One subject that many Muslims consider is whether or not to celebrate birthdays. Some cultural customs are prohibited in Islam, which is frequently linked to stringent rules of behavior. One of them is birthday celebrations.
Islamic scholars, the Quran, and the Sunnah all agree that birthday celebrations are forbidden in Islam because they were initiated by Jews and Christians. There is one birthday that is very significant in the Islamic religion, even though the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not celebrate his own.
This essay will go over the reasons why Muslims are not permitted to celebrate birthdays as well as what the Quran and Sunnah say on the matter.
Does the Quran and Sunnah Say That do Muslims Celebrate Birthdays?
Since birthdays aren’t specifically mentioned or encouraged in the Quran or Sunnah, the majority of Muslims don’t celebrate them. The Quran and the Hadith, which are the genuine sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad, serve as the foundation for Islamic religious activities.
Although commemorating significant occasions is mentioned in the Quran, there is no explicit directive to commemorate a person’s birthday. Furthermore, some academics contend that birthday celebrations are a type of bid’ah, which was introduced in other religions but was not observed by the Prophet Muhammad or his followers.
In line with the Quran:
أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَـٰٓؤُا۟ شَرَعُوا۟ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةُ ٱلْفَصْلِ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ ٢١
“Or do they have associate-gods who have ordained for them some ˹polytheistic˺ beliefs, which Allah has not authorized? Had it not been for ˹prior˺ decree on Judgment, the matter would have certainly been settled between them ˹at once˺. And surely the wrongdoers will suffer a painful punishment.” [Surah: Al-Shura, 21]
Does Islam Permit Birthday Celebrations?
Muslims are encouraged by Islam to do what is permitted and refrain from doing what is forbidden. Islamic texts neither mandate nor prohibit them in the context of birthdays. Islam does not recognize them as acts of worship, and they are not religious events.
Some academics believe that birthday celebrations are more of a cultural issue than a religious one. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with celebrating the day with family or friends, provided that no un-Islamic elements are present, such as music, inappropriate attire, gratuitous gender mixing, or excessive displays of fancy.
It is a good idea to celebrate a birthday as a method to give thanks to Allah for life, health, and blessings. However, it would be incorrect to treat birthdays as religious holidays or to believe that they are a part of Islamic customs; these beliefs fall under the category of bid’ah, which is the introduction of new practices into the religion.
Bid’ah
Understanding the concept of bid’ah Bid’ah is the introduction of something into the religion that neither the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) nor his companions practiced or approved of. This only comes into play when someone adds an act to their religious devotion.
For instance, it can be considered bid’ah if someone believes that celebrating their birthday is a religious obligation or if they perform particular religious rituals on that day because they believe it to be a component of Islam. However, it is not bid’ah if it is merely a cultural celebration with no religious beliefs attached.
Therefore, as long as it is not presented as an act of religious significance, a birthday celebration is still a personal event.
When it’s their birthday, can Muslims fast?
Yes, it is acceptable to fast on your birthday. The Prophet (PBUH) would fast every Monday since he was born on a Monday. When asked why, he responded,
“I was born on that day, and that’s when revelation came to me.” (Muslim Sahih)
This demonstrates that fasting as a kind of devotion or gratitude on a day that holds personal significance is not only acceptable but also can be a good deed. It’s a lovely idea to fast on your birthday as a way to express gratitude to Allah.
Are birthday presents permitted in Islam?
Indeed, giving gifts is encouraged in Islam. According to the Prophet (PBUH),
“Exchange gifts because it will increase your love for each other.” (Al-Bukhari)
Giving or accepting a gift on someone’s birthday is a gesture of kindness rather than a religious one. It is perfectly fine as long as it is carried out with love and gratitude and isn’t connected to any non-Islamic activities. Additionally, gifts ought to be modest and free of extravagant elements.
Can Muslims Eat Cake on Their Birthdays?
Yes, as long as the ingredients are halal, Muslims are allowed to eat birthday cakes. There is no religious significance to the practice of eating cake. It is merely a component of contemporary celebrations.
It is acceptable to enjoy a slice of cake at a birthday celebration if it is served respectfully, with no dancing, music, or other inappropriate activities. Sharing meals with others, especially the impoverished, if at all possible, can transform the occasion into a show of appreciation and generosity.
What About Sending Birthday Wishes and Candy?
Making a wish before blowing it out and giving birthday candy are cultural customs rather than religious practices. This practice is not specifically mentioned in Islam. Although some scholars discourage superstitious beliefs related to wishing on candles, it is not inherently haram if done for enjoyment and without any religious or magical beliefs.
Avoiding activities that propagate false beliefs or mimic religious ceremonies from other religions is what matters. It is always encouraged to keep the celebration straightforward and centered on family values.
In accordance with Islam, how do you react to birthday greetings?
As a Muslim, you should reply to birthday greetings with humility and thankfulness while adhering to the tenets of your religion. Repent to Allah and simply say “thank you” to non-Muslims when they wish you a happy birthday.
For Muslims, on the other hand, you can clarify that it is against your Fiqh to wish for yourself and, if you can, provide them with pertinent passages from the Quran.
An Understanding of the Islamic View on Birthday Celebrations
Despite the fact that birthdays are a time for happiness and celebration in many cultures and religions, Islam does not recognize this custom. Muslims are forbidden from celebrating birthdays, and the Prophet Muhammad himself did not partake in such festivities.
Some Muslims nevertheless place a great value on the Prophet’s birth, even though birthday celebrations are not a part of Islamic culture. We ought to advise them against celebrating their birthday.
We therefore hope that this essay clarified any confusion you may have had regarding the Islamic viewpoint on birthday celebrations.
