What is the ruling on congratulating Christians on their holidays, knowing that the proponent of this act cites the following: "Christianity appeared before Islam, and we Muslims believe in Christ, peace be upon him, but they do not believe in Islam, and our Prophet married a Christian woman who did not convert to Islam; therefore, we gain reward through pure intention by celebrating with them, for 'actions are by intentions,' just like when you congratulate someone on their birthday even though they haven't congratulated you, so you gain the reward and teach them a lesson in love and purity of heart"?

It is not permissible to celebrate Christian holidays or congratulate them on them, because congratulating disbelievers on their unlawful holidays is tantamount to congratulating them on their prostration to the cross, which is a greater sin in the sight of Allah. Present-day Christianity is distorted, and Islam abrogated previous divine laws. Allah says: "And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers" (Quran 3:85). The Prophet did not marry a Christian woman, and the mother of his son Ibrahim, Maria the Copt, embraced Islam. The Hadith "Deeds are by intentions" applies to actions sanctioned by the Sharia, and it does not excuse a person to commit evil deeds with a good intention.