Is it offensive to say "happy Ramadan?"

[Progo35]

I'm puting a holiday section on my disability awareness website and am including all of the various holidays going on at this time of the year, and I included Ramadan. But, I'm not sure that "Happy Ramadan" is really the right phrase to associate with what to Muslims is a time of fasting, reflection and prayer as they commemorate God's revelation of the Koran to Muhammad. The inclusion of various holidays is supposed to make people feel welcome, not estrange them, so I'd appeciate input on this.

Also, if people here of various faiths would like to share symbols associated with their holiday traditions so that I can include them on this web page or have any thoughts on how I could also include atheist/agnostics in my holiday greetings, please share. Here's the webpage if anyone would like to see it before commenting:

http://studentsandcitizensagainstfutileethics.org/looking_deeper

[sailaway58]

I have heard non-Muslims say it to Muslims and it was not offensive.

[Progo35]

okay, thanks. :)

[TigerXero]

I assume you could just say Happy Holidays and/or Seasons Greetings for athiest, agnostics, and so on.

Do any earth-based religions still celebrate a holiday at this time of year (and wasn't Christmas a Christian takeover of the festivities the "non-religious" had during Winter Solstice?) I don't know if there's a wide-spread term other than Seasons Greetings that would work for such celebrations (and I don't really know much about such things).

[NathanATX]

Ramadan is already over. It is based on a different calendar... forgot which one... but the time of Ramadan changes every year.

It is usually very gracious to say, "Have a Blessed and Peaceful Ramadan." It may be wise to ask the person if they are observing Ramadan first.

Nate

[Progo35]

This is on a public website, so I can't ask people individually...

Yes, you're right, ramadan is over, but I thought I'd include it since it usually happens between november and February, while various other holidays are going on

[sailaway58]

Just don't post a picture of Mohammad

[Progo35]

Yes, I don't want the Sudanese jihadists coming after me...

[scott snedeker]

I assume you could just say Happy Holidays and/or Seasons Greetings for athiest, agnostics, and so on.

Do any earth-based religions still celebrate a holiday at this time of year (and wasn't Christmas a Christian takeover of the festivities the "non-religious" had during Winter Solstice?) I don't know if there's a wide-spread term other than Seasons Greetings that would work for such celebrations (and I don't really know much about such things).

Yup!


Winter Solstice or Yule, occurs about December 21. This is the time of death and rebirth of the Sun God. The days are shortest, the Sun at its lowest point. The Full Moon after Yule is considered the most powerful of the whole year. This ritual is a light festival, with as many candles as possible on or near the altar in welcome of the Sun Child.


This where many pagan symbols like the yule tree (aka christmas tree) the festival of lights were encorporated into christianity to attract the local folk. The birth of the Sun child has a special meaning later in the year on Beltaine (May 1st)

[Progo35]

Cool. Thanks, Scotty.