The Islamic Status of Celebrating Birthdays

Today, tribulations and calamities are surging upon Muslims all over the world. If the reason for this is stated, it would not be wrong to say that these afflictions are the result of evils, unveiledness, the free mixing of non-mahram men and women, and the introduction of new innovations and absurdities into the religion. These are the impure plans of the Jews to tear apart morality within human societies and nations among Muslims, and attempts are being made everywhere to hollow out the roots of ethics and character. A aggressive campaign is being run to divert Muslims from their religious objectives and involve them in worldly, uncultured deceptions. Once the Jews succeed in their objective, it will become very easy for them to oust Muslims from Islam. This is the reason why today only 5% of people practicing Islam remain, while the remaining 95% of Muslims are heading towards misguidance. Correcting this society is the most urgent need of the time. Destructive items are being presented before Muslims as examples, to the extent that people look at them and consider them a part of Islam, and anyone watching is inevitably influenced unconsciously. Gradually, changes are occurring in ethics and character. Among these, the biggest thing that people today have mistaken for an intrinsic part of religion is celebrating birthdays, which is called "Birthday" in the English language. Even those who consider themselves religious are involved in this ominous, un-Islamic act. The Reality of Birthdays: In large households, and generally even in middle-class households, children's birthdays are celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited, who bring gifts for children and adults. Women and men gather in the same hall without distinction of mahram and non-mahram, stand around a large table, cut a large cake, sweeten each other's mouths, and then amidst the echoing of applause, voices of "Happy Birthday" or "Salgerah Mubarak" arise. This is celebrated every year according to the date of birth. This sequence is not limited to childhood alone; rather, it continues into old age until one is handed over to the grave. And those who consider themselves somewhat more religious do not celebrate their own birthdays, but they definitely participate in others' birthdays. In some places, there is even dancing and singing in luxury/extravagance, which is sheer sin and an act that displeases Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). There is no worldly benefit in it, nor any connection to religion. It is an overflowing sea of indecency and nudity. If this act were permissible in the Shariah of Muhammad, then first of all, the noble Master Muhammad Arabi (peace be upon him) would have celebrated his birthday, and then the noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would have celebrated it. Upon turning the pages of history, no trace of it is found even from afar. Celebrating birthdays is a custom invented by the Westerners/English. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Sunan Abi Dawood: 2/559). Now it is a point to ponder whose invented method this is. If we adopt this method, we too will be counted as one of them. Now let us decide with our own sound intellect how many foreign ways and absurdities exist in our lives. Celebrating a birthday has no origin in Shariah. This is not an occasion of happiness either, because as a person's age increases, they get closer to death, and one day is reduced from their life; therefore, what is the meaning of celebrating happiness on this occasion? Allah Almighty has placed two feelings within human beings for the protection of the human race and the establishment and survival of human society: modesty (Haya) and self-respect/honor (Ghayrat). If these feelings were erased from within humans, humanity would have been wiped out long ago. There is no doubt that if these feelings weaken within a person, the survival of humanity will become difficult; humans will remain in name only, while actions will continue like wild beasts, as seen in Western countries. And if God forbid these feelings perish in any society, scenes of immorality, nudity, and indecency will emerge—Allah protect us—which can be estimated by looking at today's Western world. Millions of illegitimate children born there are completely deprived of the natural human upbringing. Fine feelings like love, selflessness, sacrifice, and trust do not exist in them, just as without these feelings, human society can never attain the priceless wealth of peace and tranquility. The first attack of such modesty-destroying and morally bankrupt entertainment like birthdays is upon human humanity itself. Final Words: I request with folded hands and folded arms to refrain from selling your faith by establishing such gatherings of immodesty. If people do not value us, let them not, but let us value ourselves, let us recognize ourselves. Our true image is that of nobility, humanity, sympathy, and empathy. Loyalty is embedded in our nature; protecting all these things is our binding responsibility. Pray to Allah Almighty to grant us the ability to walk on the straight path. (Aameen) Book: Monthly Sada-e-Haq Bangalore (July/2026) Author: Mufti Abdul Razzaq Bangalori Selection: Islamic Tube Pro App

• Anas Memon Palanpuri