I am a muslim and as a believer of Islam, we don’t have Christmas. But if I could compare Christmas to one of our most important occasions, it would be the Eid’l Fitr or the celebraton for the end of Ramadan.
From what I observed when Filipino Catholics celebrate Christmas, it is usually very festive. I believe that this is a very important occasion to them. Families got together especially to those who were far from their homes for a long time. There are also music and lights everywhere, it is so colorful. They also say that this is the season of gifts so people give all sorts of gifts to their friends and families. It is also the season of giving as people that are so blessed share what they have to the poor. Parties are also very common every Christmas as they do it at their offices, schools, and homes. Of course before all these, people go to the church to thank God and give back all the blessings.
But sometimes people forget what Christmas is all about to them. It’s more important to some to party instead of going to church and thank their God for all the blessings. Although they attend the “simbang gabi,” some just do it so that they could make a wish.
Ramadan is the same in some ways but more solemn. It is our way of sacrificing as we refrain from eating, drinking, etc. At the end of Ramadan, the Eid’l Fitr, is where there is a special celebration. We start it with a prayer early in the morning and then followed by feasting with family and friends. This is also the time when we give food to the less fortunate as it is also one of the five pillars of Islam. It is our way to worship Allah.
We do join n celebrating Christmas in the sense that we also feel the joy, we attend some parties and we also give gifts. We believe that we don’t need to be Christians to do that and but no matter what occasion it is, be it Christmas or Eod’l Fitr, as long as we remember to give back to God and spend time with our families. Let us remember what the true meanings of these occasions are.
