As a muslim how do I tell people that invite me over for xmas dinner that I can't ?

When I first read your question I was going to say why not just go and enjoy a day with freinds and a good meal however then I read the part about trying to convert you.

I think you should tell them you value them as freinds and would enjoy spending the holiday with them however in the past you felt like they were trying to convert you. Tell them you respect their religoin and beliefs but you have your own and when they try to convert you you feel as though they are not respecting your beliefs If they can respect taht you would love to attend dinner.

I do not see what the problem of you going is. I am a christian but I am from Ethiopia, where Muslims and Christians live in harmony. We all have both Muslim and Christian holidays. As a matter of fact our family friend who is a Muslim from Saudi always brought us very nice cake for all the christian and muslim holidays. What I am saying is that you should respect the invitation and go. These people must like you to have invited you over for their Holy day. If things start turning to a point where you are not comfortable then tell them you have to go and leave. But you could end up having fun and making good friends. You can also change the mindset average American's have about Muslim people these days!

Just don't go. You don't have to explain yourself. Just nicely explain that you have your own plans for the holidays! They will understand if they are true friends.

I'm an atheist and I HATE any religious people preaching at me! People have tried to convert me too so I face this dilemma a lot around the holidays too. I end up going to Christmas parties and things like that anyway but I usually just live and let live and grin and bear it if someone starts preaching.

As a rule I DON'T PREACH MY BELIEFS TO THEM EITHER AND I POLITELY WALK AWAY IF SOMEONE DOES IT TO ME! It just makes everything more pleasent. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Are you sure they are trying to convert you? Could they be just educating you and including you? It's never wrong to learn about other religions. You don't have to convert to be educated and respectful. If you don't want to go, don't. Just tell them you won't be observing Christmas this year and tell them to have a happy holiday.

well it might be the 9/11 thing which is bull crap because ignorant people think all Muslims are part of it or they just strongly believe in there religion and the dinner thing say your family comes first or you already made plans or say you will go and don't and your excuse will be you had a family emergency but its mainly up to you happy holidays

Tell the inviter that you'd love to come but felt uncomfortable last year because you were being proselytized to and have no intention of converting. Religion is no excuse for being rude and that is what you experienced. Or........go and wait for their preaching and when they do you could conveniently have some Islam brochures ready to hand to them and invite them to YOUR religion. I guarantee the subject will change. lol

That happens to me all the time.

My friends all try to convert me, every chance they get.

"Your on the highway to hell, man. Come over and be with us on the straight and narrow!" They say.

But I'm a Volvo guy and I'm not converting to GMH any time soon.

I'll eat their steak and drink their wine while they try though. lol

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I think you're being a little paranoid. Just because a Christian family invites you to share a meal with them doesn't mean they're going to try and convert you.

Not everyone is going to try to convert you to Christianity. Just simply say, Thanks for the offer, but I can't because of other commitments that day.

My parents are from two different beliefs/religions. No big deal.

"I'm sorry, I already have a commitment that day. I really appreciate the invite, and I'd love to see you. Maybe we could go out for lunch sometime?"

It covers all the bases...and assures that you see them...but on neutral territory in a public place where they (hopefully) won't try to convert you again.