It
is very important that we prepare ourselves for this imminent occasion.
As always, at the end of each year, day in and day out – and all
through the night, weare constantly pummeled with the lights,
decorations and music of the season at every turn. You won’t be
able to take a trip to the grocery, the library, or even your front
yard without noticing it.
But this year we too were, just
days before, celebrating our Islamic ‘Eed Al-Adh-Ha, not in the
same manner of course, but it was our time for celebration nonetheless.
These unusual circumstances may present confusion and curiosity amongst
children, teenagers and even new Muslims. It is essential that we
address their questions and concerns in an honest, straightforward
manner. The most effective method of clarifying and conveying accurate
and detailed information is to deal with facts in an efficient and
appropriate manner. Replacing normal curiosity with knowledge, will,
Insha Allaah (Allaah willing), strengthen everyone in his conviction.
Among the numerous situations that may arise during this season are the
Christmas lights. Little Omar –with awe and delight, one evening
as you’re passing by lit up houses on the way to the Masjid
–mayexclaim:
“Look, the lights are so pretty!” you look at him frowning,
“No, no, no! Omar, those are ugly!” you reply scolding him.
Omar may never tell you he thinks the lights are pretty
again, because he doesn’t want to disappoint you. However, that
doesn’t mean that this is what he thinks. He may still believe
that the lights are pretty; and in addition, he may feel that thisis untrue!
It may even be hard for you to tell someone the lights are ugly –
possibly because you don’t even believe that yourself. Why?
Because the lights are delightful to most, young and old alike,
that’s why they are used for all sorts of festive occasions. The
fact is, although they may be nice to look at, the underlying reason is
that they are used at this time of the year, and this is what is
ugly… not the lights themselves.
All the children can see are the lights in a rainbow of colors,
flashing and twinkling. They don’t see the Kufr (disbelief) that
is being celebrated inside the lit-up houses. This is why it is so
vital that the situation be fully explained and not simply brushed off.
We must tackle these situations with a detailed explanation, and only
with that will a new Muslim or a child fully understand why the lights
or decorations are so unappealing during this time of the year.
It is important that they understand that the lights themselves are not
Haraam (forbidden). They are simply small colored light bulbs on a
string that can be used to any purpose whatsoever, just as any other
light bulb. In many places all over the world, they are used for
various reasons totally unrelated to any religious holiday. It is not
the lights that should be the focus; it is what lies beneath that which
is important.
You could spend the entire afternoon arguing your point that lights are
ugly and the end result may still be that they don’t agree. Even
after a debate on the issue, you may feel that you have come out the
winner, but think about this: what was really won – your opinion?
Unfortunately, that’s not a good enough reason for anyone, even a
child, to agree with you and change their mind. Furthermore, by only
discussing the irrelevant issue of the lights – what did they
learn? Probably not much, except may be how to become a better debater
next time.
Christmas, this year in particular, is a good opportunity to sit down
and fully explain the major differences between Islam and Christianity
to a new Muslim or a child. The explanation should be according to the
age level of the child, and according to the knowledge of the teenager
or adult. One should emphasize on the Kufr that is behind all of it,
and how non-Muslim parents lie to their children about the fictitious
Santa character! One should explain that the time of the year Christmas
falls in is an ancient pagan holiday and that adorning the evergreen
trees with decorations is a practice of pagans, and that it’s
even forbidden in the Bible (Jeremiah 10:3-4)!
To further emphasize this fact, have them research this information in
any encyclopedia and remind them of the following verse in which Allaah
Says (what means): “And
from those who say, "We are Christians" We took their covenant; but
they forgot a portion of that of which they were reminded.” [Quran 5:14]
Next, take a few moments to allow them to ask questions. After you have
fully explained to them the differences, and informed them in regard to
the extreme Kufr that the decorations and lights are representing in
pagan religions and in Christianity, ask them what they think of the
lights and decorations now. Most likely, their response will be
dramatically changed!
The distinction between a hasty incomplete answer and one with a full
explanation is that you are not leaving room for lingering curiosity
and also are not undermining their intelligence or opinion. By
respecting their intelligence and opinion you are opening their minds
to listen.
With an honest, straightforward explanation, you will, Insha Allaah, be
able to take all the sparkle out of the lights, and instead, turn on
the light of knowledge in their mind.
By: Michele Al-Nasr
موضوع: How to explain the Christmas lights to your kids? 
