Every year, the same debate resurfaces in Muslim circles: should we eat Christmas food? Some scholars label such food as sacrifices or invoke concerns over permissibility, but this annual argument feels increasingly out of place, especially in a diverse, multi-religious society like ours.
Personally, I find the argument unconvincing. Long before the current economic challenges, I celebrated Christmas with my Christian friends, colleagues, and family. My position remains unchanged: there is no scriptural or logical basis to reject Christmas food outright. This morning, I even messaged my Christian neighbors, friends, and relatives to send me their festive meals and presents.
The Qur’an is clear on this matter. It explicitly allows Muslims to partake in the food of “the People of the Book” (Jews and Christians). In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:5), Allah says: “This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them.”
This verse leaves no room for ambiguity. Muslims can eat food prepared by Christians, as long as it adheres to general dietary restrictions. So why should we let baseless debates create unnecessary divisions?
Those who preach against eating Christmas food often do so under the guise of religious purity. In reality, they sow discord and promote disharmony in a society that thrives on coexistence. These same individuals rarely offer practical alternatives or palliatives for struggling families. Instead, they weaponize religion to create barriers between communities.
I recall an incident in Ibadan that perfectly illustrates this hypocrisy. A group of fanatics angrily rejected loaves of bread distributed to them because the packaging bore a cross and a Christian name. Yet, moments later, one of them returned to retrieve the bread, saying he would remove the label to make it “halal.” Such actions highlight the absurdity of their stance.
Islam teaches a simple approach to such situations: say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before eating, and the food becomes permissible. This is a faith rooted in compassion, practicality, and understanding—not in needless restrictions or divisiveness.
For me, Christmas is not just about food; it’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds with friends, neighbors, and family, regardless of faith. A significant percentage of my friends and students are Christians. Many of my neighbors are Christians. Why should I allow unfounded arguments to disrupt these meaningful relationships?
To my Christian friends, colleagues, and relatives: please don’t forget me this festive season. I am ready to share in your joy and partake in your delicious meals. Let us use this season to build bridges, not walls.
This Christmas, let’s embrace the spirit of love, unity, and generosity, which are values cherished by both Islam and Christianity. After all, breaking bread together is one of the simplest and most profound ways to foster harmony in a diverse society.
