Following the speculation that Liverpool may be plotting to cash in on Mohamed Salah in an attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe, the 31-year-old Egyptian has been caught in yet another controversy as some Muslim fans do not approve of his affinity for Christmas celebrations.
Mohamed Salah is one of those Muslims who does not mind Christmas celebrations. He has done this proudly over the years, but now he has received backlash from Muslim communities for identifying with the Christmas yuletide.
Mohamed Salah stirs controversy with Christmas day post
It is indeed Mohamed Salah’s habit to observe Christmas celebrations with a post with family under the tree but this time, this gesture has not gone unnoticed by critics. Hence, Mo Salah’s Christmas message has sparked numerous reactions on social media, with Muslim fans criticizing the Egyptian striker for his actions.
Mohamed Salah, a Muslim, posted a photo featuring a Christmas tree and accompanied it with a caption addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict before extending wishes for a ‘Merry Christmas’ to his followers.
Traditional Muslims do not take part in Christmas celebrations because it does not conform with their Islamic tenets, but some, like Mohamed Salah, take an exception to this doctrine by celebrating the Christmas festivity.
The Liverpool striker took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share a message alongside a Christmas tree, expressing his wishes for families in Gaza.
“Christmas is a time when families get together and celebrate, ” Salah wrote on his Twitter account.
“With the brutal war going on in the Middle East, especially the death and destruction in Gaza, this year we get to Christmas with very heavy hearts, and we share the pain of those families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
“Please do not forget them and do not get used to their suffering. Merry Christmas.”
The response of one Twitter fan is vivid in Mohamed Salah’s criticism, saying: “Whilst it is nice that you are speaking about Gaza,. We cannot turn a blind eye to the transgression of celebrating Christmas. The prophet didn’t celebrate Christmas, so you and I, as Muslims, shouldn’t either. This is even more important given the influence you have.”
Another Twitter user explained that Salah’s actions are prohibited, saying, “You’re a Muslim. Why are you doing this? You don’t need this as Islam does not accept this type of thing…it is haram.”
Former Liverpool defender defends Salah
It is customary for some Muslims to not celebrate Christmas because they believe that it is rather a practice for Christians and in no way Islamic. Hence, Mohamed has received quite a number of criticisms following his post under the Christmas tree, commemorating Christmas.
However, former Liverpool FC defender Dejan Lovren has come to Salah’s defense, emphasizing that the 31-year-old’s choice to raise awareness of the Middle East conflict showcases what a ‘special’ person he is. Besides that, Mohamed Salah has done this at a time when most people, especially those from the Middle East, would care to listen.
‘I knew that Mo has a good heart, but putting himself with a post of a Christmas tree in his house, shows how much his heart and mind is open to every one of you dear people,’ Lovren wrote on X.
He continued: “He is showing love and affection for people who have no families in moments of war and hate.
‘His love and his strength will always make him special, that’s why God blessed him. He knows that he is doing the right thing. So don’t judge him. Instead show the respect. God bless you Mo.”
Do you think Mo Salah was wrong to celebrate Christmas? Tell us in the comments.
