In Islamic scholarship, there is no single unanimous ruling; some scholars say it is haram to say “Merry Christmas,” while others allow it under certain conditions, especially in non‑Muslim countries. The ruling for a specific Muslim depends on which scholars they follow, their intention, and whether the phrase is seen as supporting Christian beliefs or simply as polite social courtesy.

Why Some Scholars Say It Is Haram

Many classical and contemporary scholars who forbid saying “Merry Christmas” argue that Christmas is a religious festival built on beliefs Islam considers shirk (for example, that Jesus is the son of God).

  • They say congratulating someone on a religious belief Islam rejects is like approving that belief, at least outwardly.
  • They cite scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah, who forbade congratulating non‑Muslims on their specific religious holidays and imitating their religious customs.
  • Some preachers go further and say that saying “Merry Christmas” could approach or even enter major sin, because it is seen as endorsing blasphemy.

From this perspective, a Muslim should avoid phrases that directly affirm another religion’s sacred days, and instead keep a respectful distance while still behaving kindly and justly in everyday dealings.

Why Some Scholars Allow It

Other scholars, especially those focused on Muslims living as minorities in Western countries, permit saying “Merry Christmas” as a form of good manners and social harmony, as long as the Muslim does not share the underlying religious belief.

  • They emphasize that simply saying “Merry Christmas” can be understood as “I hope your holiday period is peaceful and happy,” not “I believe in your creed.”
  • They argue that politeness and kind speech are Islamic values, and that making neighbors or colleagues feel respected does not equal participating in worship.
  • They usually draw a line at joining explicitly religious rituals (church services, worship of Jesus) but allow polite greetings, gifts, or work‑related gatherings if there is no religious act.

In this view, intention matters a lot: the greeting is a social courtesy, not a theological statement.

Middle Positions and Practical Alternatives

A “middle” approach has become common in modern discussions, especially online and in contemporary lectures.

  • Many teachers advise avoiding direct religious approval, but also avoiding rudeness or hostility when others say “Merry Christmas” first.
  • Suggested alternatives include:
    • “Thank you, I wish you well too.”
    • “Happy holidays” or “Season’s greetings.”
    • “I hope you have a peaceful break with your family.”

Some lecturers also stress that if refusing Christmas greetings would cause serious harm (for example, severe family conflict or danger in an oppressive environment), then a Muslim should speak to a trusted scholar who understands their situation, because real‑life cases can be complex.

How to Decide What You Should Do

Because there is a real difference of opinion, the safest path is to ask a local, knowledgeable scholar who understands your context, especially if you live in a non‑Muslim country or work in a mixed environment.

When you reflect on your own practice, consider:

  • Your belief: You must stay clear in your heart that Jesus is a noble prophet, not God or the son of God. This is non‑negotiable in Islam.
  • Your intention: Are you trying to worship or approve a belief, or just being polite and maintaining good relations? Intention weighs heavily in many permissive opinions.
  • Your environment: In some societies “Merry Christmas” is strongly religious; in others it is mostly cultural and secular, which affects how people understand your words.

If you want to avoid any doubt, you can stick to neutral phrases like “Happy holidays” and respond to greetings with warm, kind but general replies. This protects your creed while keeping relationships respectful and courteous.

TL;DR:

  • Some scholars: saying “Merry Christmas” is haram because it appears to approve beliefs Islam rejects.
  • Others: allow it as polite social custom if you do not share or endorse the religious belief.
  • Practical option: use neutral greetings and consult a trusted local scholar for a ruling that fits your situation and school of thought.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.