Muslims have NOT cancelled Christmas!

I’m a Muslim Imam, and yesterday I said: “Christmas should be Christmas." That shouldn’t be controversial and it’s hardly rocket science.

At a meeting of chaplaincy leads yesterday, a Christian priest sought our views on a proposal being considered by his Trust’s Board: a proposed ‘multi-faith Christmas event, with contributions from a priest, an Imam and representatives of other faiths.

He had reservations and felt the Christmas celebration may be diluted to appease other communities. As the only Muslim Imam in the room, I raised my hand.

My view was simple: "Christmas should be Christmas."

A Christmas celebration can retain its Christian identity while warmly welcoming colleagues of all faiths and none. Those who wish to attend can do so. Those who choose not to attend, because of their religion, beliefs or personal preference, should feel equally respected.

There is no need to dilute a specific celebration to demonstrate inclusion. We can respect one another’s traditions and give each celebration its own space and meaning. Hanukkah should remain Hanukkah, Diwali should remain Diwali, Eid should remain Eid, and Christmas should remain Christmas.

I also raised a concern about the unintended consequences of these kind of decisions.

In today’s febrile environment, when organisational leaders change a Christmas celebration in the name of accommodating other faiths, there is a real risk that Muslims (who, in today’s toxic climate, seem to get blamed for almost everything) will end up being blamed, even when they neither requested the change nor had any involvement in the decision.

A well-intentioned attempt at inclusion can inadvertently fuel resentment towards the very people it was intended to include.

Having an Imam speak at an event is not, by itself, what makes a workplace inclusive.

Inclusion means listening, respecting distinct beliefs and allowing people to participate freely.

Let Christmas remain Christmas. As a Muslim chaplain, I am very comfortable saying that.

And before the far-right headlines start appearing as Christmas approaches, let me put mine out there first: Muslims have NOT cancelled Christmas!