Birthdays, those cherished moments that mark the passing of another year, are joyously celebrated in cultures worldwide, serving as occasions for reflection and thankfulness.
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Yet, within the Islamic context, whether celebrating birthdays is permissible has sparked debates among Islamic scholars, yielding different viewpoints.
Some Muslims embrace the tradition of celebrating birthdays as an expression of happiness and gratitude. In contrast, others approach it cautiously, fearing it against the authentic Islamic teachings and calling it (bid’ah).
Is It Halal or Haram To Celebrate Birthday?
Birthday celebration is Halal.
As the debate surrounding celebrating birthdays in Islam continues, the matter calls for sincerity. Muslims are encouraged to remember the core values of Islam, emphasizing gratitude to Allah and adherence to His commands.
Notably, it has been revealed that the Prophet Muhammad himself celebrated the day of his birth through fasting and seeking Allah’s guidance, underscoring the importance of remembering Allah’s blessings and seeking divine wisdom during such occasions. (Muslim 1162)
Evidence and Opinions
The permissibility of celebrating birthdays in Islam has given rise to varying opinions among Ulemas. Acceptors of celebrating birthdays point out the absence of explicit prohibition in the Quran or Hadith. They argue that when observed with gratitude for Allah’s blessings and devoid of any prohibited practices, birthday celebrations can be considered acceptable expressions of joy and appreciation.
On the other hand, some ulemas take a cautious approach stating it as (bid’ah). Citing the Prophet Muhammad’s warning against introducing new practices into Islam, they fear that birthday celebrations might stray Muslims from the original Islamic teachings. Additionally, they discourage adopting customs from other religions like Christianity believing it could lead to deviations from the true path of Islam.
Bottom Line:
The permissibility of celebrating birthdays in Islam remains a subject of diverse opinions among scholars. While some speak for its acceptance, others approach it cautiously, concerned about potential religious innovations and stating it as Bidah. To make well-informed decisions, Muslims are urged to draw upon knowledge from reliable sources and their understanding of Islamic principles. Regardless of personal choices regarding birthday celebrations, the focus should always be on expressing gratitude to Allah and seeking His pleasure in all aspects of life.
Seeking guidance from knowledgeable Islamic scholars and maintaining a sincere intention to please Allah is important for each individual Muslim. May Allah lead us to the right path.
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