Help! present needed for Muslims moving in next door!

crutches

moneyman4u wrote:

I know I dont *have* to get them anything, but because of all the troubles they have I thought it would be nice to show them a bit of effort and welcome them along a bit..

what a lovely neighbour you are.

The children from our quaker meeting took a harvest festival parcel to the mosque after sept.11th to share with the children there.
We all benefitted greatly from the experience.

looby75

Every Muslim I've met has been very tolerant of other peoples beliefs, there are a couple of Muslim children in my ds class at school, they take part in all the Christmas activities and while they don't send Christmas cards they are happy to receive them.

Most Muslims are normal down to earth people who accept they live in a "Christian" country and don't want or expect anyone to stop believing or celebrating as they always have done, all they want is the right to believe and celebrate their religion too.

Sadly it's the minority of nutters who have given Muslims such a bad rep, don't be scared of offending your new neighbours, just be sensible (as you have been over the idea that a bottle of wine might not be welcome) just welcome them to your neighbourhood, they are people not aliens

Mrs_J_3

Chocolate, flowers, nice vase, a hand moving in etc.

As for the Christmas card, I don't see how anyone can be offended by someone else wishing them well. Just maybe don't expect a card back. Muslims are just like normal people becuase they are normal people. Just treat them the same way you would any other neightbour, but hang fire with the booze and jaffa cakes (gelatine tends not to be halal).
Well done for trying to make an effort though, it's rather refreshing :T .

[Deleted User]

I wouldn't give an Xmas card.. you might be able to dig around for a 'Eid al Adha' card (Dec 31st). It does pang of ignorance when people buy me Xmas cards knowing i'm Jewish.

I'm sure a bunch of flowers will do nicely

NiceGuyG

How OTT are we. I would go ahead and give them a bottle of wine. And why not give them a Christmas card. I know loads of Muslims that drink and give gifts and cards at Christmas. I’m Indian (Hindu) and celebrity Christmas with the full shabang.

I think it’s the thought that counts, not the physical item (However Tesco’s sell some brill. no alcoholic wines!).

Before anyone begins, I am not trying to offend or start some MSE race riot.

moneyman4u

With regards to Xmas its a bit of a blessing really as the guy who is moving out used to dress his house up with lots and lots of flashing santas and lights and his house always got in the local paper as the most decorated house in the area so people always were coming to see it, mind he did used to collect for the samaritans from it so in some ways it was good, but I just couldnt help but to think he could have just donated the electric money that he would have saved by not having them.

Maybe I will send a "seasons greetings" card with no reference to Christ or religion.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

jellycat40

I would go with the flowers and a card.

Ringo why would someone wishing you a happy christmas time be offensive whatever your creed or religion. At the end of the day if the giver is wishing you well then that is what is important, you do not have to give them a card back but you could give them a jewish holiday card at the appropriate time.

Louise

newcook

NiceGuyG wrote:

Before anyone begins, I am not trying to offend or start some MSE race riot.

lol!! that was why I changed my replies so many times!!! :rotfl: I kept posting a reply and then thinking 'I cant put that!'

moneyman4u

NiceGuyG wrote:

How OTT are we. I would go ahead and give them a bottle of wine. And why not give them a Christmas card. I know loads of Muslims that drink and give gifts and cards at Christmas. I’m Indian (Hindu) and celebrity Christmas with the full shabang.

I think it’s the thought that counts, not the physical item (However Tesco’s sell some brill. no alcoholic wines!).

Before anyone begins, I am not trying to offend or start some MSE race riot.

I used to have some hindu neighbours and they were lovely, they invited us to a meal at their house for a celebration once and the food was to die for, not at all like in my local Indian take away mind, it was a shame they moved on really as they always had time for a chat, I'm hoping the Muslims will be like them.

boofy_2

Why does it "pang of ignorance"? THEY celebrate Christmas and they want to send YOU a card. Be grateful and just accept. My neighbour is a Jehovah Witness and doesn't celebrate Christmas. I still put a card in her door which
gives her my good wishes of the season.