Amir Khan has responded to trolls who criticised him for an Instagram picture taken with his family at home in front of a Christmas tree.
The 33-year-old, who is a practising Muslim, shared the image of himself, his wife Faryal Makhdoom, and their two children, Lamaisah and Alayna, wearing matching pyjamas.
Shared on Christmas Day, Khan captioned the picture: “Happy holidays from mine to yours, enjoy the festive season.”
Many commenters were supportive of the professional boxer, but some disagreed with Khan celebrating the Christian holiday when he follows Islam.
One said: “Have some respect for your religion.”
Another said: “Imagine having a Christmas tree and being Muslim, could never be me.”
On Boxing Day Khan responded, saying: “So shocked by all the hate I’m getting on my Twitter and my Instagram for wishing everyone Merry Christmas and posting a picture with my family in Christmas outfits. Just want to tell those people ‘I don’t give a f**k’ [sic].”
Lots of his followers agreed that he didn’t need to apologise for celebrating Christmas.
One said: “I became Muslim 31 years ago and always look forward to celebrating Christmas with my large Christian family at my parent’s house just as they enjoy celebrating Eid with us. Sharing and celebrating together is what unites us and removes the divide/hate we see in society.”
Another said: “I’m Jewish, my kids are half-Jewish, this year we celebrated Eid with our Iranian friends here in London. A happy holiday to you…”
Liverpool player Mo Salah has also been criticised for a picture he posted of his wife and daughter in front of a Christmas tree.
Some commenters said Salah’s picture was “haram”, meaning forbidden by Islamic law. Salah has not publicly responded to the criticism.
Instead fans have defended him, saying: “I’m Muslim and there is nothing wrong with this picture.
“Islam is about peace and if Mo Salah wants to take a picture in front of a Christmas tree then let him.”
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