Are muslims allowed to celebrate Thanksgiving?

Question

Just to let you know, this is a holiday that was founded by christians, but is NOT a christian holiday except insofar as it is a day to give thanks to the Almighty for all that we have. There are NO religious ceremonies associated with it other than a prayer at the start of the feast. Turkey is traditional, but the gathering of family and friends is what is important and there are no rules on what should be served.

...and the corolary to this question: If you are muslim, will you celebrate Thanksgiving?

...and the corolary to this question: If you are muslim, will you celebrate Thanksgiving?

[it has nothing to do with religion but it was founded by christians????]

Yes, tha's right.

I take that back, it does have to do with religion, but nothing overtly christian, just a belief in God.

I see a fair amount of hate seeping from some responses, do you also wonder why non-muslims mostly don't trust you?

[No. Muslims can not celebrate any holiday that was started by Pagans or non Muslims.]

We call that "throwing the baby out with the bathwater." I gotta shake my head here as I recall all the times I've read on this board how muslims are accepting and tolerant of others.

[A question for you...Do you celebrate Eidul Arafa.]

No, not having grown-up in a place where it was commonly celebrated, I don't. I have never heard of it before, but I am familiar with the story of Abraham and Issac. This is a significant story for christians and jews as well and now that I think about it I wonder why it isn't at least observed on Church calendars if not celebrated. I should have directed my question to American muslims as they should be familiar with the Thanksgiving holiday.

[and one more thing I do not give a damn if none muslims do not trust me. I do not trust them either.]

...and thus the world turns. Happy Thanksgiving anyway.

[You do not even know about our holidays and you expect us to celebrate thanksgiving with you.]

As I indicated, I should have directed my question to American muslims who presumably would be familiar with the holiday. I have not asked this question with any malice of intent as I do not view Thanksgiving as a religious holiday (its not as if I asked why you don't celebrate Easter, which I already know and would not insult you with).

BTW, I do not "expect" you to do anything regarding Thanksgiving, I was only asking "if" you were allowed (is the correct word "halal"?) to celebrate it.

Thanks, envy.

[its not like the non0muslims thank God for anything anyways]

Really? You might want to take a peek inside a church this thursday and see for yourself. Any catholic church should have morning mass for Thanksgiving. Try asking them if they thanked God for anything as they leave, the answers might surprise you.

So far, several responses have basically said that it is forbidden because nonmuslims invented it. If that is the case, you folks might want to never fly in a plane, use any device that uses electricity (including the computer you are reading this on now), stop using chemical fertilizers and other products in your daily life (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), stop using gasoline and automobiles... The list is a VERY long one. With such attitudes I find it not surprising at all the you people have such a difficult time fitting into Western society, you are surrounded by nonmuslim inventions and customs. I feel sorry for you that you are locked into a mindset that so limits your interaction with the world that God put you in. I will prray for you, however. God bless.

Answer 1

Again, we return to the theme of making what is not forbidden into the forbidden.

Speaking about the Islamic ruling concerning attending Thanksgiving, the prominent Muslim scholar and Da`iyah Sheikh `Abdul-Khaleq Hasan Ash-Shareef, states the following:

“A Muslim is permitted to attend Thanksgiving as long as there are no illicit practices that contravene the Islamic teachings. A Muslim is not permitted to show any compromise against his faith. He is not permitted to attend such Thanksgiving party if the issue goes beyond a mere social event to include religious practices that are against Islamic teachings.

However, if that Thanksgiving event is no more than a social event where the members of the family attend and share lawful food (such as turkey), then there is nothing wrong in attending it.”

Moreover, the prominent Azharite scholar Sheikh `Abdul-Majeed Subh, adds:

“Attending Thanksgiving with your family is permitted as long as the occasion is no more than a courtesy in a social occasion and there are no prohibited foods or drinks that are served, such as pork or alcohol."

Answer 2

I see the majority of "Muslims" who are from America saying it is OK.. It originated as a religous holiday.. this is just really stupid of people who are Muslims to say it is OK... The people who invented this Holiday were giving thanks to Jesus Christ their lord and Son of God...what do you Muslims not understand about your religion.. IT is shirk to celebrate this... instead of being on Y/A with little knowledge about your religion why do you not spend your days learning Islam.... I think you want it to be halal because you want to incorporate your culture with your religion...Innovation in Islam is a Sin and you will be judged. This is a religious Holiday and I do not understand how people say it is not. It originated with Christians and never has the USA ever had a Muslim President.. And it was made a national Holiday by a Christian President just like CHristmas is.. You do not see them celebrating the EIDS like this in USA so why would you as a MUSLIM celebrate a Christian Holiday....? I bet these same Muslim who say yes exchange gifts on Christmas....What a shame

Answer 3

My family and I are having a big turkey dinner in Thanksgiving. It's not like we only have turkey dinners on Thanksgiving, but about 2-3 times a year.

It's a "holiday" we look forward to having along with the Eid because it's a time where everyone is off work and school and it's a great time to spend with family.

Answer 4

As Muslims, we celebrate only two ‘eid (festivals): ‘eid ul-fitr (after the end of Ramadhan), and ‘eid ul-Udh-ha, the day of the greater hajj (pilgrimage). During these two festivals, we offer felicitations, spread joy, and entertain children. But more importantly, we offer remembrance of Allaah's blessings, celebrate His name and offer the ‘eid salaat (prayer). Other than these two occasions, we do not recognize or celebrate any other days in the year.

Of course, there are other joyous occasions for which the Islamic shari’ah dictates appropriate celebration, such as gathering for special meals during weddings or on the occasion of the birth of a child (aqeeqah). However, these days are not specified as particular days in the year; rather, they are celebrated as they happen in the course of a Muslim’s life.

Answer 5

Noor is correct!!!
It is not halal or sunnah to celebrate a holiday which was founded by a religion that believes in trinity which is a form of polytheism..
There is a hadith saying that if we copy someone else's traditions then we become one of them.....We are Muslims and we should not even celebrate any National Holiday's from any country.
In Islam the only HALAL celebrations would be the two EIDS..
Celebration in Islam is not the same as others do....it is not some elaborate party, it should be simple in modest with your focus being on Allah(SWT).
Some people will ask why in Iran and Iraq do they celebrate things this is because they are Shiia and not following the Sunnah...

Holiday comes from the word holy day meaning a day set aside for special religious observance ......

Like some countries will celebrate Columbus Day, Martin Luther King Day etc we only should worship Allah(SWT).. Even Prophet Mohammed(PBUH) has told us that we should not worship on his grave or make a shrine to him because there is only one ALLAH(SWT)..

I do not celebrate Earth Day nor do I celebrate Mother's Day.. Mothers day is something adopted from western culture.

Answer 6

I have a uncle who has a muslim girlfriend who is a "hoj" or something and she celebrates thanksgiving she just dosent eat meat!

Answer 7

no its not allowed as long as it has nothing to do with Allah , thanksgiving is really just pointless really, its not like the non0muslims thank God for anything anyways, its just another reason not to go to school or work, and another reason to go shopping because they're sales everywhere....if u want to eat turkey and mashed potatoes, no problem, bbut dont do it in the name of clelbrating a non-muslim holiday.

Answer 8

i think some people are takign this too far.
Our intention, just like everyone else is to have a good dinner and thank Allah for everything that he blessed us with. How is that at all sinful? It drives us towards religion and towards allah!
Wasn't Earth Day and Mothers day started by non-muslims? We all celebrate those!
I plan on celebrating this year.... it IS halal.

Answer 9

Thanksgiving is an American holiday-while it was founded by Christians, American Indians also participated and they would not have considered themselves Christians. I have always considered this strictly an American holiday, which any American can participate in, regardless of religion.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Answer 10

it has nothing to do with religion but it was founded by christians????

That is not a muslm holiday so I will not celebrate, as a muslim I thank Allaah Almighty for every breath I take, I thank Him five times a day, in the morning for making me wake up and not die while sleeping, I take a break from work at midday to pray and thank Him for giving me health and making me be able to earn a living.
When I get home I think pray and thank Him for helping me get home safely. And every meal we eat we say this pray.

All praise is due to Allaah who fed us and made us muslims.
So to answer your question muslims do not celebrate thanksgiving. that is your holiday so enjoy it.

A question for you...Do you celebrate Eidul Arafa. thats when muslims slaughter an animal in honour of Abrahams test. have a big feast celebrate and thankg God?
Do you?
and one more thing I do not give a damn if none muslims do not trust me. I do not trust them either.

You do not even know about our holidays and you expect us to celebrate thanksgiving with you.
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Well from the questions you ask to the answers you give you always show your hate for islam in your words,,even if you are trying to be nice. You are ignorant on the religion of islam and somehow you always find ways to critise and show disrespect. that being said.
if you asked this question with no malice then I apologise if I have offended you in any way. The majority of the muslims stand firm on the practice of Prophet Muhammad(saw) we celebrate what he celebrated joyfully and we stay away from what he has told us to stay away. He is our perfect example. I hope that answers your question.
by the way when you say american muslims do you mean reverts? because I consider myself american muslim since I've lived here most of my life.
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Envy puh-leez, give me a break, you and the other muslims who celebrate thankgsgiving must do it to please other people,,,,when you should be pleasing Allaah(swt) I bet you celebrate halloween too?