Amir Khan, British Boxer, Gets Threats, Applause For Erecting Christmas Tree
British
boxer, Amir Khan, has been subjected to a torrent of online abuse after he
posted on his Instagram page that he had put up a Christmas tree.
The British
boxer, who is a practising Muslim, even received a death threat from one angry
troll, just as others questioned why he was celebrating the traditionally
Christian festival.
Posting a
video of the twinkling tree lights on Instagram, Amir revealed that he had put
up the festive tree to surprise his three-year-old daughter, Lamaisah.
He captioned
the post with: “While everyone’s asleep, daddy put the Christmas tree up.
“Lamaisah’s
going to be happy #Christmas #MerryChristmas2017.”
However, he
was immediately hit with backlash. “As a fellow Muslim, I’m appalled
seeing this.
“A Christmas
tree represents Celtic pagan tradition. Are you a pagan?! “Putting up a
Christmas tree means you accept pagan culture and it’s not about ‘just fun’.
It’s shirk (a sin)!” someone wrote.
“How could
he betray religion like that?” another respondent reasoned.
“This guy
suppose to be a role model for the younger Muslims. His head needs a wobble,”
says one.
“Disbelievers
like you are in for a surprise on the Day Of Judgment,” warns another.
However,
others quickly rushed to Amir’s defence, pointing out that celebrating
Christmas has become more of a cultural event rather than a religious one. They
wrote:
“Christmas
trees are a British cultural festival thing, not a Christian religious thing.
He can celebrate British culture.”
“Muslims
don’t understand that Christmas trees are not religious, and they are not. They
are part of British Culture.
“We
celebrate Christmas in my country without trees. People can’t be punished for
not doing anything wrong.”
“He knows
his faith, so don’t worry… you need to worry about yourself,” someone
volunteers.
“It’s just a
Christmas tree mate! In fact, the Christmas tree has nothing to do with
Christianity … if Amir mentioned that Jesus was born on this day, then ok he
would be going against Islam because we believe he was born on a different day
… but all Amir will do is get a tree and put presents around it and that’s it.”
“Ur just
kidding!!! Do u know how serious ur joke is?? People like u make life hard for
other Muslims. It’s not in Islam to kill people or bring harm to anyone. So,
please think hard next time u joke!!!!” someone kicks in.
“Whenever
it’s eid, I get more cards from none Muslims than Muslim …
and they give us
gifts so why can’t we wish them a a Christmas ? We don’t have to believe in it
same as the none Muslims don’t believe in eid but we do it out of respect,”
says another.
“I’m a
Muslim and I have a Christmas tree up doesn’t make me any less of a Muslim!!
“And: “Seriously can’t believe some of the comments on here! I know plenty of practising Muslims that put Christmas trees up!”
Yet, someone
used the occasion to explain the reasons he chose to be an atheist: “Chill,
it’s only a tree! Religious intolerance is the reason I am an atheist — but I
still have a tree and have been to Diwali celebrations and sent Eid Mubarak
cards. We need more acceptance, understanding and tolerance of people of all
faiths and none.”
Meanwhile,
Amir has always been open about his Muslim faith and it was previously revealed
that he was provided with special halal meals during his recent ‘I’m A
Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ stint to keep in line with his beliefs.
Amir has not
yet responded to the backlash his latest Instagram post has faced.
FROM punchng.com
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