Christmas and Eid Celebrations: A Comparative Analysis

The festive season in the year 2008 witnessed an intriguing convergence of Christmas and Eid al Adha, two religious celebrations occurring only a few days apart. In the midst of the vibrant decorations and jubilant celebrations, a notable discrepancy became evident. Christmas, with its commercialized grandeur, dominated the global market, while Eid al Adha, despite its cultural richness, remained confined to Islamic communities. This essay explores the historical, cultural, and commercial dimensions that contribute to this asymmetry and underscores the need for broader recognition of diverse religious festivities.

Historical Narratives and Cultural Significance

The historical references of the birth of Christ (As) and the sacrifice of Ibrahim (As) and his son are shared narratives in both Christianity and Islam, serving as testimonials of social gatherings and cultural importance. While Islamic teachings recount Ibrahim's (As) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael (As) in Makah, Christians believe the event occurred with Ibrahim's (As) son Isaac (As) in Palestine. Artists, poets, and authors have immortalized these stories, emphasizing the religious and cultural significance of these events in their respective upbringings.

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Despite this shared cultural heritage, the question arises: why has Christmas become a global commercial phenomenon, overshadowing Eid al Adha? Throughout history, religion has often been a battleground for the survival of cultures and traditions. Territories were fought over, and international communications broke down due to religious differences. However, holidays, including Thanksgiving, Easter, Ramadan, Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, and Christmas, have a unifying effect, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

Global Recognition of Religious Holidays

In the United States, Canada, and many Western countries, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas are widely celebrated.

Even in the Orient, some of these holidays find resonance. However, when it comes to Ramadan or Eid, only Islamic-based countries, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia, recognize the details of these celebrations. This asymmetry is evident in places like Abu Dhabi, a multicultural city, where the atmosphere during Christmas seems more Western than Islamic, despite being in an Islamic country.

This raises questions about the values and priorities of societies. While Islamic countries may grant one or two days off for Christmas, Western countries often fall short in reciprocating this gesture. The respect shown by Islamic governments for diverse celebrations within their societies prompts reflection on the Occidental response. In a country where laws and government regulations are rooted in the Quran, the lack of emphasis on Eid as compared to Christmas is disheartening.

Commercialization of Holidays: A Comparative Analysis

One striking observation is the commercialization of Christmas compared to Eid al Adha. In France, Arab communities engage in Islamic customs while Christmas carols echo around them, demonstrating a harmonious coexistence of diverse celebrations. However, the commercial fervor surrounding Christmas, with decorated shops, special offers, and Christmas luncheons in hotels and restaurants, overshadows the subdued recognition of Eid.

Christmas has undergone a significant transformation from its religious origins. The contemporary image of "Santa Claus" with a red suit and a white beard, popularized by a Coca-Cola advertisement in 1931, contrasts with the diverse historical depictions of Santa. In contrast, Eid al Adha maintains its religious authenticity, with the story remaining unchanged over centuries. The unwavering nature of Eid's narrative is a testament to the resilience of cultural heritage against the tide of commercialization.

Addressing the Discrepancy

It is disheartening to witness the disparity in the treatment of Christmas and Eid al Adha in countries where Islam is the predominant religion. The absence of an Eid-themed celebration in cities with Islamic roots is a missed opportunity to showcase the richness of Islamic culture and traditions. While the Islamic value of gifting children with new clothes and festive outings remains unexplored, Christmas decorations envelop public spaces.

Within my own family, where cultural diversity is embraced, an uncle with a Christian wife postpones Christmas decorations until after Eid al Adha, showcasing mutual respect for both celebrations. As a Muslim in an Islamic society, I have been raised to respect all religions, and it is disconcerting to witness the lack of reciprocal respect from Islamic governments towards Eid al Adha.

Cultural Integration and Global Harmony

Further examination reveals that the issue extends beyond the celebration itself. It delves into the cultural integration and global harmony that these holidays represent. Christmas, with its universal appeal and the figure of "Santa Claus," transcends religious boundaries, making it easily marketable and accepted worldwide. The commercialization of Christmas, evident in the myriad of advertisements, festive displays, and special offers, contributes to its widespread recognition.

In contrast, Eid al Adha, although celebrated with equal fervor within Islamic communities, lacks the global visibility that Christmas enjoys. The question arises: why can't all cultures adopt the Islamic tradition of gifting children with new clothes and taking them out to restaurants and amusement parks during Eid al Adha? The government, in its role as a custodian of cultural heritage, should play a more proactive role in promoting Eid on a global scale.

Changing Dynamics of Celebrations

Another aspect to consider is the changing dynamics of celebrations over time. Christmas, initially rooted in religious beliefs, has undergone a transformation into a more secular and commercialized event. The modern image of Santa Claus, with its association with Coca-Cola and commercial interests, has shifted the focus away from its religious origins.

On the contrary, Eid al Adha has remained steadfast in preserving its religious authenticity. The story of Ibrahim's (As) sacrifice and the values associated with it have endured through generations without succumbing to commercial pressures. This contrast highlights the resilience of religious traditions in the face of globalization and commercialization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the globalization of religious holidays reflects a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and commercial factors. While Christmas has become a global commercial spectacle, Eid al Adha remains largely confined to Islamic communities. The asymmetry in the treatment of these celebrations calls for a reevaluation of societal values and an inclusive approach to recognizing diverse religious festivities. Islamic governments have a crucial role to play in promoting the cultural richness of Eid al Adha on a global stage, fostering understanding and appreciation across religious boundaries.