Most-asked question
Is celebrating birthdays permissible?
104 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam, Azaadville, Ibn Masood, MUBZ, Jamiat KZN). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“Birthday parties have no basis in Islam. This is a kuffaar tradition and custom and must be avoided. It is not permissible for one to attend such a function as he will be emulating the kuffaar.”
“Celebrating birthdays is a custom of the Kuffar, thus we as Muslims should refrain from such celebrations and wishes. There is no harm in making Dua for another person that Allah Ta’aala grants him long life.”
“We apologize for the belated response. According to Shariah, it is not permissible to celebrate birthdays. The history of celebrating birthday traces back to the beliefs of the pagans. Celebrating birthdays is a distinct feature in the lives of the Kuffaar. Enjoyment, celebration etc. are the objectives of their lives.”
“Celebrating birthdays is a Kuffar custom. We have been prohibited from inclining towards the ways and customs of the Kuffar hence, gathering family members for a birthday party with the intention of joining family ties is incorrect.”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- Doing the decor for a birthday party Mufti Online · 3 Jan 2026
- Wishing Happy Birthday Azaadville · 29 Jul 2025
- Is it permissible to make and sell birthday Cakes, anniversary cakes, wedding cakes? AskImam · 3 Feb 2025
- Replying to Birthday Duʿās MUBZ · 16 Oct 2024
- Celebrating birthday parties Ibn Masood · 24 May 2022
- Celebrating birthdays on an alternate day Jamiat KZN · 7 Feb 2017
- Saying “Happy Birthday” to others Mufti Online · 2 Jul 2025
- Birthday Cake Azaadville · 14 Nov 2023
- Celebrating the birthday of deceased pious imams AskImam · 8 May 2024
- Birthday Parties and Events with Alcohol and Intermingling MUBZ · 13 Jun 2024
- Selling birthday cakes Ibn Masood · 3 Jan 2022
- Attending a birthday party Mufti Online · 9 Nov 2024
- Wedding Anniversaries Azaadville · 22 Dec 2022
- Accepting birthday gifts AskImam · 13 Sep 2023
- Is it permissible to attend a birthday party? AskImam · 6 Mar 2020
Search more fatawa on this Social, Media & Ethics topic Compare Darul Iftas