What is important is what we DO with our lives, not how or where we begin. Now as a christian, each and everyone of us has an individual relationship with God where he speaks to us and guide us. My parents allowed it and theyre the best people Ive known. Although we dont want to compromise the word of God, or ever do anything He tells us to avoid, that does not mean we need to offend other people, or set a wrong example toward them. However, it would help if you refrained from participating in the celebration because it violates Islamic law and cultural norms. The truth is about why us Muslims cannot celebrate birthdays is because every person who celebrates birthdays is really celebrating that they have survived and lived for another year, they are fighting with nature and every year is a win for them hence celebrating but we Muslims dont celebrate because we know that one day we will die and we will then stand in front of our Allah (saw) we dont celebrate our survival instead we pray and make dua because the more you age you know your time will be up so its important we pray to almighty Allah (saw) to make sure that when our time is up we will head for jannah instead of hell. Lol. Is it haram to celebrate birthdays? If even after reading those two things, your doubt still doesnt get cleared, please email it to us here: Jazakumullahu khairan,rabbana zidna ilman nafian innaka antal alim. However, if the other family or individual says there is not going to be anything pagan, or the usual birthday customs, that it is merely a time to get together for family fellowship, or friendship, for a nice meal, with a cake, and that it is just a family event, that would not necessarily be wrong. You can also look at the answer to a similar question which was asked by one of our readers. Consider the following quote about the origin of the Roman calendar: Besides being bidah and having no basis in shariah, these birthday celebrations also involve imitation of the Jews and Christians in their birthday celebrations. You know the extreme way of practicing a religion. Before understanding the legal ruling with regards to birthday celebrations, it is worth remembering here that imitation of the unbelievers (Kuffar) is something that Islam strictly disapproves of. Life is test and assessment. The fact is, the Bible is totally SILENT on the date of the birth of every single servant of God, including Abraham, Noah, Moses, Samuel, David, the apostles, and most important of all, Jesus Christ Himself! Will you now calculate your birthday according to the Christian calendar or will you see it in accordance with the Hijri calendar? There are some who argue that Halloween, at least, is a cultural holiday, with no religious significance. My husband is circassian muslim. With its, Read More Is It Haram To Celebrate Easter? in order to earn reward, or which involve imitating the people of Jaahiliyyah Birthdays are forbidden . Always be discreet, modest, and friendly, in dealing with people. 5:1-4). Herod was fascinated by the gyrations and movements of the lithe young female dancer, his wifes daughter. Does Wearing a Necktie Represent the Cross. And beware of newly-invented matters [in religion], for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going-astray. (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Sunnah, 3991; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, no. If you understood the point above (which I assume you obviously did), you will be able to understand this one clearly. Sunan Ibn Majah; Vol. Salam sister if the Prophet SAW was standing in front of you would you say to him feel whats right for you and dont impose on others. The Christian Attitude, For the true Christian, this life is a life of trials and tests. Dont ask me who wrote the bible too. Pagan, pagan, which one of us was actually there? Is Playing Video Games Haram In Islam? 47:1), the great pagan religious deception which has engulfed the world, Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. As to cultural things , celebrating anything other than the 2 Eids on a recurring basis has been left off based on the hadiths. Muslims believe that the only time to celebrate is when someone has died and they have gone to heaven. As in not celebrating christmas etc Birthdays are actually something that may not have been mentioned in the quran but it would have definetly been mentioned if it was haram. Heres an article from even a Christian that I found informative, May Allah guide from the belief that Isa is Allahs sonhttp://www.triumphpro.com/birthdays-origin.htm. In this case, of course, the unknown is the future, or the new year of life that lies ahead for the birthday child. Nothing is more important than celebrating the Prophets birth, but he never did. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, warning us against following their ways and traditions: You would follow the ways of those who came before you step by step, to such an extent that if they were to enter a lizards hole, you would enter it too. They said, O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians? He said, Who else? (Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim). Islam. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed? [al-Shoora 42:21], Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment. In ancient Rome, the emperor gave huge parties in honor of his own birthday, which included parades, circuses, and gladiatorial combat. You ppl are seriously discussing the morality of birthdays. Some scholars believe that since there is no clear evidence, it is best to avoid celebrating birthdays. My child doesnt understand why he is not allowed to watch certain TV shows, why he is not allowed to do many things other children do. Its stupid. Firstly, apologies for the late reply to your question. The days were not named but numbered on a complicated system involving Ides, Nones, and Calends. I do not approve of the excess, lawlessness, nakedness, and greed in the world. Children, be good to your parents; and you parents, be good to your children. We do these things mainly for fun. Yet people celebrate the child. At the same time, there is nothing wrong if we use these occasions to inculcate Islamic principles in our children, like showing gratitude to Allah, praising Him and seizing the chance of this life in performing good deeds since the older we grow the nearer to the grave we come.. On halalorharamguide.com, we share helpful and informative things about halal or haram based on the Quran and Hadith. If you still want to persist in it, please remember the warning of Allah: "And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. @JJ Based on your comments, this tells me that youre a fool and have no knowledge whatsoever in regards to why it is forbidden for Muslims not to celebrate their birthday. Muslims who dont celebrate birthdays usually do so because they believe that it is haram. sometimes he can be threatening to me he has been in the past before and apologizes for it but I feel I cant handle much more. (See: Fatawa al-Rahimiyya (urdu), 6/320), [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Obviously, therefore, the Word of God does NOT sanction or approve of public birthday celebrations or birthday parties! However, suppose you believe that celebrating birthdays is permissible. No prob. This article was very useful for me in my presentation, Your email address will not be published. A Balanced Approach, Having said this, we must remember that our neighbors dont know these things or see things things like we do. Celebration of what? the same applies to wedding celebrations, pagan or not pagan, whether not in Quran or in Bible. But I also have never read a sunnah where he forbade it. Almighty God does not sanction, approve or endorse ANY of the pagan customs of the nations of the world! It would be better if we ask them to offer something in charity as a form of showing gratitude. And decline the invitation. Is it permissible for Muslims to attend birthday parties? Another escaped . Jesus Christ was born nowhere near December 25th, in the dead of winter. Birthday parties may seem so innocent and good on the surface, for the children, but all is not as it seems on the surface. . Every one of us has some, but Allah removes it by trust (in Him). There is nothing logical about following the religion of a war mongering paedophile. The lighting of candles on a cake that number the years of ones life and then blowing on them, playing of music, singing, extravagant and lavish spending, showing off, etc are all unlawful and forbidden practices. Other Muslims may not celebrate birthdays for cultural reasons because it does not say in the Quran or in valid hadith that we can not celebrate birthdays. Do Muslims celebrate birthdays? Questions cannot be asked through this form. Since celebrating birthdays doesnt meet condition (2), it becomes an innovation which will not be accepted by Allah. This was a birthday party, nothing less! Please do find out more info from your local mosque. However, I wonder, why don't muslims celebrate birthdays? And attributed to Sulaymn ibn Dwd in Ecclesiastes 7:1, "A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one's death better than the day of one's birth.". For the true Christian, this life is a life of struggle and overcoming. Who wrote all this and why are you very sure its authentic? Now I do not intend to mean that you start celebrating your birthday according to the Hijri date. My dad painted the entire church when he turned fifty, he didnt spend a dime on food and drinks and all but still he got a beautiful party at church. Beyond that, being a Muslim is not about deciding what you think or feel is correct behavior, but rather, is about submitting to established principles in our valued texts. But it is also possible that there is something deep inside us that wants to believe. (As long as it falls within the boundaries of Islam. Well this is just my opinions for the original poster so if anyone disagree, then do what feels right for you without imposing on others. In my opinion, it would be sad to choose not to remember Gods faithfulness in your life and CELEBRATE in your own way, rich or poor on that very day each year when you came into this world. 4:16-18). Very few people know were celebrating birthdays originated from. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allaah (if He wants to puish you). As for the other argument, the Prophet (saws) didnt do it. That may be true. 15 Reasons why a Muslim MUST NOT celebrate a Christmas 25th of December was chosen by Emperor Constantine of Rome & not by the Almighty God as the birth of Christ Jesus Only Allah knows the day. We live in a country that allows us this freedom. Is it wrong to celebrate the day of ones birth? Islam supports the celebration of a birthday if it is an expression of gratitude to Allah for His bounties, sustenance and blessings in man's life, as long as that celebration does not include anything that may displease Allah, the Almighty. They also argue that there is no similarity between celebrating birthdays and pagan practices as Muslims do not make any special offerings or do any special worship on these days. Ive seen so much arrogance surrounding this practice that its quite clear. Islam supports the celebration of birthdays if it is an expression of gratitude to Allah for His bounties, sustenance and blessings in mans life, as long as that celebration does not include anything that may displease Allah, the Almighty. Celebration of the day when person come to the earth to be tested and assessed. If we tell, of course, our wish wont come true. So, when it comes to celebrating birthdays, the question arises is it haram to celebrate birthdays in Islam? I am happy you found Islam and I hope it will help you find peace but I am sad to think you found a Muslim man who is behaving far from Islamic. Think logically first. As a Muslim I do, however, have my own festive celebrations during the year. Hence we do not celebrate this day, in obedience to the command of Allaah Who has commanded us to follow the commands of His Prophet. Our [Roman] calendar is not Christian in origin. So, I totally support their position. It points out that the only reference to a birthday in the Bible is that of Pharaoh of Egypt. Celebrating birthdays are much too trivial and are actually an older tradition than any Abrahamic religion. Fataawa Islamiyyah, 1/115, There is no such thing as bidah hasanah in Kinda like saying that Goodbye is haram cuz it comes from medeival roots meaning God be with ye. Praise God! Please hear me every soul save yourself and call on his name. Therefore such an observance is an abomination in the sight of God. The day of ones birth is not the important thing. Every day is a great day and a blessing from Allah (swt) Wow. They are the most knowledgeable of the people concerning his Sunnah (Teachings of the Prophet) and they are the most beloved to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Shedding more light on the issue, the prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Tajuddin Hamid Al-Hilali, Mufti of Australia and New Zealand, states: A Muslim has a distinguished personality. Unless, God Himself come down from Heaven and told me to stop, I will continue to celebrate every year Im on Earth Because we dont know how long we got or when our number will be called. We shouldactually ponder and reflect on our birthdays rather than jump around with birthday snow spray. Another reason why some scholars say that it is not allowed to celebrate birthdays is that there is no clear guidance from Quran and Sunnah on this matter. If the origins of birthday celebrations are connected to a particular faith, then there is no doubt in its impermissibility. If the very day of Jesus birth is deliberately left out of the Bible, doesnt that fact tell us something? If you want to celebrate then go ahead and do that. Here again, at a pagan birthday party, somebody was killed this time it was one of Gods greatest servants, John the Baptizer! We said: Allahs Messenger, do you mean Jews and Christians (by your words) those before you? They loved the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) far more than we do, yet despite that they did not celebrate this day. Best of luck, ukhti giving up old habits is never easy . The point that real Muslims reject in birthday celebration the sinful and shameless way that some others may commit during the birthday celebration. When it is someones birthday, one year of his/her life has decreased, and not increased. Though you look in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, you will find no mention anywhere of any of the saints of God observing their birthdays. Aameen. Muslims do not celebrate birthdays because it is a kind of innovation in religion which has no basis in the pure Shari`ah. Ye shall therefore keep MY statutes and MY judgments which did NOT include birthday celebrations! Is wishing someone happy birthday haram in Islam? Except for Jehovahs witnesses and a few other churches we will never stop saying thank you in our own way on that special day. And what agreement hath the temple of God with IDOLS? We dont celebrate another year of their life gone, its a day to honor them and show love. Coins, buttons, and rings were baked into cakes. In ancient times, people prayed over the flames of an open fire. Long ago, people believed that on a birthday a person could be helped by good spirits, or hurt by evil spirits. Well, as Ahmadi Muslims, we actually don't celebrate anyone's birthday, including our own or Prophet Muhammad's. This is for the same reasons the early Christians didn't celebrate. that was made by the religion of Christianity currently the religion practiced by the majority of people on Earth. Make Islam simple rather than a complicated mess. Hence when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and found that the Ansaar had two festivals which they used to celebrate, he said, Allaah has given you something better than these: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. (Narrated by al-Nasaai, 1556; Abu Dawood, 1134; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth al-Saheehah, no. (See the Fatwa of Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani). Then where did birthday celebrations come from? b) If there is no intention of imitating the Kuffar (and also the above mentioned evils are avoided) then the ruling on celebrating birthdays will depend on whether it originated from the religious customs of the non-Muslims and it is part of their faith. Talking to our children about their birthdays, we should remind them that on such days they should remember the blessings of Allah and praise Him for giving them life and guidance. . There is nothing saying we cannot celebrate Allah presence of Allah in our childs life. We read in the Encyclopedia Judaica, The celebration of birthdays is unknown in traditional Jewish ritual (vol.4, p.1054). But that should only be limited to our worldly affairs like paying rent, calculating salaries etc. The historical evidence posted above is plenty for me to run high speed away from this practice. Im definitely going to continue celebrating mine! Jazakallahu khair I havent known and think about these things And tomorrow is my Birthday. are non American. That is the day we will celebrate not our physical birthdays, when we were literally born into a lifetime of struggle, trials, suffering, death, misery, and privation, persecution, strife, and pain. God knows your heart. A pagan Egyptian scientist, Sosigenes, suggested this plan to the pagan Emperor Julius Caesar, who directed that it go into effect throughout the Roman Empire in 45 B.C. No, Muslims are not allowed to attend birthday celebrations because they are prohibited from celebrating them in the first place. The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: Taking omens is polytheism; taking omens is polytheism. Being present at celebrations like Eid will allow regular members of the community to become familiar with us. For his pride and overweening self-centeredness, God says, I cast you to the ground (v.18). Friends might start looking at you with weird expressions. The money spent on birthdays could be spent on people starving. So today, we will discuss whether can Muslim celebrate birthdays by looking into different opinions of scholars on this matter, and then you can decide for yourself what is the ruling in Islam about celebrating birthdays. Celebrating Mother's Day is an innovated matter which the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, and his companions did not do. However, some scholars believe that since there is no clear evidence, it is best to avoid celebrating birthdays. Im gonna force every male muslim I know to shave their moustaches and grow their beards! Lewis writes in Birthdays, When the Christian church sought to substitute the authority of a religious hierarchy for the hegemony of the individual ego, BIRTHDAYS BECOME UNWELCOME REMINDERS OF PAGAN EXCESS and the degradation assumed in Adams heritage. Most of these folks think it is better to be different to the nonmuslim. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. Did holy men of God in the Bible celebrate birthdays? This has led many to believe that it is permissible to celebrate birthdays in Islam if you cut a cake and express gratitude to Allah for the day you were born while spending time with your family. It is reported that pagans used to celebrate the birth of their gods and goddesses on specific dates. Oh prolly the god of birth. William F. Dankenbring As time went by, children became included in birthday celebrations. He has blessed me with a child with a disability. Do Muslims celebrate birthdays? Log in, Join our e-mail list for regular site news and updates, All Rights Reserved for Islam Q&A 1997-2023. It is illogical. 3851). When they adopt these observances every week or every year, it means that they are making them like the Islamic Eids, which is haraam and is not permitted. Please can someone explain !? Conclusion: celebrating birthday was not prescribed by Allaah or by the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), so it is not permissible for the Muslims to celebrate his birthday, in obedience to the command of Allaah and the command of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). And I will support the rights of any people to practice the religion they believe in. There is no precedent for celebrating birthdays in the sunna, nor is there any encouragement to do in the Quran. and change it because this hadith said so without even looking at other hadiths and quranic sources. But our hope is not for this life! 0:04. But you know what..honestly speaking..i feel very bad that my husband is so strict and we cant even do a little something. And thats how birthday parties began. NorthJersey.com. I think from what you described you are celebrating another year of Allahs blessing and you have modified the event to make your children grateful. They turn people away from the truths of God and idolize the SELF. Everyone has a right to take a decision, if they have the mental capacity, and act on it, including birthday celebrations. The bible as voluminous as it is doesnt mention all of the challenges that come with civilization. On the other hand it is the worst thing that has ever happened. If even one candle was left lighted, people used to think that the upcoming year would bring hardships for the person whose birthday is being celebrated. The Roman calendar, with its emphasis on continual celebration, has had great influence on modern society. In Gods sight, birthday parties and celebrations are not clean, honest, honorable, fun things to do. But verse 3 of this chapter says we are not to do after the doings of the land of EGYPT. Here are six reasons why Muslims - and Christians - should not celebrate Christmas, religiously or culturally. There are 16 sources of Islam, with Quran being only one of them. [Al-Maidah; 5:48]. b) Doing something that is unique and exclusive to the non-believers or is part of their faith. You should know the significance of your words when you wish someone pleasant times on any occasion, whether it is halal or Haram. Allah the Almighty is very clear about this. God goes on, in this same chapter, after listing more of the evil practices of the heathen, DEFILE YE NOT YOURSELVES IN ANY OF THESE THINGS: for in all these the nations are defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself VOMITETH out her inhabitants. This is accomplished by organizing a large celebration to which everyone is required to attend. Little do you remember! [Al-Araf 7:3]. Because we live in a modern age where other people throw parties, our children pressure us to do birthdays for them. Lets look at this custom objectively. But making another eid out of a day Allah or the messaging didnt do is just haram. Look at ivf for example or all of the new machines that have come to be a part of our world (Im not stating my stance on these). Society adapts for its communal use those practices of the elite which it admires and can afford. (Yes/No). If pagans did not celebrate birthdays, some other grateful person would have started it. 3) If one thanks Allah and shows gratitude for being blessed with one more year of his life, thus expresses happiness and joy, then there is nothing wrong with that. Easter is one of the most widely celebrated Christian holidays in the world. b) If there is no intention of imitating the Kuffar (and also the above mentioned evils are avoided) then the ruling on celebrating birthdays will depend on whether it originated from the religious customs of the non-Muslims and whether it is part of their faith or otherwise. It was narrated from Abu Qutaadah al-Ansaari (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays. Also, my entire extended family celebrates birthdays and we are all Muslim. Even to this day, men have been putting their trust in horoscopes instead of God. Islam doesn't allow celebrating birthdays, according to a new fatwa by the Islamic seminary Darul . 3)If one thanks Allah and shows gratitude for being blessed with one more year of his life, thus expresses happiness and joy, then there is nothing wrong with that. Party snappers, horns, bursting balloons, firecrackers, and other noisemakers are just one more way of trying to scare off any bad-luck spirits that may be hovering about. Is it haram to celebrate prophets birthday? It is merely the beginning of our lifes journey. In a version recorded by Muslim and by al-Bukhari Whoever performs a deed which is not in accord with our affairs, that deed is rejected. It is well-known that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not celebrate his birthday at all during his lifetime nor did he ever order it to be celebrated.
