The religion of peace

From today's Rod Liddle column comes this "Been feeling a bit short of seasonal cheer, frankly – so was delighted to make the acquaintance of a certain Syaikh Muhammad bin Shalih al-Uthaymeen, who has been advising British Muslims on how to respond when their nonMuslim neighbours bid them “Happy Christmas!” this year.

This is not the simple issue that it might first appear to be. To respond similarly – “Happy Christmas to you too!” – says Syaikh, is most definitely haram, a grave sin.

“It is as great a sin as congratulating someone on murdering someone,” he adds, levelly. Perhaps the best thing to do is tell them they’re going to burn in hell for eternity.

Syaikh says nothing, sadly, about what one should do if a devout Muslim should suddenly be confronted by a mince pie or a brussels sprout.

I assume most Muslims take not the slightest bit of notice of him, which must be hurtful. We must invite him over for Christmas lunch and see what happens."


Neither Mrs NotaSheep are Christians, in fact we are of different religions neither of which recognise Jesus as divine. However I can assure you that neither of us is at all insulted by being wished a Happy Christmas, indeed we are sending out the last of our Christmas cards tonight.