Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question which reflects your keenness to apply and embrace the teachings of Islam in your daily life.

In Islam, there are two celebrations that Muslims usually hold, i.e. `Eid al-Fitr and `Eid al-Adha.

With regard to other celebrations, they do not concern Muslims and they do not cause them any problem. They are out of question for Muslims.

When we talk about these celebrations, we give some practical tips for new Muslims when they are forced for a reason or another to be involved in such celebrations.

You should do your best to avoid such celebrations. For example, Valentine’s Day confines the concept of love for one day in the year.

In Islam, people express their love to each other every day and every moment. Islam is all about love and respect. A Muslim husband is highly recommended to show love to his wife all the time not only on Valentine’s Day.

As for Christmas, there is no agreement even among Christian scholars that prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) was born on December 25.

We Muslims hold prophet Jesus in a high esteem. We love him even more that Christians. A Muslim is not a complete Muslim without having a firm belief in prophet Jesus as a prophet from God (Allah) like all other prophets who came before him.  Prophet Jesus never claimed that he is God or son of God. Nor did he claim any divinity.

If you happen to take part in such a celebration, try your best to avoid the practices associated with it. You can cease the opportunity and explain to your family members and friends the status of Jesus in Islam and how Islam commands Muslims to love and respect him because he came with the same message that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came with, i.e. to worship One True God.