The Ruling on Celebrating Birthdays
Question:
In our city in Egypt, it is the custom that when every person completes a year of his life, he holds a party and we call it a 'birthday' party or 'blowing out the candles.' I have heard lately that it is not permissible in Islam; is this action permissible in Islam, and is it permissible to visit these parties when one of them is invited to do so? Please advise us; with much gratitude to you.
Answer:
This custom is an evil one and a detestable innovation, for which Allah has revealed no authority. Festivals are fixed, like acts of worship; and it is reported in the Hadith that during the days of ignorance, the people of Madinah used to celebrate two festivals, then Allah replaced them with the two lawful festivals. Also, nothing is mentioned in the Law (of Islam) called a birthday and none of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to do it, nor did the pious early generations of the Muslim community do so, for it is not permissible in Islamic law to celebrate these festivals, nor to attend them, nor to encourage one's family (to do so), nor to congratulate someone or any such thing which entails supporting or approving of this detested act.
Source:
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 1 Pages 185
Share on WhatsApp