Jordanians celebrate religious harmony as Christmas follows Prophet’s birthday

AMMAN — Jordanians took to the social media this week to wish happy holidays to friends and family as Muslims and Christians celebrated two holy occasions.

Christmas this year follows the Muslim celebration of Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, marked on the 12th of Rabi I in the lunar Hijri calendar.

Her Majesty Queen Rania was among the first to congratulate Jordanians on the approach of the two important religious occasions.

“The festive season is all the more special this year  because  Muslims and Christians are both celebrating important events on their religious calendars,” a post on the Queen’s official Facebook page read.

“Today, Muslims mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammad, and the day after tomorrow, Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ,” Her Majesty said in the post, dated Wednesday.

“This week, we commemorate together a message of compassion and coexistence and remember all that we have in common; because at the heart of both faiths is peace. I hope our children and grandchildren will always come together in the same way as the call to prayer sounds and the bell chimes ring, blending in peaceful harmony,” she added.

Ahmad Elissian (@ahmadalsattof) described these days as “sacred”.

“I hope peace  and love will prevail for our fellow Jordanian Muslims and Christians in these sacred days,” he tweeted.

Ahmad Hamida (@ A7mad7amida)    said all religions have positive characteristics in common.

“Love, tolerance and tenderness are the links between all religions and no religion imposes aggression or hatred,” he tweeted.