Can Muslims Celebrate Easter? Islamic Ruling and Explanation
On a Monday during the spring season each year, some people celebrate what is known as Sham El-Nessim. Who does this holiday belong to? Many people wonder whether Muslims are allowed to celebrate this occasion. Between those who say it is an ancient Pharaonic festival and those who claim it is a religious holiday for Copts, what is the correct view, and what should Muslims do regarding this day?
These lines provide a thoughtful and well-grounded explanation of can Muslims celebrate Easter, clarifying Islamic teachings, correcting common misunderstandings, and offering practical guidance for Muslims navigating interfaith environments—especially in workplaces, schools, and mixed families.
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Understanding Can Muslims Celebrate Easter According to Islamic Beliefs
To understand whether can Muslims celebrate Easter, one must first understand what is the origin of Easter?
Sham El-Nessim, or the Spring Festival as it is also called, is one of the ancient festivals of Pharaonic Egypt. The beginning of its official celebration dates back nearly 4,700 years (around 2700 BCE). Among the ancient Egyptians, it symbolized the rebirth of life. They believed that this day marked the beginning of time and that the creation of the world began on it. The word “Nessim” (breeze) was added to its name because this day is associated with mild weather, marking the beginning of spring.
Later, the observance of this festival was adopted by the Children of Israel. The Jews of Egypt—during the time of our master Moses عليه السلام—took this celebration from the Egyptian Pharaohs and made it the beginning of the Hebrew year. They called it “Passover.” The word Passover is a Hebrew term meaning “departure” or “crossing,” referring to the day they left Egypt during the time of our master Moses عليه السلام.
When Christianity entered Egypt, Christians used to celebrate what is known in their belief as “the Feast of the Resurrection,” which symbolizes the rising of Christ from the grave—as they claim. They celebrate this feast after completing their period of fasting, during which they are forbidden from eating anything that has a soul. Sham El-Nessim used to fall in the middle of their fasting days, so they decided to postpone it until after the fast.
As a result, they came to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection on Sunday, followed immediately by Sham El-Nessim on Monday, during which they eat eggs and fish that had been forbidden during the fasting period. Thus, Sham El-Nessim acquired a religious character.
Thus, Sham El-Nessim became connected to the Christian celebration of Easter and turned into part of their religious rituals, which they believe commemorate the resurrection of Christ from the grave after his crucifixion and death. This belief, according to Islamic doctrine, is false and contradicts the Qur’an and the consensus of Muslims, which affirms that Christ was neither killed nor crucified, but rather was raised to heaven.
What should a Muslim do during the holidays of non-Muslims? Learn more about this through Can Muslim Celebrate Christmas? Islamic View on Non-Islamic Holidays
Allah the Exalted says in His Noble Book:
“And for their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.’ But they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they certainly did not kill him.” (An-Nisa’ 4:157)
And He also says:
“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” (An-Nisa’ 4:158)
Accordingly, the answer to can Muslims celebrate Easter is NO, it is not permissible to celebrate this festival or to participate with them in any form of celebration, even if it is believed to be merely a social or seasonal celebration of spring. As long as it has become connected to a belief that contradicts Islam, celebrating it is not permissible.
The Difference Between Respecting and Participating in Easter
A believer weighs his actions and words—and the actions and words of others—by the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ . Whatever agrees with them, or with either of them, is accepted even if people abandon it, and whatever contradicts them, or either of them, is rejected even if people practice it.
A major source of confusion around can Muslims celebrate Easter lies in misunderstanding the difference between respect and participation.
Islam strongly commands Muslims to respect followers of other religions. This includes:
- Speaking kindly
- Avoiding mockery or insult
- Upholding justice and good character
- Living peacefully with neighbors and colleagues of other faiths
Participating Easter involves:
- Cooperating in sin
- Endorsing beliefs that contradict Islam
Islam draws a clear line here. Participation implies endorsement or acceptance of religious beliefs that contradict Islamic monotheism. Therefore, while Muslims are encouraged to show kindness, they are not permitted to take part in Easter as a religious celebration.
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What Islam Teaches About Non-Muslim Religious Festivals
A festival is one of the manifestations of religion and one of its honored rituals. Human nature is inclined toward loving festivals and rejoicing in them. It is narrated from Anas رضي الله عنه that he said:
“The Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, and the people there had two days on which they used to play. He said, ‘Allah has replaced them for you with two better days: the Day of al-Fitr and the Day of al-Adha.’”
So what should we do regarding the festivals of non-Muslims? can Muslims celebrate Easter? We are commanded to treat all people with kindness and to speak to them in a good manner, as Allah the Exalted says:
“And speak kindly to people.” (Al-Baqarah 2:83)
And Allah the Almighty also says:
“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just toward those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Al-Mumtahanah 60:8)
It has also been authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ emphasized good treatment of neighbors in general. For this reason, whenever Ibn ‘Umar slaughtered a sheep, he would say to his family: “Have you given some to our Jewish neighbor?” For I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say:
“Jibril continued to advise me concerning the neighbor until I thought he would make him an heir.” (Reported by Ahmad)
Despite all of the above, it is not permissible to confuse kindness and good conduct toward them with showing affection at the expense of our creed and religion. We believe that the religion they follow is false, and religious festivals are among the most prominent symbols of any religion. How, then, can it be consistent to participate in or congratulate them on matters that are among the symbols of their religion?
For this reason, scholars have strongly condemned Muslims who congratulate disbelievers on their religious festivals. It is not permissible for a Muslim to congratulate or participate with a non-Muslim in a festival that is specific to his religion, nor is it permissible to allow those under one’s guardianship—such as children or a wife—to do so.
Common Misunderstandings About Muslims and Easter
There are several widespread misunderstandings surrounding can Muslims celebrate Easter, both among Muslims and non-Muslims.
Misunderstanding 1: “Participation Is Just Cultural”
The manifestations and rituals of this festival—such as colored or decorated eggs, feseekh (salted fish), onions, and other customs—are exactly the same as those that existed among the pagan Pharaohs. These practices are linked to corrupt beliefs, such as their belief that placing onions under a pillow, hanging them on a door, or similar acts can cure illnesses and repel jinn. Whoever does so is imitating the Pharaohs in a characteristic that belongs to their pagan religion.
The Prophet ﷺ said:“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Misunderstanding 2: “Refusing to Celebrate Means Disrespect”
Respecting religions does not mean glorifying their rituals, approving them, or accepting them. Rather, it means respecting the choice of their followers and dealing with them in the manner our religion has instructed us to do.
Misunderstanding 3: “Islam Does Not Recognize Jesus”
Islam honors Jesus عليه السلام as one of the greatest prophets. However, honoring him does not mean accepting theological claims associated with Easter.
Guidance from Ulum Al-Azhar Academy on Interfaith Respect
When addressing questions like can Muslims celebrate Easter, Islam wants the Muslim to act with sound awareness and foresight. A Muslim should not be swept along by the current, moving wherever it moves and inclining wherever it inclines. Rather, he must possess an independent and well-understood personality—keen on goodness, distant from evil and from slipping into it, and far removed from blind imitation.
He should not be as described in the hadith as an “imma‘ah” إمعة —one who says, “If people do good, I do good, and if they do wrong, I do wrong.” Instead, he should train himself to do good even if others do good, and not to do wrong even if others do wrong. This is in order to preserve his dignity and the independence of his character, without concern for criticism or mockery directed at him.
The Prophet ﷺ warned us against this type of imitation, saying:
“You will surely follow the ways of those who came before you, step by step and arm’s length by arm’s length, until even if they were to enter the hole of a lizard, you would follow them.”
(Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
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Conclusion
So, can Muslims celebrate Easter? From an Islamic perspective grounded in traditional scholarship, the answer is no when it comes to religious participation or celebration. Easter is a religious festival based on beliefs that differ from Islamic theology, and Islam does not permit Muslims to take part in such religious observances.
However, Islam strongly encourages respect, kindness, and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths. Understanding this balance allows Muslims to navigate interfaith settings with confidence, dignity, and wisdom.
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FAQs
Can Muslims celebrate Easter with family or friends?
Muslims should avoid participating in Easter as a religious celebration. However, maintaining family ties and showing kindness without engaging in religious rituals is encouraged.
Can Muslims say “Happy Easter”?
Scholars differ slightly on this issue. Many advise using neutral, respectful language that does not endorse religious beliefs, especially in professional or social contexts.
Can Muslims attend Easter church services?
Attending religious services as part of Easter worship is generally not permitted, as it involves participation in another faith’s religious rituals.
Is Easter mentioned in the Quran?
Easter as a religious event is not mentioned in the Quran. While Jesus عليه السلام is honored, Islamic teachings differ regarding the events commemorated by Easter.
Why is the question “can Muslims celebrate Easter” so common today?
Globalization, mixed societies, and interfaith families make this question more relevant, highlighting the need for clear and balanced religious guidance.
