It's that time of year again - a Muslim reminder

As-salamu alaykum. I'm not going to go into the historical pagan roots of Christmas or quote hadiths about imitating non-Muslims or celebrating other religious festivals - that's been discussed a lot. I want to approach this simply and logically. Imagine if a group held an annual festival that openly insulted our beloved Prophet ﷺ or cursed Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). Would you join them, or wish them a “happy holiday”? Imagine if another group had a yearly event celebrating a false story about a prophet and used that occasion to insult his mother. Would you take part or send greetings? If someone publicly insulted your parents, your spouse, or your child in the worst possible way, would you smile and celebrate with them? Of course not. Any Muslim with self-respect who loves the Prophet ﷺ and his family would reject that. So why be indifferent about a celebration that, from an Islamic perspective, centers on a belief that equates Allah having a son? For many Christians, Christmas marks the idea of God becoming a man or having a son. The Qur'an makes clear how serious that claim is: it strongly denies God having offspring and stresses His absolute oneness (see Surah Maryam and Surah Al-Ikhlas). Believing God has a son implies limitations in His perfection and attributes. As Muslims we cannot accept that. At the same time, our deen teaches tolerance: we are commanded to act with forbearance toward people of other faiths, even while rejecting beliefs we see as incorrect. We should dislike such false claims in our hearts but still behave with dignity and kindness toward others - refusing to celebrate or endorse those beliefs. So, as-salamu alaykum again. Be mindful: respect, patience, and clear conviction can coexist. We don't celebrate beliefs that contradict tawheed, but we also treat people with the mercy Allah teaches us.