What is forbidden with regard to congratulating the Christians on the occasion of their festivals is expressing joy to them, being overly polite and showing approval of their actions, even if that is only expressed outwardly without feeling it inwardly.

• It is not permissible for the Muslim to take part in the religious celebrations of the non-Muslims and it is not permissible for them to congratulate them. • It is permissible for Muslims to attend celebrations of the non-Muslims on their special occasions such as marriage, recovering from sickness and return from travel on condition that it serves a legitimate Shar`i interest. • It is not permissible for the Muslim to attend celebrations of the non-Muslims or the Muslims in which there is propagation of any false religion or ideology. • It is not permissible for the Muslim to attend any celebration of the non-Muslims or the Muslims if it is done in the manner of a repeated festival every year or every month and so on, like birthdays and Mother’s Day. • It is not permissible for the Muslim to attend any celebration of the non-Muslims or the Muslims that is a prohibited celebration in terms of the occasion, such as Valentine’s Day. • It is not permissible for the Muslim to attend any celebration of the non-Muslims or the Muslims in which there is mixing with women, or music, or where forbidden food is eaten.

There is nothing wrong with accepting a gift from a non-Muslim on Christmas and that is not regarded as participating in it or approving of it, rather it should be accepted as an act of kindness with the aim of softening his heart and calling him to Islam.

Muslims cannot celebrate Christmas because it is an imitation of the unbelievers. Also decorating Muslim houses with balloons at Christmas is obviously joining in with the unbelievers and celebrating their festival.

It is not permissible for the Muslims to attend the festivals of the polytheists, according to the consensus of the scholars. It is also prohibited to greet the non-Muslims on Christmas and other religious holidays.

It is not permissible to put up a Christmas tree in a Muslim house even if you do not celebrate Christmas because putting up this tree comes under the heading of imitating others which is prohibited, or venerating and showing respect to a religious symbol of the non-Muslims.

Here is how to treat non-Muslims: 1. Islam urges Muslims to show kindness to parents even if they are non-Muslims. 2. Islam advises Muslims to treat neighbors kindly even if they are not Muslim. 3. Islam encourages Muslims to ensure justice and show kindness to non-Muslims who are not fighting Muslims. 4. Islam prohibits killing non-Muslims living under Muslim rule. 5. Islam prohibits wronging a mu‘ahid, detracting from his rights, or burdening him with more work. 6. Islam prohibits committing transgression and commands justice.