بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم

Can Muslims Celebrate Easter?

“Mama, look at that big bunny!”

Easter is here and with it, the cute bunnies and the yummy chocolate eggs are too. We might be able to walk past it without thinking twice, but everything catches the eye of our children. Do we go along with the celebrations and allow our children to join in at the Easter Egg hunt happening at the park, or we do we take this as a moment to have a clear conversation with our children.

Staying firm and not allowing our children to join in that Easter egg hunt or eat that Easter chocolate egg is just as important as not allowing them to partake in trick or treating.

Why?

Because this is in direct opposition to our Islamic beliefs.

Easter is a significant religious holiday in Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Muslims do not and can not celebrate Easter.

What does resurrection mean:

Definition of Resurrection

Resurrection refers to the concept of coming back to life after death. The term is most commonly associated with Christian theology, where it signifies the belief that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the third day following his crucifixion, an event celebrated as Easter.

Resurrection of Jesus is Not Part of Islamic Beliefs

Muslims do not celebrate Easter because of this primary reason. Tawhid is essential to a Muslim’s faith.

• Concept of God: Islam adheres strictly to the concept of Tawhid (the oneness of God). Allah is indivisible and has no partners or offspring. This is in contrast to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity.
• The Role of Jesus: While Muslims revere Jesus (Isa) as a prophet of God, they do not believe in his divinity or his crucifixion and resurrection. The Quran states that Isa (AS), Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, but that it was made to appear so to the people. Islam teaches that Allah SWT elevated Isa (AS) up to the Heavens.
• Scripture: Muslims believe the Quran is the final and complete revelation from God, superseding previous scriptures. While they respect the Bible, they believe it has been altered over time. The Islamic tradition has preserved the Quran perfectly as it was revealed. And it clearly states the status of Isa (AS) in the Quran. He was never killed, and is still alive in the Heavens and will return to Earth when Allah SWT wills.

The Origin of Easter

Easter is an important holiday that is celebrated by Christians around the world. It is a Christian holiday that has roots in the early Christian church. The first recorded celebration of Easter dates back to the 2nd century AD. However, it is believed that the practice of commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ began even earlier, possibly in the first century, among the earliest followers of Jesus.

At first, celebrations were likely simple and focused on Jesus’ resurrection. Over time, various traditions and customs, including the Easter Vigil and the use of symbols such as eggs and rabbits, were incorporated into the holiday. These elements often have pre-Christian origins and were adapted into the celebration as Christianity spread across different cultures. Later on, in 325 AD, the council of Nicaea formalized that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon.

Easter Beliefs Oppose Islamic Beliefs

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a foundational event in Christianity. According to Christian belief, Jesus was crucified, he died, and was buried. On the third day, he rose from the dead, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday.

In Islam, we know that Isa (AS) did not die, before the crucification happened, Allah SWT through his Will and Miracle replaced Isa (AS) with a man who resembled him, and raised Isa (AS) up to the Heavens. KEY BELIEF: Isa (AS) a prophet of Allah SWT, was not crucified.

This innocent seeming holiday of bunnies and chocolate is not as innocent after all. The roots are deep, the beliefs are detrimental to one’s Iman and so it is important to stay away from Easter traditions –no matter how innocent or “just for fun” they seem.

Easter Traditions, Why Bunnies and Eggs?

Easter is associated with various traditions and customs that have evolved over centuries:

• Easter Eggs: Represent new life and rebirth. The tradition of decorating eggs is a popular activity during the Easter season.
• Easter Bunny: A symbol of fertility and new beginnings. The Easter Bunny is often depicted as delivering Easter eggs.

How to talk to Muslim Children about Easter?

Alhamdulilah, now, as parents, that we’ve understood how celebrating Easter in any shape or form can be harmful to our Iman, we can have an open and clear conversation with our children. We have explored how to have this conversation in our post about What To Tell Your Kids About Halloween.

And if you’re looking for a fun way to introduce this topic, Yusuf and Yusra’s Bunny Dilemma is a fun book that discusses this very topic!