As a devout Muslim, I completely concur with the statements of Britain’s equality chief to put “Christ” back into Christmas. The key to religious pluralism is not censorship or religious dilution, but accommodation. To divorce religious holidays of their religious purpose in an attempt to be inclusive is not only unreasonable, but unjust to those who celebrate those holidays on religious grounds.

Inclusiveness does not necessitate diluting holidays so that everyone can take part in them. Rather, inclusiveness necessitates that every religious group have the freedom to observe its religion – and religious holidays – in a way that is authentic and true to their beliefs. The objective is not for every American – or Briton in this case – to take part in Christmas, but for every American or Briton to have the right to give public expression to their religious commitments, which includes the celebration of religious holidays.

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