Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, has stated that the Christmas celebration should be for all regardless of religion.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, he said, “I feel compelled to say this,… it was just pretty much me spending Christmas Day, and I just realized at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Well, I already know they’re going to be in the comments arguing.
“Just just watch., let me inform you, my grandfather of my mom’s side was a Muslim. My parents are Christian. I grew up in a Christian household.
“I don’t really identify with any religion, but I just want to let you know, even if you’re a Christian, or you’re a Muslim, or you’re a Buddhist or whatever, you can go to any place of worship and tap into the energy. Because let me tell you a secret. God is love”.
His statement comes after the controversies that followed the decision of football players like Mohammed Salah and Ahmed Musa to openly celebrate share the Christmas moments with Christians.
Salah, who is Muslim, posted a photo of a Christmas tree and included a caption in which he talks about the conflict involving Israel and Palestine, before wishing his followers a ‘Merry Christmas’.
While Ahmed Musa had shared a photo of his wife sitting beside a Christmas tree, in celebration of Christmas. Musa wrote “Compliments of the season. This festive season, I pray that you experience true joy and peace and may things of celebration never cease from your household. Merry Christmas to you all.”
Both sportsmen were criticized by some of their religious faithfuls who argued that they should not be identifying with Christians by celebrating Christmas.
