The core principle is that Muslims should only celebrate festivals and occasions prescribed in Islamic tradition, such as “Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and Many other Islamic festivals”. This guidance stems from the Islamic principle of preserving one’s religious identity and avoiding cultural practices that are not aligned with Islamic teachings.
Many Other Reasons Why Thanksgiving Is Haram (Forbidden)
Thanksgiving began as a festival in 1621, celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans to mark a successful harvest and thank their creator.
Over time, it has turned into a cultural holiday with traditions like family gatherings and feasts. But, for Muslims, participating in such events raises important concerns regarding our faith and practices.
Here are the six reasons Thanksgiving goes against Islamic principles:
1. Thanksgiving Is Rooted in Non-Islamic Practices
Thanksgiving has its roots in Christian beliefs and European traditions, where people dedicate one specific day to thank their Creator for blessings.
In Islam, showing gratitude to Allah (Shukr) is not limited to just one day.
Muslims are encouraged to be thankful every day through prayer, remembrance, and good deeds. Celebrating a single day as Thanksgiving goes against this idea and can weaken the unique identity of continuous gratitude that Islam promotes.
2. Theological Misconception of Gratitude
The traditional Thanksgiving story hides the harsh reality of Indigenous genocide and land theft. It portrays a false idea of peaceful coexistence, while history shows the displacement, violence, and erasure of Native cultures.
Islam values truth, justice, and acknowledging wrongs, making this selective version of history go against Islamic ethics.
3. Thanksgiving Can Lead to Wasting Resources
Thanksgiving often includes preparing large meals, which can result in overeating and food waste. Islam teaches moderation in all things, including eating. Overeating and wasting food go against Islamic values, which encourage sharing with others and avoiding excess.
4. Potential Shirk in Gratitude Expression
Thanksgiving celebrations often focus on showing gratitude to worldly sources instead of the true source of all blessings of Allah. This shift in gratitude away from Allah can lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah), which is a serious sin in Islam.
5. It May Involve Un-Islamic Activities
Thanksgiving gatherings may include activities that go against Islamic values, such as:
- Mixing Freely Between Genders.
- Drinking Alcohol.
- Engaging in Activities That Are Not Halal.
Even if you avoid these directly, being part of such events may lead to environments that are not suitable for Muslims.
6. Celebrating It Imitates Non-Muslims
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised Muslims not to imitate other religious groups in their celebrations. Thanksgiving is not an Islamic event, and participating in it could be seen as copying customs that do not fit with our values.
Avoiding Thanksgiving does not mean harboring disrespect. If someone extends Thanksgiving greetings, respond with kindness and grace. A simple “thank you” suffices.
Our rejection is not of people, but of practices inconsistent with our faith. True gratitude in Islam is a continuous, heartfelt acknowledgment of Allah’s boundless mercy, transcending any single day of celebration.
Check other things below if they are halal or not:
- Is Celebrating Valentine’s Day Haram or Halal
- List of Haram Things Mentioned in the Quran
- Is Talking or Touching Non-Mahram Haram?
- Is Shaving Beard Haram?
Islamic Scholars’ Views on Celebrating Thanksgiving
Islamic scholars explain that celebrating non-Islamic festivals like Thanksgiving is not allowed because it goes against the values of keeping our Islamic identity.
They remind us that gratitude to Allah should be part of our daily lives through prayer, good deeds, and remembering Him, rather than following traditions from other religions or cultures.
Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem
Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem explains that Muslims should not celebrate or congratulate others on holidays like:
- Christmas
- New Year
- Thanksgiving
- Easter
He mentions that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never participated in such celebrations, and Islamic scholars say it is not allowed because these holidays are based on beliefs that go against Islam.
You can watch his video below:
Imam Karim AbuZaid
He addresses the issue of Muslims celebrating non-Islamic holidays like Thanksgiving. He shares a personal experience where someone questioned him for not responding to the mention of Thanksgiving, to which he explained that as a Muslim, he has his holidays.
Imam Karim highlights that, as the direction of prayer changed from Jerusalem to Mecca, Muslims are distinct from other nations in their practices.
He points out that Muslims are meant to lead the world to the truth, not imitate others. He reminds Muslims to be thankful to Allah every day for His blessings and advises against celebrating non-Islamic holidays.
Here is his complete video of him on Thanksgiving topic:
Sheikh Abdullah Hakim Quick
He addresses questions about Thanksgiving and its practices. He explains that while Muslims do not follow the rituals of Thanksgiving as a ceremony, there is no harm in gathering with family and eating together, as long as it is not part of a religious or cultural ritual.
Muslims should always thank Allah for the provisions they receive, especially before meals.
Below is the video of him:
Scholars teach us that while celebrating Thanksgiving is not permissible, we should still focus on showing gratitude to Allah every day in ways that follow Islam. If someone celebrates it, we should remain respectful and kind, showing our faith without hurting others.
More Faqs Related to Thanksgiving
Is it haram to celebrate Thanksgiving as a Muslim?
Yes, celebrating Thanksgiving is considered haram because it is not an Islamic tradition and has roots in non-Islamic beliefs and practices. Muslims are encouraged to celebrate only Islamic holidays like Eid, which are guided by our faith.
Is saying “Happy Thanksgiving” haram in Islam?
According to Islamic teachings, it is generally not appropriate to say “Happy Thanksgiving” because it is tied to non-Islamic traditions and celebrations. Instead, a simple and polite response such as “Thank you” can be used without endorsing the holiday’s practices.
Is Thanksgiving haram mentioned in the Quran?
The Quran does not specifically mention Thanksgiving, but it teaches us to avoid following customs that are not part of Islamic practices. Muslims are advised to celebrate the holidays prescribed by Allah, like Eid, instead.
Can Muslims be grateful to Allah on Thanksgiving day?
Muslims should show gratitude to Allah every day, not just on Thanksgiving. Islam teaches us to thank Allah through daily prayers, good deeds, and acts of worship, rather than focusing on one day of the year.
Can Muslims join Thanksgiving gatherings without celebrating?
It is not permissible for Muslims to join Thanksgiving gatherings if it involves participating, even if the purpose is to maintain relationships. Muslims should avoid any involvement in celebrations that are rooted in non-Islamic practices.
Staying True to Our Islamic Values
Dear Muslim community, while it’s important to show kindness and respect to others. Also, we must always remember to stay true to our Islamic faith. Celebrating non-Islamic holidays like Thanksgiving is not allowed. But we can maintain good relationships by showing respect and kindness in ways that adjust with our beliefs.
May Allah guide us to always stay true to our religion and protect us from practices that do not honor Him.
