Egyptian football star, Mohamed Salah, found himself embroiled in a renewed online controversy this Christmas, as he extended holiday greetings to the Christian community for the fourth time in a row.
In an Instagram post, Salah posted a Christmas tree and a heartfelt message, triggering a spectrum of reactions.
While many appreciated his inclusivity and empathetic message, Salah faced criticism from several social media followers, reigniting an ongoing discourse surrounding religion and public figures.
“Christmas is a time when families get together and celebrate. With the brut 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,” he wrote in the Instagram post.
However, instead of unanimous praise, Salah faced backlash from those who questioned his decision to acknowledge Christmas.
“A true Muslim wouldn’t celebrate Christmas,” declared UmmAhmed78 on X, formerly Twitter.
The debate intensified with comments such as “He should focus on his own religion,” from Mustafa99, reflecting concerns about Salah’s religious commitment.
Some responses turned more severe, accusing the Liverpool forward of apostasy and betrayal.
This isn’t the first time Salah’s Christmas greetings have stirred controversy.
He has faced a similar backlash since 2020, when he began wishing his fans merry Christmas. Last year, the football star posted a picture of himself, his wife and two children dressed in a Christmas apparel and smiling infront of a Christmas tree.
He equally received widespread criticisms, mostly from Muslims, emphasizing the delicate balance public figures must navigate when expressing personal beliefs or extending well wishes.
Comments on social media platforms ranged from criticism to outright condemnation.
The backlash included accusations that Salah no longer represented Muslims or their cause, urging him to change his name.
Some expressed disappointment and questioned his identity, while others suggested that he should “shut up and cry.”
Beyond the religious arguments, a few commentators highlighted the broader context of Egypt, where Christians constitute a significant minority.
The criticism faced by Salah sparked discussions about the appropriateness of the backlash, considering Egypt’s diverse religious landscape.
Many observers pointed out the double standard, noting that social media reactions aren’t as heated when Christian figures celebrate Islamic festivals like Ramadan or Eid with Muslims.
The asymmetry in responses raised questions about tolerance and acceptance in the context of interfaith interactions, especially when public figures engage in cross-cultural expressions of goodwill.
