haram to celebrate the birth of Jesus ... when Jesus is the Messiah or the Savior in Islam?
In the Quran, Jesus is referred to as ">Essa al-Maseeh", Jesus the Messiah or the Savior.
Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad came to complete Jesus' message, rather than refute it. The Qur'an states that disrespecting Jesus is a sign of disbelief.
3. Are you offended because I wished you a merry x-mas?
No ... I would be offended if you don't wish me a Merry Christmas.
4. Wait ... you believe in Jesus?
Islam does not consider Jesus a deity nor the son of God, which are the central tenets of Christianity.
It does, however, hold Christ in extremely high esteem.
He is >regarded as Prophet Muhammad's precursor and one of God's most prominent messengers. And Christmas is regarded as a miracle.
Jesus is mentioned 25 times in the Qur'an, whereas the name of Prophet Muhammad appears just four times.
Jesus Christ is discussed directly and indirectly over 180 times.