Going to the Mosque and celebrating Christmas: Israel Adesanya under fire by Christians and Muslims
Israel Adesanya, the former middleweight champion of the UFC, gave an explanation for his choice to celebrate Christmas at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
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This past weekend, Adesanya traveled to Saudi Arabia to witness the Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin match.
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After the event was over, 'The Last Stylebender' decided to stay in the Middle East longer, spending Christmas at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Adesanya posts celebrating Christmas at a Mosque
He posted photos of his visit to the mosque on Christmas Day.
Along with the photos was a message that said, "Mashallah Mafia‼️ We went to the Mosque, We Prayed, then I meditated. 🧘🏾♂️
"My Christmas was fun, I hope you all had a good one!!
"Some people can’t see the forest for the trees Don’t be those people. GOD IS LOVE‼️💖✨"
Many people questioned Adesanya's visitation to the Grand Mosque after seeing his post because he is not a Muslim.
In response to these remarks, he uploaded a video on the social media site with a strong message.
He said, "Let me inform you my grandfather on my mom's side was a Muslim.
"My parents are Christian and I grew up in a Christian household. I don't really identify with any religion but I just wanna 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 and worship and tap into the energy, because let me tell you a secret, God is love."
Reactions to Adesanya by Christians and Muslims
Several Muslims and Christians responded to the comments by Adesanya on his official social media platforms.
Here are some reactions
"Brother is now Palestine Adesanya
"Is Izzy Muslim or Christian?
"DON’T MOCK ISLAM MAN. You went to Mosque 🕌 and at the same Time you said you enjoyed your Christmas?? How does that make sense?????????."
"Muslims don't celebrate Christmas no? That's Jesus not allah? Or do they?
".....Most of you clearly confused, arguing and knocking your heads about whether he's Christian or Muslim clearly just follow people's pages for the sake of it without being Observant.
"Yes he comes from a Christian family but It's clear Izzy is what you call a deeply Spiritual Person. Being spiritual transcends across all religion.
"You might see him in a Buddhist Temple meditating tomorrow, or on a Tour of a Hindu Temple weeks after, and then quoting a Bible verse. months after.
"Ultimately you could be Christian, Muslim, Hindu or whatever you chose to be, the best form of religion is loving one another and tolerance ✊🏿
"What a peaceful environment, I love Islam, wish I was born into it😢"
"As a christian why would I somewhere to “tap in” to idol worship of false Gods? Jesus Christ is the only one I will worship! Love you Izzy."
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Israel Adesanya: Nigeria's UFC Champion Questions 'Who Made God'
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"Don’t need to identify with anything just need to know Christ is king."
This is not the first time Adesanya will spark conversation about religion as he previously questioned who made God.
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