A photo next to the Christmas tree, a tradition that Mohamed Salah, star of Liverpool and world football, repeats every year. However, the image posted on Wednesday with his wife and two daughters has once again sparked controversy among some Muslim followers, while most have shown support.
An Annual Gesture and the Link with Christmas
Salah, 32, is a practicing Muslim: he doesn’t consume alcohol, he regularly fasts during Ramadan, and his wife keeps her face covered in public. However, as part of his life in the Western world, the Salah family celebrates Christmas by decorating a tree, a tradition he shares every year with a social media photo accompanied by the greeting “Merry Christmas.”
Despite this, some Muslim users criticized the post, calling it contrary to Islamic principles. One of the more polite comments reads: “Who forces you to do this every year? We Muslims watch you, and then you do this.” These criticisms refer to the concept of haram, the prohibition of celebrating non-Muslim holidays.
The Support of the Majority
Despite some negative reactions, the majority welcomed Salah’s gesture. The photo gathered a remarkable 173 million views in 24 hours on the X platform, showing the immense global interest and support for the Egyptian footballer.
Among the ironic comments, one read: “Finally it’s here! Let’s prepare for the annual wave of tears.”
A Symbol of Cultural Openness
Salah has always maintained a balance between his faith and life in a multicultural world, an attitude that continues to inspire millions of fans worldwide.