Celebrating birthdays

· 27 Shawwal 1434 AH1 min readEnglish
AqaaidCelebrations and Customs

Question

Regarding birthdays in Islam. Many people say "special duaas for so and so person because it is his birthday today" without saying 'happy birthday' or celebrating in any way. Is this permissible?

Answer

One should refrain from this. Celebrating birthdays is a custom of the kuffaar. As Muslims, we are commanded to refrain from emulating the kuffaar as well as adopting their ways.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

عن ابن عمر قال قال رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم (سنن أبي داود 2/559)

Answered by
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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