Christmas in the Muslim Cultural Tradition: Theology, History, and Modern Practices The celebration of Christmas (December 25th/January 7th) in the perception of Muslims represents a complex phenomenon at the intersection of strict theology, centuries-old cultural interaction, and challenges of the modern globalized world. Its understanding is impossible without dividing three key planes: the dogmatic attitude towards the figure of Jesus (Isa), the historical experience of coexistence with Christian communities, and modern social practices in the context of religious pluralism. 1. Theological Foundation: Prophet Isa ibn Maryam To understand the Islamic position, it is necessary to turn to the Quran, where Jesus (Arabic: Isa) is mentioned 25 times, and an entire sura (19th) is named after his mother — Maryam (Mary). From an Islamic perspective: The birth of Isa is the greatest miracle (aya). It is described in detail in the Quran (sura 19:16-34) as a sign to all worlds. Isa was born to Mary by the word of Allah ("Be!") without a father, which confirms the omnipotence of the Creator. Isa is one of the "great" prophets (uлю-ль-азм). He is recognized as a prophet (nabi) and a messenger (rasul), preceding Muhammad, the bearer of the Scripture — the Injil (Gospel), a miracle worker, healing the blind and lepers. Strict rejection of key Christian dogmas. Islamic theology categorically denies the divinity of Isa, the Trinity, the concept of the Incarnation, and crucifixion (according to Islamic interpretation, Isa was raised to heaven, and another person was crucified on the cross). Therefore, the dogmatic content of Christian Christmas — the birth of God in human form — is unacceptable to Islam. Important fact: despite the profound veneration of Isa, there is no established holiday in honor of his birth in the Islamic calendar. Celebrating birthdays (mawlid) is generally a late practice. Even Mawlid an-Nabawi (the birthday of Prophet Muhammad) is not celebrated uni ... Read more