If you were a recent immigrant refugee to the U.S. and lived in a city near several hundred other refugees in the U.S., would you accept an invitation to a Christmas party sponsored by the agency that assisted you upon arrival? Would you look forward to the party, or would you accept it begrudgingly? (The party would be solely for refugees (mostly Muslim) and volunteers.)
Should the agency think of a better way to socialize during the Christmas season? I know Muslims don't believe Jesus was God, but how do you feel in general about the American Christmas hype?
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2006-09-28 11:16:59 · 15 answers · asked by Hatikvah 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you want to socialize with Muslims better, than now month of Ramadhan is a good time. Call a Muslim caterer (otherwise Muslims won't eat the food, it has to be halal) and organize an iftar (breaking fast) for them. I am sure they would appreciate it and would attend it happily.
I do not think inviting them to a Christmas party will be good idea. Western parties usually include mixing of women and men, drinking of alcohol, eating non-halal food...etc. These are considered sinful in Islam. Any practicing Muslim wouldn't attend this kind of party.
2006-09-28 11:34:54 · answer #1 · answered by ATK 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The American Christmas hype is now-a-days more economics and less Jesus. Yes Muslims can join the Christmas gathering or party, there is nothing wrong in intermingling with the Christians. Christians go everywhere in the world and mix up with Muslims and other nationalities. The answer to your other part of question is, that Jesus never said that he was a God, it was all made up after the death and disappearance of Jesus.
2006-09-28 11:28:25 · answer #2 · answered by miamian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I would bring up that it said Required on the memo. Honestly, Christmas isn't meant to offend people. And if you were at my office party and requested what you did, I would be seriously annoyed with you, like your boss probably was. I know that's bad but you can't say Merry Christmas anywhere because of people like you getting offended by it. It's our Holiday and if we want to say Merry Christmas, then we should be able to say it and sing it and have games about it. You don't celebrate Christmas so don't go to the Christmas party because that's basically what it is. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't get fired for not going to a Christmas party.
2016-03-26 21:51:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is done in the spirit of goodness & sharing, why not? Although some Muslims are quite particular about being around alcohol & since most of the refugees will be Muslim it would be a good idea not to have alcohol there. And be sure that there is halal food for them (halal meat is meat slaughtered the Islamic way, pork however is not allowed at all).
Good on you for having good intentions, and also for being considerate of the Muslims feelings :)
*edit*
I just realized my answer is so similar to the one above me :P By the way, Muslims who live in multicultural countries (I'm from Malaysia) don't think of Xmas as anything bad. They also join in the spirit of visiting friends and relatives and giving presents. It's all about accepting and respecting one another's religion.
I think the refugees would like to learn about the American culture, and this Xmas party would be a good way to do that.
2006-09-29 15:02:48 · answer #4 · answered by Mawarda 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, why not call it a holiday party? Most "Christmas" parties are not religious events and include some Jewish, Hindus and non-Christians. I think to give something specifically called a "Christmas Party" JUST for Muslims is a bit insensitive to the Muslims' personal beliefs. I personally would ask that it be changed to being billed as a holiday party and make sure alcohol would not be served. I don't like to be around parties where alcohol is being served.
Muslims believe in a different date for the birth of Christ.
2006-09-28 11:26:32 · answer #5 · answered by Mustafa 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a refugee, yet I don't mind going to a Christmas party..
I'm sure they will appreciate the move from your side and your efforts in organizing that party for them.
I believe most of them will love the idea, except for some strict Muslims.
2006-09-28 11:25:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't ask us, get a feel for it by asking the Muslims.
I went to my office Christmas party.
Basically, have non-forbidden food available. Muslims cant eat pork, and they can eat all other meat as long as its HALAL or KOSHER. Halal is the Muslim version of kosher (basically kill the animal in the name of God and at the neck).
Also, don't offer them drinks. Muslims don't drink alcohol.
If its like most Christmas parties it shouldnt be too religious -- just a party. They should accept -- depends on their own views.
2006-09-28 12:07:48 · answer #7 · answered by Ibrahim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, 'coz the main theme of a Christmas Party is to join Christians in their act of Shirk (idolatory, enjoining partners with GOD). So, u can very kindly excuse urself from such a party. and if u r convincing enough, u can make them throw a New Year's Party instead, which u can truly attend, and i don't think that will cause much of a problem, as they are only a week apart. Peace to All.
2006-09-29 19:20:43 · answer #8 · answered by Valentino 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure! I attend Christmas parties all the time! At my work, with friends, no problem.
Christmas is no longer really a religious holiday, unless you mean it to be. It's more a commercial one. Christmas and New Year parties are celebrated in moderate Arab countries not for their religious significance, but for the party and get-together atmospheres...
2006-09-28 11:28:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Correction to above answer: Christians do not teach Jesus is the son of Allah. They teach He is the Son of Jehovah Jireh El Shaddai, and that Allah is not the same.
I was unaware that Muslims oppose innovation for celebrating in their faith. How interesting. The Christian God in scripture praises his people for singing a new song.
2006-09-28 11:32:16 · answer #10 · answered by Just David 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋