[by Dean Smith] In this YouTube video, a Muslim imam warns his followers that saying “Merry Christmas” was a mortal sin. In fact, he described it as equal to murder. Imam is a term used to describe a Muslim leader, particularly those who lead prayers at a Mosque.

On the video the imam says:

“[saying “Merry Christmas”] is worse than fornication and drinking alcohol and killing someone, because you are approving of the biggest crime ever committed by the children of Adam’s sin.”

So what is the big crime in the eyes of this imam?

It basically revolves around a misunderstanding of Christian beliefs. This imam, along with many Muslims, believe that according to Christian doctrine at His birth Jesus (God) was created.

However, this is not what the Bible says.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1, 14 NASV)

God who exists eternally set aside His deity became flesh and dwelt among us. This is not God being created.

I am not sure what other Muslims believe on this issue. However, another Muslim teacher has actually expanded the prohibition to include other Western celebrations such as Thanksgiving, New Years and Easter. He adds that Muslims teachers are generally agreed on this.

For a better understanding of what Muslims believe about Jesus read: Controversial billboard claims Jesus is a Muslim.