Thanksgiving is known as a holiday in the United States and Canada, where people gather together, have huge meals, and express gratitude. But Muslims often wonder about this question. Do Muslims celebrate Thanksgiving? It can not be simply answered a Yes or a No. It relies on religious beliefs, cultural beliefs and personal preferences.
In this article, we’ll consider the various views held by members of the Muslim community regarding Thanksgiving, the corresponding Islamic idea of gratitude, and whether or not Muslims can, or want to, celebrate it.
What Is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated with the given rise as a harvest festival. In the States, it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The origin of the holiday lies in a 1621 banquet produced by the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Largely over time Thanksgiving became a time for people to gather together to thank God for blessings, family and good health.
For many Americans, Thanksgiving has turned into an essentially secular, cultural occasion, which holds no real religious significance. It is often marked with turkey dinners, parades and football games.
The Islamic View on Non-Religious Holidays
Islam does not have many holidays. In fact, there are only two major religious celebrations in Islam:
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Eid al-Fitr – Celebrated after the month of Ramadan.
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Eid al-Adha – Celebrated during the Hajj season, in memory of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son.
And since Islam only lists these two Eids as religious holidays, to some people, celebrating anything else like Thanksgiving is not encouraged. They think that new festivals to the religion may bring innovating (known as bid’ah in Arabic), which is discouraged in Islamic teachings.
But some make a distinction between religious celebrations and cultural/national holidays such as Thanksgiving. They cite that; since the celebration lacks religious practices that go against Islamic practices, and because it encourages good values such as gratitude and family bonding, it can be permissible to take part in such manneristically.
Gratitude in Islam
Gratitude (shukr in Arabic) is a major part of Islamic belief. Muslims are taught to thank Allah (God) every day for life, health, food, family, and everything else they have. The Qur’an frequently reminds believers to be grateful:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]...”
— (Qur’an 14:7)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of thankfulness. He used to express gratitude to Allah even in daily actions, like eating or waking up in the morning.
In this sense, the spirit of Thanksgiving—giving thanks for one’s blessings—is very much in line with Islamic values. Muslims are encouraged to give thanks regularly, not just once a year.
Why Some Muslims Choose to Celebrate Thanksgiving
Many Muslims living in the United States, Canada, or other Western countries choose to take part in Thanksgiving celebrations with their families, neighbors, or communities. Here are a few common reasons why:
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Family Time: Thanksgiving is often seen as a time for family unity. Sharing a meal and spending quality time with loved ones is a value supported in Islam.
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Cultural Integration: Some Muslims use the occasion to build better relationships with neighbors or coworkers. Inviting others to a Thanksgiving meal can be a form of dawah (inviting others to Islam through good character).
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Gratitude Expression: As long as the celebration doesn’t involve any un-Islamic activities (like alcohol or gambling), many Muslims feel it’s a good opportunity to reflect on what they are thankful for.
In such cases, Muslims may celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing halal food, avoiding anything that contradicts Islamic principles, and focusing on family and gratitude.
Why Some Muslims Avoid Thanksgiving
On the other hand, there are Muslims who choose not to participate in Thanksgiving. Their reasons include:
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Religious Concerns: Some scholars and Muslims worry that celebrating non-Islamic holidays may dilute Islamic identity or lead to unintentional imitation of other faiths.
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Historical Reasons: Others avoid Thanksgiving due to its historical connection with colonization and the suffering of Native Americans. They may feel that celebrating it would ignore the painful past associated with the holiday.
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Avoiding Imitation: There’s a hadith (saying of the Prophet) that says:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Some Muslims interpret this as a warning not to adopt holidays from other cultures.
Finding a Middle Ground
Some Muslim families find a balanced approach. They may not officially celebrate “Thanksgiving,” but they might still gather for a meal and reflect on the blessings of Allah. They may even use the long weekend for family activities or community service.
Others may celebrate it as a day of gratitude without the religious or historical meanings attached. The key is to ensure that any participation aligns with Islamic values and doesn’t lead to any forbidden practices.
Conclusion
So, do Muslims celebrate Thanksgiving? The answer depends on the individual, their level of religious observance, and how they interpret Islamic teachings. While Islam doesn’t have a specific holiday like Thanksgiving, it does place great importance on being thankful every day.
For many Muslims in the West, Thanksgiving becomes an opportunity to gather with family, reflect on their blessings, and show gratitude—all while staying within the guidelines of their faith. Whether a Muslim chooses to join in or not, the key is sincerity, intention, and staying true to Islamic values.
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