Salam yo,
So since it’s my birthday, I decided to do a post about birthdays. 
Yea I’m getting old! Chill old is gold, anyways like the pharmaceutical companies say “your only as old as you feel”.
I often come across Muslims who say celebrating birthdays is absolutely impressible in Islam and it’s haraam and blah blah because your imitating the disbelievers.
Now I’m not a scholar so I decided to do some research on this and clarify some misconceptions. I’m tired of hearing people make their own rulings without backing it up with proof.
It’s important that we be very specific when we talk, if a brother or sister wants to go eat at a halal restaurant on his/her birthday with some friends, there is nothing haraam with that, come on!
Now what I discovered was it all comes down to intention, now outwardly it may seem wrong to celebrate birthday since the disbelievers do it also, but it depends on how you practice it.
Obviously if you engage in direct haraam practices on your birthday, then that’s now allowed. In terms of what’s allowed and what’s not, that’s clear like windex.
So it comes down to what exactly we mean by the word “Celebrate”
Go to chucky cheese, not the bar.
I was able to come across the legal rulings from renowned scholars, Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah and Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari:
Get your pen and pad ready, I was able to get a clear anwser from the fatwa bank at Islamonline.net in which a group of muftis said: ” Islam supports the celebration of birthdays 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.”
Here is what the other scholars say:
My man the renowned scholar Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah (May Allah swt preserve him and all the rightly guided scholars) said:
“The holidays which are forbidden [for Muslims] to observe are those with religious overtones [such as Christmas and Easter*] not the festive gatherings people observe due to certain events. Therefore, people are allowed to celebrate wedding anniversaries, birthdays or any occasion as such celebrations are not related to religious holidays. It is imperative that we work to remove the confusion surrounding this misunderstanding and the doubts that have affected many people [regarding this issue]. [Because of this misunderstanding] people find hardship and difficulty in their religion. Especially when a religious minded person holds [such non religious celebrations] to be from the major sins or rejected acts when, in fact, they are not.
Moving forward, below is a response from Mufi Muhammad
If the origins of birthday celebrations are connected to a particular faith, then there is no doubt in its impressibility. If, however, it has no connections with the faith of the non-Muslims, then (and Allah knows best) it seems that it would be permissible to celebrate it (provided the evils mentioned above are avoided).
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. (See: al-Fatawa al-Rahimiyya (urdu), 6/320).
Mufti Muhammad also mentioned if the birthday involves specific practices and adaptations of customs from the disbelievers like The lighting of candles on a cake that number the years of one’s life and then blowing on them (Allah swt knows best about the candles), playing of music, singing, extravagant and lavish spending, showing off, etc are all unlawful and forbidden practices. Thus, if birthdays are celebrated by adopting the above-mentioned customs, it will not be permissible.
Check the full reading here
Anyways, it all depends on what you do on your birthday, what’s the purpose and most importantly what intentions you have. If you don’t want to do anything on your birthday, then it’s all good.
At the end of the day, everyone needs to make their own decisions.
Pass the ice cream cake yo, just make sure it doesn’t have no haraam marshmallows in it, ha.
May Allah swt guide us to the straight path, Ameen.
well I jus give ppl a reminder of the day of judgement instead of congratulating them
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what about …holloween?
i dont think there are any religious reasoning behind holloween just the culture right? :x
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Mona Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
deji do research on the origin of halloween..google it…hopefully u will understand that its clearlyy haram.
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The evidence in the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicates that celebrating birthdays is a kind of bid’ah or innovation in religion, which has no basis in the pure sharee’ah. It is not permitted to accept invitations to birthday celebrations, because this involves supporting and encouraging bid’ah. 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]
“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord, and follow not any awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) besides Him. Little do you remember!” [al-A’raaf 7:3]
Besides being bid’ah and having no basis in sharee’ah, these birthday celebrations also involve imitation of the Jews and Christians in their birthday celebrations. 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 lizard’s 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). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Stop doing fatawa shopping people…the Quran and the Sunnah is clear!Were only supposed to celebrate the two Eid’s so stop following your desires and misleading ppl.
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Saad Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
@Sister Mona, no one is doing fatwa shopping or whatever you want to call it.
We aren’t paying scholars for a sale to get knowledge. So I’m not sure why your applying that term in this context.
I am simply providing you with their opinions, and by the way the scholars mentioned here are far more knowledgeable and qualified than any of us here, so be careful of which opinions you completely throw down and don’t recognize as valid. (Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Mufti Muhammad and Mufti Taqi Usmani)
Rather than being close minded and seeing things as black and white, you should read what they have to say.
When you state your opinion from a legal standpoint, you should remember we aren’t making birthdays a “religious” practice or “fard”, so your comment at the end is also off.
It’s easy for you to use the phrase “imitating the kuffar” but you didn’t apply that to this conversation with clear thought, as Shaykh Bin Bayyah said (Therefore, people are allowed to celebrate wedding anniversaries, birthdays or any occasion as such celebrations are not related to religious holidays)
And of course Allah swt knows best.
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Mona Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
ya ya ya ur just looking for fatwa’s that go with your desires. The Prophet SAW and the Companions didnt celebrate birthdays…therefore we shuldnt be celebrating birthdays cuz they are our examples and nething we do thats not frm the sunnah and frm the way of the Prophets and Companions is a BIDA.
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Saad Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 12:28 am
So it’s haraam to have halal fun on your birthday? Give me a break.
N.E. Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Sister Mona, the kuffar having weddings and funerals, as well. Should we also abstain from having weddings and funerals? The Prophet SAW and the Companions didn’t drive cars either, because cars had not been invented yet. Likewise, eating food with your friends on your birthday was not a custom yet, in fact, in the Prophet’s SAW time the people did not even know their birthdays. There is no need to get worked up about this issue, if you choose to not do anything for your birthday in order to please Allah SWT then may Allah reward you for your intentions But really, there is no need to point fingers and tell people that they are “choosing fatawas that suit their desires.” That really isn’t polite at all. You can simply say that you disagree.
And Allah most High and Beneficent knows best.
Living in Morocco Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I agree and think there is a bigger issue here. Isn’t there something to be said for the fact that the idea of “fatwa shopping” even exists? I don’t think it’s fair to blame a Muslim for seeking a point of view and then finding about a dozen and a half. What should they do then in addition to looking at the Qur’an and Sunnah while there are these opinions out there? To me, it is exactly what was done here- look for all the opinions on the matter, check your intention and do what you believe is right in your heart. In the end, whatever you choose is between you and Allah, and he knows best.
f Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
lol read the article before u start on the essays… is down to the intention, so if im jus gonna go get a chiken burger from dixy cos is my birthday is that biddah adn whatnot?? :o
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Mona Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
it sure is! y not get ur chicken burger any other day…why must it be on ur b-day?
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Al-Harbi Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Sis Mona i agree with you fully. However look at the charismatic speech of Saad and the “stick-in-hand- speech of yours. Of course the ppl will listen to him and take what he’s saying even though it is a misguidance. So speak better and then you will be able to turn hearts InshaAllah. May Allah keep you on the straight path Ameen.
f Reply:
November 21st, 2009 at 9:21 pm
cos thats wen mummy gives me money for a chiken burger
lenmo4 Reply:
November 20th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
thank you sister, these days people only follow those who give them the most appropriate answer, not what is the truth, we have the Quran and the Sunnah for the truth, if the Prophet (SAWS)did not celebrate his birthday, then who are we…and anyway what is there to celebrate that we are one more day closer to our death…we should thank Allah everyday for all that He has blessed us with, not just the days that were made up to remind us to, ie. mother’s day, father’s day, etc..if you want to do something for your birthday our your children, teach them to give charity or do something good for someone else, more over do things that will help you in the hereafter because that is where it will count..
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..go pray two raka’ah nafl now! Hahah
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Celebrations in Islam are Legislated Religious Occasions.
Celebrations in Islam are legislated by Allah, and He has legislated only two days of celebration and joy; Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr that succeed the performance of two great pillars of Islam - Hajj and Fasting. Anas (radhi allahu anhu) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) came to Madinah and the people of Madinah had in Jahiliyah two days of play and amusement. So the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “I came to you and you had, in Jahiliyah two days of play and amusement. Indeed, Allah has replaced them for you by that which is better than them. The day of Nahr (Slaughtering) and the day of Fitr (Breaking Fast).” [Saheeh - Ahmad (3/103, 178, 235) Abo Dawood (1134)]
Apart from these two days no other day is to be taken as a celebration, because celebrations are truly religious occasions. Any addition to the religion is a Bid’ah (innovation). To formulate the Religion is exclusively the Right of Allah. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said, “I warn you of the newly invented matters in the religion; and every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is in the Hellfire.” [An-Nisa’ee]
And all innovations are rejected as he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Whoever does an action, which we have not commanded then it must be rejected.” [Saheeh Muslim]
And: “Whosoever introduces in the religion of ours that which is not a part of it then it must be rejected.” [Ahmad]
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Couldn’t have said it any better bro!
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hey, salam,
great post on a widely debated topic. keep it up!
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Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by saadyo: New blog post: Is it Haraam to Celebrate Birthdays? http://bit.ly/1WZph7…
Are u a scholar Mr Saad, I don’t think so
May ALLAH forgive u
I think u should remove this topic,, so as not to regret in the last day.
if u want dozens of fatwas that say that birthdays are haram to celebrate i can get u
but I think that u r not hearing
so since u don’t know
don’t try to convince pple with things that u r not sure of….
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Saad Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I’m not, that’s why I am quoting the scholars.
Maybe you should try reading the article before commenting.
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Al-Harbi Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:46 am
There are many scholars just as there are many muslims, but do all practice what’s right? It’s up to each person to differentiate what is pleasing to Allah and what will bring His wrath then practice accordingly InshaAllah. And May Allah guide us all along the straight path Ameen.
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A.A,
(
b-lated birthday)
May Allah increase ur years for u, so that u may do more good deeds (like enlightening us in this topic). you should not get rid of this topic. Clearly u have quoted far greater scholars…
keep up tha good work…
Allah bless…
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Al-Harbi Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Sis Mariam, who are greater scholars than the rasuul (salla laahu alaihi wa sallam) and his companions? The fact that someone studied in an islamic university and graduated with what and what degree doesnt mean he is currently on the right path or practising what he learnt. There are clear matters in our religion and then there are the vague ones, this birthday one is obviously clear. So we dont need to go fatwa-shopping as a sis mentioned earlier. These days some muslims look for the fatwas to support their own desires and they can all be found.
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Saad Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Ameen to your dua’s on a side note you said:
“btw i do love going out and having halaal fun, no matter what day of the year it is”
Exactly my point.
Who are greater the scholars or the rasuul and his companions?
Astugfurillah, no one said the scholars are greater.
Don’t take things out of context, no one is saying that. How can you think like that?
The issue here is not whether the Prophet (s) did or the sahabahs (May Allah bless them all) did anything special on their birthdays, it’s whether or not it’s permissible to have fun on your birthday as long as it’s halal, that’s what I meant in my post. (i.e. eating at a halal restaurant with your friends) part of being Muslim is listening to what people have to say.
I understand your trying to be on the safe side but you proved my point when you said below you would have halal fun on any day of the year, that’s what I mean by “Celebrate”, and I specifically said in the post it’s all about how you interpret “Celebrate”.
Instead of your black and white outlook on issues, you should be fair and you should also have adab (etiquette) when talking about the scholars, because they understand the issue far more greater than anyone on this blog and have a higher rank and Allah swt knows best.
So for you to come out and make your assumptions and conclusions and think you understand the issue greater, that’ arrogance.
I also mentioned in the post that if you don’t want to do anything on your birthday, that’s OKAY also. So why are you making it seem like it’s an obligation to do something special on your birthday?
And eating at a halal restaurant with your friends or family, do you consider even “Special” or out of the extra ordinary?.
The problem with people today is we don’t like to listen and read what the other person has to say, rather than being narrow minded maybe if you read the post two or three times you would know that all I was saying was if someone wants to have halal fun on their birthday then it’s all good.
Halal fun can be defined as eating halal fried chicken, playing sports with your friends, etc.
I also mentioned Mufti Muhammad ruling in which he said:
“If the origins of birthday celebrations are connected to a particular faith, then there is no doubt in its impressibility. If, however, it has no connections with the faith of the non-Muslims, then (and Allah knows best) it seems that it would be permissible to celebrate it (provided the evils mentioned above are avoided).
So what’s the problem now?
I think the problem today is people like you who become internet scholars and don’t give your proofs, rather it’s all an emotional one sided response.
In conclusion, we all like to have halal fun everyday as long as it’s kept within the boundaries, you know what I mean by that.
So there is nothing wrong with doing it on the day you were born also assuming you understand the ruling mentioned by Mufti Muhammad.
and please don’t misinterpret the word “celebrate”
Like brother Azeem said below ” it would be an innovation to Celebrate the Prophets birthday and the companions”.
Obviously they didn’t celebrate their own birthdays, because then it would be part of religion, even today people Celebrate the Prophet Muhammad (S) birthday, so that’s innovation.
Don’t take things out context.
and Allah swt knows best.
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Al-Harbi Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Actually i didnt take things out of context and if you believe my non-practice of kuffaar celebrations to be “black and white” then thats your opinion.
I am not an internet scholar and not a regular scholar. Astaghfirullah to the fact that you believe i have no regard for scholars. I have great respect and adherence to the REAL scholars, the ones who practice what they preach and do not bend the rules to suit a society like Shiyukhul Islaam Imaam Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab, and Ibn Taymiyyah rahimullah and Shaykh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baaz and Shaykh Saalih Ibn Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan, Shaikh Muhammad Bin Salih Al-’Uthaiminn AND THE LIST GOES ON!!!
I have no time to go out and study in a university because i have 3 children all 3yrs and under but my Aqeedah Alhamdulillah is Increasingly better and better. SOOOO…i don’t be throwing accusations all over th eplace at the ones who hold firm to the rope of Al-Islam where there is no place or bid’ah or vain desires or even nonsense arguments like these which don’t lead to anywhere!!!
I didnt need to provide proof because it would have only been a new rendition of what Sis Mona said and other sisters. WOuld you have liked to read it again? Redundance is a plain bore. The simple words of someone saying “happy birthday” to you should be cut short with a beautiful smile and simple words “Brother, i don’t celebrate birthdays Alhamdulillah, it only brings me closer to the grave. I celebrate my life everday i wake up.” Hmmm…
Al-Harbi Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Oh and one more thing, I am a revert to islam so i know all about celebrating the kuffaar way. Alhamdulillah i was guided unto the straight path. You should ask yourself a very important question before doing anything in life “Is this what the rasuul (salla laahu alaihi wa sallam used to practice/say?” Then you’ll know what to do InshaAllah.
Yes i prefer be on the safe side because
On the authority of Abu ‘Abdullah al-Nu’man bin Bashir, radiyallahu ‘anhu, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, say: “The halal is clear and the haram is clear. Between the two there are doubtful matters concerning which people do not know whether they are halal or haram. One who avoids them in order to safeguard his religion and his honor is safe, while if someone engages in a part of them he may be doing something haram, like one who grazes his animals near the hima (the grounds reserved for animals belonging to the King which are out of bounds for others’ animals); it is thus quite likely that some of his animals will stray into it. Truly, every king has a hima, and the hima of Allah is what He has prohibited. So Beware, in the body there is a flesh; if it is good, the whole body is good, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
http://muslimyouth.islamicink.com/2009/03/18/the-halal-is-clear-and-the-haram-is-clear/
From what I’ve read on this issue, the matter of ‘Muslims having only two days of celebration’ refers to the ‘collective’ days of celebration for all the Muslims. It does not mean that I can not be joyous or celebrate personally on any other day that might be dear to me. What wrong is there in being happy at the birth of a child, or any other eventful day in my life?
As it is stated in the post, ultimately it’s what you do on the day that matters. You can offer two rakah of nafl and thank Allah (SWT) for all the blessings you have, that’s not like how people from other faiths celebrate their birthdays.
At a personal level, I don’t really see the point behind birthdays, or celebrate them myself. And if it’s a point of contention then I don’t see anything wrong in leaving it all together either… come on, you can be happy any of the other 364 days of the year too, even if it is just for the sake of avoiding an argument.
But honestly, if someone does something on his birthday or whatever, we should try not to pass quick judgments on them and label them. It’s Allah who determines who’s right and who’s not, let’s not take that authority in our hands.
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I don’t really agree. Birthdays r cool and all and it gives us a chance to overload on junkfood LOL. But like sis mona said the prophet and companions never did it so what gives us an excuse to do it. The prophet was a far greater person that any of us and the companions. So if anybody why didn’t they celebrate their birhdays, cuz it’s not allowed bottomline. So if they didn’t do it what gives us an excuse to do it.
My sis said this is the same logic peope use to make other things like music halal.
If the music is halal it’s ok. C Mon!!!
We gotta be strong and keep to our stuff!!!
(I loved celebrating
My b day but I stopped at 13 now I’m 16)
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haha… the comments on this post are a reason i got tired of blogging
mashaAllah, excellent post saad, keep it up
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Al-Imran (3:7)
It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Qur’ân). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkâm (commandments), Al-Farâ’id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers)]; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allâh. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: “We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding. (Tafsir At-Tabarî).
Sisters Mona and Halima already provided enough clear evidences - this ayas are just for those who seek and keep seeking different/alternate rulings when there are clear evidences in Quran and Sunnah.
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Saad Excellent post!
belated birthday. As “vindicated” said.. am i not supposed to celebrate the birth of a child or when my father recovers from a serious illness? i think there are people out there who are trying to impose all these rules on us and trying to make our religion difficult when its actually so easy! Its a way of life.. dont make it into a jail!!
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Bother Saad i realize your site is meant to be a refuge to young muslims but also you should know that your opinions will be taken as sunnah by some. Now Islam is a way of life, it is not merely a religion. We muslims are supposed to hold fast to the rope of islaam, which means the sunnatu-rasuulu-llaah (salla llaahu alaihi wasallam). The birthday is a celebration of the christians, jews, pagans etc, and so are the other celebrationns like wedding anniversaries, halloween and what not.(btw are we talking about the christian calender or the islamic one?) Anyway they may not be of religious nature but they are not of Prophet Muhammad (saw) who is the BEST of mankind. No shaykh/scholar can give a fatwa against the sunnah and expect to be free of accounting to Allah. Just because muslims/scholars in Islamic countries do something which is against quraan and sunnah doesnt make it ok for the rest of muslims to practice! And there is no debate here, what is clear cannot be befuddled. There is no compulsion in religion, so to each his own. The fact that our religion is easy does not translate into doing what we desire. We cannot compare the sunnah(celebrating the birth of a child, an actual wedding etc) to the celebrations of the “other” ppl. And we arent imposing rules- you have a problem with the sunnah? Then take that matter up with the rasuul and Allah- not with us who practice strictly. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said, “This world is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the unbeliever.” [Muslim] So are we here to celebrate birthdays or worship Allah???
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Sister Mona your accusation of fatwa shopping might be worse than any wrong celebrating might be. You should ask for forgiveness from Allah.
Your post is sadly another example of a Muslim who is quick to judge others and their intentions.
The brother did not write a post saying celebrating it is okay without giving the conditions.
The scholars clearly said in their explanation a big IF:
“Islam supports the celebration of birthdays 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.”
So yes I agree most Muslims who celebrate it don’t follow this and that is where they are wrong. Anyone who reads this post and celebrates their birthday without thanking Allah for his sustenance or includes something that might displease him will have to answer for themselves, not the brother who wrote this.
You missed the whole point of the post and that was to remind Muslims who celebrate it (with their family or friends in moderation) that they should remember Allah when they do.
Also, since when does anything we do that was not done by the Prophet(s) automatically become haram?
Imitation of the disbelievers is following their religious traditions or holidays, like some Muslims who celebrate Halloween or Christmas even. But if you say birthdays are the same, than isn’t using cars or cell phones also bidah since it was not invented by Muslims????? Of course not.
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Al-Harbi Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 11:21 am
we are supposed to thank Allah EVERYDAY for His mercies. Imitation of disbelievers also include imitating their dress and manners. It’s also ridiculous to even suggest that us who don’t celebrate birthdays should believe that cars etc are bid’ah. you cannot equate things which are on different spectrums.
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Raihab Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Then why isn’t learning english for someone who came here from a Muslim country (imitation of language of disbelievers) the same? or playing american sports also included (like football or basketball(invented by disbelievers)? or wearing jeans? Isn’t that also imitation of disbelievers? Disbelievers used cars and cell phones before Muslims did, isnt that imitation? What is included and what is not included and why????
Everyone like to bring up imitation of disbelievers butno one ever explains it from a scholars point of view??
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I pray Allah grants you a long blessed life filled with His rememberence and allows you to walk on the path to Him with ease. I pray Allah grants you the best in this life and the next and rewards you for your efforts to serve the Ummah as you do, Ameen!!
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On one’s birthday, one should actaully thank their mother as she carried you for 9 months, raised you up, took care of you when your were sick, etc…. to express your my appreciation…
I have been reading recently about ancient mysteries and the pagans and the pagan influence and pentration into religons, about ancient rituals and secret societies.
releating to birthdays; I recent read that the origin of birthdays is rooted in pagan rituals. There is no record of birthday celebrations by the Jews in the Bible. There are only 2 two accounts of birthdays mentioned in the Bible, both celebrated by Pagan or non Christian individuals, both ending in a negative result.
Birthdays has its origin in astrology. Birthday cakes appears to be related to the Greek goddess Artemis, whose birthday was celebrated with moon-shaped honey cakes topped with candles. The candles with special magic to grant wishes.
The various customs with which people today celebrate their birthdays have a long history. Their origins lie in the realm of magic and religion. The customs of offering congratulations, presenting gifts and celebrating—complete with lighted candles—in ancient times were meant to protect the birthday celebrant from the demons and to ensure his security for the coming year. . . . Down to the fourth century Christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagan custom.”—Schwäbische Zeitung
Did you also know that many preists are against the celebration of Chirstmas. Because actually the bible says in Luke that Jesus was born when the shepards where sleeping out at night while the sheep were grazing. So this is immpossile to be in Dec in Jerusalem/ Bethlahem as it was very cold. So why Dec 25?
for a fact neither Jesus nor his disiples ever celebrated his birthday. also Chirstmas was introduced into Christianity in about 365AD by the pope then. Why Dec 25?
Well it is the birthday of the SUN. Winter Solistice meaning that in Dec 22 the sun is the lowest point in the southern hemisphere and it started to reappear again on Dec 25; hence the birth of the Sun. As you know back then people used to depend on agriculture for food; so the SUN was very important to them. In Rome for example from Dec 19-23 then celebrated Saturnalia; where the people would have a great festival of good, exchanging gifts and having a blast. Basically celebrating so the SUN would return and they can grow food again.
so you see that we are mixing pagan rituals in our daily lives without ever knowing it! In Islam we have only 2 main celebrations the 2 EIDs. besides that everyday is a celebration to thank Allah for his creation and appreciate our families and loved ones. so don’t fall pray to the western and pagan habits!!
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JazaakAllahu khairan Captive Minds. I think you put everything straight InshaAllah. Alhamdulillah. May Allah guide you and us on the right, straight path always Ameen Ameen Ameen.
I hope Brother Saad has read this and also his supporters InshaAllah.
btw i do love going out and having halaal fun, no matter what day of the year it is.
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Amara Reply:
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:05 am
Salam alaykum,
I’m glad brother Al-Harbi you took such a firm stand. These days its so easy to get lost and its even easier to make excuses for one’s self. We all try to justify what we do, but in the process forget ‘Who’ we have to justify it to. What is it about the ‘birthdays’, that, we are so tightly bond to it we cannot even forgo it for Allah’s sake? its just another day in our life, a life that is a test, but is also a gift in its own way. Why not celebrate everyday for everything we have, everything we have been given? And what exactly do we celebrate our birthdays for? because we are getting older? that we are closer to our graves? that it makes us feel special? that we want to practice something our beloved Prophet (pbuh) didn’t? honestly people..think of what you will say to Allah (SWT) and think of the time when He will ask you why you did it,.. please do think what you will say; what justifications can you give?
And on another note, brother Saad, please, I dont think it is appropriate for you to post things which are so controversial. There are many other things to talk about, things which most scholars agree on. Though your intentions are pure, dont take the risk of leading someone else astray;- surely you dont want that blame.
May Allah guide us all to the straight path, and prevent us from falling back to evil. Ameen.
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Al-Harbi Reply:
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Im not a bro im a sis
JazaakiAllahu khairan ukhtii.
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Its okay to celebrate anyone’s birthday except for Prophet Muhammad (S)’s birthday because that would be religious. Sorry brelwis!
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Aye, ive had enough of this Alhamdulillah. Ma3 Salaama!
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does anybody know if gelatin is haraam??
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captiveminds Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 5:01 am
if the gelatin is made of pork; then obvisously yes its haram.
if the gelatin is made only from 100% beef or fruits & vegtables, then its ok
and Allah knows best… but always better to eat 100% halal food!!
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Al-Harbi Reply:
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:53 am
I personally stay away from that which is doubtful for my own sake. But the majority of the ulama concluded what captiveminds (above) has said and more. For a wider reference sis Hafsa you may go to this article InshaAllah
http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/97541/gelatin. And research more on your own InshaAllah.
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um… yeah im pretty sure that birthdays are hara for the fact that its a pagan celebration.. where they light candles on the date of there birth in order to please the demons who will grant them longer lives… so yeah HARAM! this is a Christian post.. but even they got it right… ehh the link not me
http://www.abcog.org/birthday.htm
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No point debating the Salafis here. They are all emulating a handful of shuyukh in Saudi Arabia. Who, in the history of Islam, asked for a fatwa from someone located thousands of miles away who never even stepped foot in their locality? People with true understanding know that sometimes a fatwa changes based on locality and the custom of the people (Imam al Shafii, I believe gave fatawa different in Kufa than in Basra)This is not true for the fundamentals like prayer, but true for the furu’ (branches). A fatwa by its very basis is an “opinion,” thats why it ends with “Allahu alim.” Think of all the Arab customs allowed to continue after Islam. Just because the Prophet is not here to act as furqan between good and bad culture doesnt mean Arab culture is the only culture allowed to be sifted through, whose good elements are allowed to continue. Islam does not ask you to exist in a cultural vacuum, just to sort blameworthy culture from good culture. There is more halal than haram for us, thats a fiqh principle.
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I think we don’t have to debate on “fatwa shopping” that sis Mona mentioned..c’mon guys..I believe it’s just a metaphor. I prefer not to celebrate it, because it’s seems the birthday thing makes us only think about ourselves, even though we celebrate it by giving the poor. Regarding to this matters, we only “remember” giving the poor on our birthday, this will makes us selfish. So bottom line we have been taught to leave a doubt, the law of God is clear, and there is no doubt in it..May God always gives guidance to all of us .. Amen
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I am just a sister who reverted while studying Islam in college. I knew before ever becoming Muslim that birthday celebrations and the recognition of the day, of one’s birth,was rooted in paganism.Capitalism and the need for self aggrandizement sure helped folks to over look this fact! I am struck by how so many muftis,imams and scholars seem to not know this fact?
I say shame on the research staffs that so ill prepared them when they deliberated/collected their thought/judgments on these matters? I mean, come on, really??…what is up w/the lack of knowledge on this topic? I have not celebrated nor given any special recognition to the day of my birth, my husband’s nor my kiddos. As a westerner I am always baffled by the need for other western reverts as well as folks of indigenous islamic backgrounds having a need/want /desire for such a thing. oh well Allahu alim but it does seem pretty straight forward when you have all the facts…sadly it appears from some of the “experts” they did/do not?
“History of Birthday
It is quite interesting to study the history of Birthday celebrations. Earliest history of birthday can be traced before the rise of Christianity where celebrations began to ward off evil spirits!! If this surprises you, read on for more interesting facts and gradual progress of birthday celebrations in history.
Development of Calendars
Early man did not know how to calculate dates so they were not able to pay attention to the anniversary of important events like birthdays. Gradually, human beings began to understand lunar cycles and they developed calendars accordingly. This made it easy for them to calculate the date of birth and celebrate the occasion.
Birthday History
History of Birthday observance can be traced back before the rise of Christianity. In pagan culture it was believed evil spirits visited people on their birthdays. To protect the person having birthday from the evil effect, people used to surround him and make merry. A lot of noise used to be created in such parties to scare away the evil spirits. In those times there was no tradition of bringing gifts and guests attending the birthday party would bring good wishes for the birthday person. However, if a guest did bring gifts it was considered to be a good sign for the person of honor. Later, flowers became quite popular as a Birthday gift.
Early Records of Birthday Celebrations
Historians are certain that birthday celebrations are being held for quite sometimes but there are few records for the same. Documented descriptions of Birthday celebrations are available only for kings, high-ranking nobility and those who held high positions in the society. In the beginning common men and especially children were unable to celebrate the birthdays. Scholars believe that this difference existed because only the nobility was wealthy enough to throw birthday parties and was considered important enough to be written about.
Popular Birthday Celebrations in History
* Best known birthday in the history is that of Jesus Christ. For nearly 2000 years since the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, Christians have been honoring the day as Christmas.
* About 4,000 years ago King Pharaoh used to celebrate his birthday by giving a feast to his court followers.
* King Herod is said to have celebrated his birthday by treating lords, high captains and special friends with a special supper party in Galiliee.
History of Popular Birthday Traditions and Symbols
Some of the popular Birthday traditions and symbols that we see today originated hundreds of years ago. Some believe the tradition of Birthday cake was started by early Greeks who used to take round or moon shaped cake to temple of Artemis - the Goddess of Moon. Others believe the custom of Birthday cake initiated in Germany where people used to make bread in the shape of baby Jesus’s swaddling cloth.
The popular custom of lighting candles on cake is said to have originated because Greeks used to light candles on the cake taken to Artemis to make it glow like a moon. Some though believe that custom originated because of a religious belief that gods lived in the sky and lighted candles helped to send a signal or prayers to the god. Germans are said to have placed a big candle in the centre of the cake to symbolize ‘the light of life’. Even today people make silent wishes as they blow out candles. It is believed that blowing out all candles in one breath brings good luck.
Birthdays in Present Times
Over the years birthday celebrations became quite popular all over the world and today they are globally celebrated by people irrespective of their caste and social status. Though the method of birthday celebrations is similar in number of countries some countries follow unique way of celebrations based on their cultural milieu, religious tradition and spiritual beliefs. Everywhere birthdays are a special day of people and birthday parties are organized to enjoy the day by having fun with loved ones. Those who are unable to wish personally, send their good wishes by way of Birthday Cards following the tradition started in England about a hundred years ago.”
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sorry the above post is mine…I just forgot to enter my info!
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Dear Sisters and Brothers, We are Muslims. Why quarrel over such over a small thing? Remember that whatever we believe in, we should not quarrel or fight among ourselves.
For this topic, what I dare say is each individual has their own thoughts and believes. So we should just respect it. What is Haram? Haram is something or an act that would harm or pose threats to ourselves and our religion. If celebrating a birthday in a way that would not pose any threat to us, would it be considered haram?
If you’d like to ‘celebrate’ your birthday in a Sufi way, why not donate, hold a gathering with family and friends, bring them along with you in remembering Allah SWT.
Regarding- The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Just like the Al-Quran Karim, words of the Prophet may be a meaning. But it has to be deciphered. For example, in the Al-Quran, it is stated that taking Grape wine is haram. So, the fatwa concludes that taking intoxicants are haram. But does it mean taking alcohol when it is of medicinal value haram? Some people allow themselves to be blinded by their own fears which are not backed up with rationale. And thus, making Islam a difficult religion. This, unfortunately, leads to misconceptions towards Islam.
Islam is a way of life, and Islam does not trouble its followers. The laws are perfectly laid so that the followers would lead a good and healthy lifestyle which would prepare them for the hereafter.
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HI every one,
so far what i have heard and seen about birthday in Islam you are not allowed to celebrate birthday. I read some comment here some ppl says that why? our prophet (HM SAW) celebrate birthday is not like that you can read in “Quran” When people from “Madeena” celebrate 2 days and and they been told that ALLAH has choose those 2 days as EID-UL_FITTER and Eid_UL_ADAH. Meaning of those 2 days in Islam bring poor people together and feed the hungry people and in other word is called to bring your relative closer.About celebrating birthday is not allowed because,
How can it be permissible to waste time by celebrating birthdays and becoming happy that a big slice of one’s life is put behind. This world is a prison for the believer and a Jannat for the disbeliever. Allah has bought the life and wealth of the believers for Jannat. This life is a trust of Allah by us. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu æ#129;layhi Wasallam) said, ‘A person will not be able to move from his place, until he does not reply to five questions:
How did you spend your life?
How did you spend your youth?
Where did you earn your wealth from?
Where did you spend your wealth?
How much did you act upon your knowledge?
Just to make sure what you did and trying to do read Quran with its meaning. For those who really want to know why is not allowed in Islam to celebrating birthday just read this book will help you batter understand Islam. Because is related to Quran but in more detail.
The Meaning and Explanation of the Glorious Quran.
Thank you
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