Mohamed Salah has courted controversy yet again after sharing his family photo on Christmas Day, and fans on both sides of the divide have shared their reactions.
Salah is one of the leading faces of Islam in sports but, in recent times, has received heat from Muslims over the way he celebrates Christmas as if he were a Christmas.
This year, his post on his social media pages was delayed, such that fans quoted the ones from previous years, asking him not to deny them their usual message.
Fans react to Salah's Christmas post
As always, the post was met with reactions from Muslims who claimed it was wrong for him to, despite him doing it every year and not giving a thought to the responses.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) December 25, 2024
@Ay_teey replied: “I'm still confused. I understand that Christians that believe In Jesus are celebrating his birthday every year on the 25th of December. What I don't understand is how a non-Christian (A Muslim believer who worships Allah and Allah alone) celebrates the Birth of Jesus, even though Islam Vehemently prohibits Muslims from such acts. Someone needs to tell him he has the right to whatever faith he wants. Be a Christian if that is what you want @MoSalah, but what you are doing as a Muslim is nothing short of HYPOCRISY.”
@sir_yongo wrote: “Just because Muslims live with Christians, it doesn't mean that they must wish them Merry Christmas. Yes, religion should never divide humanity. Love should be there between Muslims and Christians. But it doesn't mean people should be forced to celebrate what they don't believe.”
Legit.ng contacted an Islamic cleric who pleaded anonymity to shed light on the persistent Christmas messages by Mohamed Salah.
“The Qur'an recognises Jesus (Issa) as a prophet but not the son of God as Christians see him. Muslims are enjoined to celebrate Islamic festivities only and not those of other religions,” he said.
He backed his assertions up with Chapter 109:6, which reads, “To you is your religion, and to me, my religion”.
He added that they should live in harmony with others but not practice their religion.
According to Tuko.co.ke, some sects of Islam, the Fiqhs, forbid the celebrations of Christmas entirely, describing it as a paganistic holiday.
I wish a blessed Christmas to all those celebrating in the UAE and around the world. May the spirit of this season bring harmony, prosperity, and goodwill to you and your loved ones.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) December 25, 2024
Salah was not the only top Muslim who posted Christmas messages; Mohamed Bin Zayed, the president of the UAE and a top Imam in the country, Imam Tahwidi, posted messages, but Salah's picture in front of the Christmas trees is what elicited reactions.
Merry Christmas to all those celebrating today! May this joyous occasion bring peace, love, and blessings to your hearts and homes. Wishing you a day filled with warmth, happiness, and cherished moments with loved ones.
— Imam of Peace (@Imamofpeace) December 25, 2024
Imam Tawhidi
Abu Dhabi, UAE 🇦🇪
According to a study by the Immigration Policy Lab at Stanford University, since Mo Salah signed for Liverpool, hate crimes have been reduced by 16% and halved posting of anti-Muslim tweets, making his actions have some impacts.
