Eid and Christmas (Similarities and Differences)
Since the Islamic interpretation of history overlaps in significant ways with those of Judaism and Christianity, one should not be surprised to find that some material in the Quran parallels some Biblical material. Some narrative treatments of various Biblical patriarchs and Kings, whom the Quran identifies as prophets and messengers, immediately recall aspects of Biblical accounts. But there are interesting variations in stories. Adam and Eve’s fall, for example, is connected with eating from a forbidden tree. Sprinkled throughout the scripture are references to Abraham’s near sacrifice of his son from whom Islamic tradition takes to be Ishmael rather than Isaac, and to Moses’ mission to Pharaoh, David’s musical gifts, Solomon’s royal grandeur, and others. Perhaps the single most important parallel is the story of Joseph. Sura 12 of the Qur’an retells the tale found in Genesis 39-50 with its distinctive flavor and variations in detail. Only Joseph’s story is told in its entirety, and all in a single Sura dedicated entirely to it. With this comes the similarities and difference between Eid and Christmas.
Eid and Christmas are two different celebrations celebrated in two different days. None would be the answer if you ask for any similarities between Eid and Christmas. If Eid and Christmas is belt down of all its commercialism, the similarity between them at a spiritual level is profound. But there are differences within Christians that where and when was Jesus born. Christmas by majority of Christians all over the world is celebrated on the 25th of December. Eid on the other hand is a celebration that marks the end of fasting for one month during which time Muslims abstain from taking food, drink or any sensual pleasures from dawn until dusk.
Qur’an reveals many references to Jesus and His mother, Mary. They are considered as models of humanity. Muslims and Christians revere Jesus and Mary. A Muslim ceases to be a Muslim when he or she refuses to accept the leadership and teachings of Jesus and Mary. This brings Eid and Christmas together as they both share through Jesus in a common basis despite many differences between the two faiths.
In South Africa Eid and Christmas gives them an opportunity in injecting a spiritual dimension of shaping their democracy. Both Christians and Muslims acknowledge and revere Jesus’ existence and it becomes a common ground for Eid and Christmas. For Christians in South Africa, Eid and Christmas is the time of reminiscence to work with all people of other faiths and creeds for the betterment of a just society.
Muslims and Christians observing the days of Eid and Christmas as a festival day, have a similar idea of reflecting on the spreading of peace and justice throughout the world. This is one main similar attitude between Eid and Christmas.
Both Eid and Christmas brings the idea that all people are equal just like a teeth of a comb and that all are children of Adam and were made from clay. It is this principle of equality of human beings that is brought out in Eid and Christmas is very much understood and appreciated in South Africa.
