Some Muslims in the United States and Canada celebrate Thanksgiving and some do not. It depends on personal choice, family circumstances and which scholarly view a person follows. Thanksgiving is a national holiday, not a religious festival of Islam, and Muslim scholars disagree about whether joining in is allowed. This article explains the main views fairly, how many Muslim families approach the day in practice, and practical points such as halal food, without giving a single verdict.
Note: this article summarizes published opinions for general understanding. It is not a religious ruling (fatwa). For guidance on your own situation, speak with a qualified scholar or your local imam.
In this article
What Is Thanksgiving?
In the U.S., Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November; in Canada, on the second Monday of October. It is a federal holiday centered on a family meal and giving thanks. It is linked to a 1621 harvest feast between English colonists and the Wampanoag people, and it became a national holiday under President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Today most people treat it as a cultural and family occasion, though some families also include prayers of their own faith.
The Main Scholarly Views
View 1: It is allowed as a cultural, non-religious occasion
Some scholars, particularly those who specialize in the jurisprudence of Muslims living as minorities, distinguish between religious festivals and national or cultural holidays. As one answer published by AboutIslam explains, many jurists familiar with Western societies hold that celebrating non-religious national days is not forbidden.
For example, Darul Iftaa Chicago answered that taking part in non-religious occasions, such as a family dinner, is permissible as long as there is no intention of imitating a religious practice of others, while advising that it is better not to call it a “Thanksgiving dinner.”
Those who hold this view often point out that gratitude to God (shukr) is a core Islamic value, and that the holiday gives families, including converts with non-Muslim relatives, a chance to maintain family ties.
View 2: Muslims should not celebrate it
Other scholars consider any annual holiday of non-Muslims, including Thanksgiving, as something Muslims should not adopt, because Islam has its own two festivals (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) and because of concerns about imitation. For example, an answer on Askimam.org (Hanafi) concludes that celebrating Thanksgiving is impermissible. Some also raise concerns about the history of the holiday for Native American communities.
A middle position
Some scholars allow attending a family meal on the day, especially for converts with non-Muslim families, while discouraging treating it as a “festival” or adopting its customs as religious practice.
How Many Muslim Families Approach the Day
- A day off for family: many simply use the long weekend to gather with relatives, sometimes without calling it Thanksgiving.
- Halal turkey dinner: families who join in often buy a halal turkey or choose another halal main dish.
- Converts and mixed families: many attend relatives’ dinners to keep family ties strong, while avoiding alcohol and non-halal food.
- Community events: some mosques and Muslim charities organize food drives, community meals or volunteer days for those in need during the holiday weekend.
- Not observing: others treat it as an ordinary day off, without a special meal.
Practical Considerations
| Question | What families often consider |
|---|---|
| Food | Halal-certified turkey or meat, no pork or alcohol, ingredients in stuffing and gravy (such as wine or pork stock) |
| Prayer times | Fitting the meal around the daily prayers, especially on short November days |
| Family ties | Islam places great importance on keeping good relations with relatives, including non-Muslim parents |
| Gratitude | Using the day to remember blessings, give charity or help neighbors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday?
It is a national holiday in the U.S. and Canada. It has historical links to religious thanksgiving, but today most people treat it as a cultural and family occasion.
Can Muslims eat turkey?
Turkey is a permissible (halal) bird when it is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines. Many Muslims buy halal-certified turkeys.
Do Muslims in America celebrate Thanksgiving?
Practices vary. Many Muslim families gather for a meal over the holiday weekend, while others do not mark the day. Scholars disagree on whether it is permitted.
What should a Muslim convert do if their family celebrates?
Some scholars allow attending to maintain family ties while avoiding anything forbidden, such as alcohol. Converts should seek advice from a trusted scholar.
Conclusion
Whether Muslims celebrate Thanksgiving depends on the scholarly view they follow and their family situation. Some see it as a permissible cultural day of gratitude, others avoid it, and many choose a middle path. For more explainers on holidays and culture, explore the latest articles on The Urban Splatter.
