Do Muslims celebrate Easter & Passover? Muslims do not celebrate Passover or Easter as they are primarily religious holidays that are observed by Jews and Christians, respectively. Islam has its own set of religious celebrations and observances that are specific to the Islamic calendar and tradition.
Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. The holiday is celebrated by abstaining from leavened bread, eating matzah, and telling the story of the exodus from Egypt. As Muslims do not share this historical background, they do not observe Passover.
Similarly, Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most important events in the Christian calendar and is observed by Christians worldwide through various religious services, traditions, and customs. Muslims do not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and, therefore, do not observe Easter as a religious holiday.
Jesus was not Crucified or Resurrected
The topic of how Islam differs from Christianity in regards to Jesus’ death and resurrection is a natural one. The Quran states,
[4:157] That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah”;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not
[4:158] Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise
[4:159] And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them
Here, the Qur’an makes it plain that Jesus AS was really raised to Heaven rather than killed or crucified. Since Easter is a celebration of his resurrection, it has no direct equivalent in Islam. But as the third line above shows, Jesus will be involved in the Judgement Day as well.
Of course, there is historical proof that the crucifixion actually happened, notably from some Roman sources. And the Qur’anic verse itself states quite clearly, “So it was made to appear to them.” Therefore, unless everything was a divine illusion, it appears likely that someone was crucified. Muslim theologians commonly hold the belief that someone else was killed in Jesus’ place, either as a martyr or as a voluntary victim of retribution.
Who was crucified in place of Jesus?
According to some academics, it was Judas, the one who handed Jesus up to his enemies. According to this theory, Judas was created in the image of Jesus by Allah so that he could endure his suffering in Jesus’ place. According to other researchers, it was a follower of Jesus who voluntarily offered to give his life as a ransom for him. Finally, some historians believe that the crucifixion itself did not occur, but that the subsequent tales were invented. Nevertheless, despite the varying viewpoints, all Muslims concur that Jesus was raised to the Heavens, is still alive, and will return to the world close to the end of time. As stated by Allah in the Qur’an:
As Allah said, ‘O Jesus, I will take you and raise you unto Myself, purify you from those who disbelieve, and make those who follow you greater than those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me will you return, and I will judge between you over your differences.’ Quran 3:55
Return of Jesus on the Day of Judgment
When Jesus returns, the world will be rife with corruption and injustice, mostly brought on by the antichrist and his accomplices. He will succeed in bringing back justice and peace as well as ending the antichrist’s cruel rule. The Prophet says the following about Jesus’s return:
“By Allah, the son of Mary will descend as a just ruler. He will abolish the cross, kill the swine, and annul the tribute, but he will leave the she-camel such that no one collects from it. He will cause rancor, hatred, and envy to disappear, and he will call people to give their wealth in charity but no one will need it.” Sahih Muslim
It is stated that Jesus will nreak the Cross because he has the right to invalidate the public’s misconceptions of him. However, this does not imply that Muslims have the right to destroy the Cross. It is crucial to remember that Jesus will return as a Muslim and a follower of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), not as a new Prophet. It is implied that he will offer prayers among the Muslim ranks, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Jesus the son of Mary, upon him be peace, will descend and the leader will invite him to lead the prayer but he will say, ‘No, some of you are leaders over others and this is an honor for this nation.” Sahih Muslim
Knowing the precise day of his return is something that only Allah is capable of doing. It is more appropriate for us to prepare ourselves for such an occurrence than to speculate on the precise timing of this catastrophe.
“They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, “Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him.” Quran 7:187
Is Easter celebration Haram in Islam?
A Muslim is not permitted to participate in non-Muslim holidays and festivals, such as Easter, Christmas, and so forth. Participating and attending involves supporting this evil, growing their numbers, and copying them, all of which are prohibited.
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud (4031); classed as sahih by al-Albani in Irwa al-Ghalil, 5/109)
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment.” [al-Maidah 5:2]
What Muslims should do on Easter/ Passover?
The Muslim should treat this day such as any other day, refrain from eating or drinking anything special, and refrain from engaging in any celebratory activities, such as visiting parks or fairs, to absolve himself of any guilt for approving or partaking.
Conclusion: Do Muslims celebrate Easter & Passover?
In conclusion, Muslims do not celebrate Easter or Passover. it is forbidden to celebrate or take part in the festivals of unbelievers, whether they engage in religious rituals or keep them to play and entertainment. Not only is it Haram to celebrate them, but it is also forbidden to attend their religious ceremonies, which is even more Haram.
so is Easter Haram? Yes, Easter is Haram in Islam.
And Allah is the wisest.
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