Janice R. Andrews
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has once again found himself at the center of controversy after posting a Christmas message on social media. The Egyptian footballer, a practicing Muslim, has been criticized by some of his Muslim fans for celebrating Christmas, a holiday that is not part of Islamic tradition.
Despite the backlash, Salah has consistently sent out Christmas wishes every year, often posing with his family in front of a Christmas tree. While some have praised his message of tolerance and coexistence, others have accused him of imitating non-Muslims and going against Islamic teachings.
So, what’s behind the criticism? According to Islamic jurisprudence, Muslims are discouraged from celebrating non-Islamic holidays, including Christmas. The Quran emphasizes the importance of monotheism and warns against imitating non-Muslims in specific acts of worship.
However, others argue that Salah’s message is about promoting kindness, tolerance, and good relations with people of all faiths. Quran 60:8 encourages Muslims to deal kindly and fairly with those who have not fought or driven them out of their homes.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain – Mohamed Salah will likely face criticism again next year if he chooses to send out another Christmas message. But for now, the Liverpool forward remains committed to spreading a message of love and tolerance, regardless of the backlash.
