Whereas secularists aim to reduce the influence of religion on public discourse, religious holidays, ceremonies and festivities have always shaped our culture. The faithful continue to come together to celebrate Hanukkah, Eid, Diwali, the Day of the Dead, Christmas and Halloween. We humans have always lived as one family when it comes to merriment. So secularists do not try to restrict the cultures and traditions which unite people and their communities – especially when it is not a matter affecting government or public policy.
Tolerance
Tolerance should be our guiding light. So an atheist may be invited to a mosque for a feast. A Hindu may take sweets to the temple to join Jewish friends celebrating Passover. And Muslims may join Christians to celebrate Easter. Tolerance is the cure for the modern problem of isolationism and phobia, where voices of hate trump other voices – which are the majority.
It is the duty of government to tame those who preach hatred in poisonous sermons – Muslim clerics in particular. The world has embraced the Muslim community and their culture, but Muslims are being blackmailed by spiritual leaders who refuse to evolve. Muslims should confront such people and refuse to be their victims.
Respecting Christmas
Now back to Christmas. Do not wish people a ‘Happy Holiday’ for the sake of being secular. Christians are part of the human community. We should respect and not trivialise them. We should recognise religious and cultural diversity. Feel free to call the festival ‘Yuletide’ if you want to. But it is better to use the mainstream word ‘Christmas’ – and likewise Hanukkah, Passover, Ramadan, Diwali and other traditional terms. Christianity has billions of adherents – whether they are true believers or merely ‘cultural’ Christians. We owe them the courtesy, especially if we want them to invite us to one of their feasts!
When a religious or traditional celebration is going on, we should tell our children that something nice is happening whether it is part of their own religious heritage or not. They should understand that their neighbour’s important day is for everyone, no matter which tribe or creed is celebrating. This is how we Muslims got to know about Christmas and how Christian children got to know about Eid or Sallah. As kids we were allowed to play with all the other kids and we shared our goodies with them. So we have not been roused to murder each other now that we have grown up.
This is how it used to be, and this is how it needs to be again today. Sadly, the agents of hate would rather spew out venom rather than spread love. This is why youngsters interrupt celebrations, shouting garbage and swamping the music and merriment that other communities have gathered to enjoy…
Merry Christmas!
By Mubarak Bala
Writing from Germany
