The Ruling on Celebrating Mothers Day

Question :

Every year, we celebrate a special day, which is known as Mothers Day, which is on the 21st of March; parties are held thereon by all of the people. Is this permissible or prohibited, and should we celebrate it or not, and (should we) give presents?

Answer:

Every festival which contradicts the Islamic festivals is a recent innovation which was not known in time of the righteous Salaf. It may have originated from non-Muslims, in which case, in addition to being an innovation, it would also be imitation of the enemies of Allah, the Most Glorified, Most High.

The legislated festivals are well known to the Muslims; they are: 'Eid Al-Fitr, 'Eid Al-Adhha and the weekly 'Eid (i.e. Friday). There are no other festivals in Islam besides these three. Every 'Eid innovated in addition to these is rejected from its innovators and is invalid in the Law of Allah, the Most Glorified, Most High, based upon the Hadith of the Prophet which says:

"Whoever innovates in this matter of ours that which is not from it, will have it (his innovation) rejected.

That is, it will be rejected upon him and not accepted by Allah. And in another narration:
"Whoever does a deed which is not from our matter, he will have it rejected.

Since this is clear, it is not permissible in the 'Eid mentioned by the lady who asked the question which she called Mother's Day to innovate anything from the symbols of 'Eid, such as exhibiting happiness and joy, giving gifts and such like.

It is incumbent upon the Muslim to be proud of his religion, to be content with it, and to confine himself to the limits set by Allah and His Messenger in this esteemed religion which Allah, the Most High has chosen for His worshippers. One should neither add anything to it, nor subtract anything from it. It is also incumbent upon the Muslim not to be a mindless sniveler, following every person who comes along; rather, he should mold his personality according to the Law of Allah, the Most Glorified, Most High, so that he becomes a leader, not a follower, and so that he becomes a good example, not one who follows the example of others. This is because the Law of Allah is complete - all praise be to Allah - in every respect, as Allāh says:

This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you and chosen for you Islam as your religion.

The mother has the right to be honored on more than one day a year; indeed, the mother has the right to be cared for by her children, to be provided for, to be obeyed in all matters which do not entail disobedience to Allah, the Almighty, the Majestic, at all times and in all places.