The Islamic Perspective on Birthday Celebrations: Is It Haram?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We begin by praising Allah sending blessings and salutations upon Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, and we ask the Almighty to bless him and his entire household, those who supported him from day one, as well as all his companions and every single one of us and our offspring.
Clarification on the Celebration of Birthdays in Islam
It is well known that Islam is a complete and perfect religion, without any loopholes. Muslims are not supposed to imitate non-Muslims in matters of religious rituals and acts of worship as the hadith of Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree clearly states:
“Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith.” (Muslim)
Based on this background, it is essential for Muslims to follow the laws of Islam and not to do things based on personal whims and desires.
The Origin and Nature of Birthday Celebrations
The earliest mention of birthdays in religious scriptures dates back to the time of Firaun. According to the Old Testament Genesis 40:20, Pharaoh's birthday celebrations included drinking and eating cakes, which were also used in pagan religious rituals or as tributes to their gods. The celebration of birthdays as a form of conveying birthday wishes, cutting cakes, and lighting candles are all rooted in pre-Islamic pagan traditions.
Religious Instructive Hadiths and Arguments Against Birthday Celebrations
A hadith narrated by Ibn 'Umar states: “He who imitates any people in their actions is considered to be one of them.” (Abu Dawud, graded as Sahih by Ibn Hibban)
This hadith indicates that imitating non-Islamic practices is not permissible. For example, wearing jeans and shirts, which originated from non-Muslims, is not haram (forbidden), as these items are cultural and not religious in nature. However, adhering to the practices that have pagan origins and are unique to non-Muslims is haram.
Although there may not be a direct evidence in the Quran and Sunnah for the prohibition of birthdays, this does not mean it is permissible. The hadith elaborates that any new practices that are innovations (bid'ah) and imitating the disbelievers are considered haram. For example, certain types of intoxicants are mentioned in the Quran, and similar prohibitions apply to birthdays.
Another argument against celebrating birthdays is the concept of "bid'ah" (religious innovation). According to the hadith, 'Every newly-invented thing is an innovation and every innovation is deviation and every deviation leads to the fire of hell.' (Sunan an-Nasai and graded as sahih by Darussalam)
Since birthdays have pagan origins and involve practices that are not supported by Islamic tradition, their celebration is not encouraged.
Alternative Celebratory Festivals in Islam
Islam only recognizes two communal festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These festivals are rooted in Islamic tradition and involve celebrating with joy, remembrance of Allah, and importantly, offering the morning prayers. Any other day that is allocated for a celebration outside of Islamic law is considered bid'ah and is not permitted.
When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, he found that people were celebrating two days. The Prophet asked them about these celebrations and learned that they were engaging in these practices during the period of ignorance. The Prophet then declared that the Muslim community has been provided with better celebrations: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. These festivals involve reflecting on religious practices and commemorative acts rather than pagan rituals.
Conclusion: The celebration of birthdays goes against Islamic teachings and stems from pagan origins. It is haram for Muslims to engage in practices that are not supported by Islamic texts and traditions. Instead, Muslims should focus on celebrating the two Islamic festivals and engage in joyful and meaningful practices that honor the religion.
Let us pray to Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, to guide us, increase our knowledge, and protect us from following anything misguiding. And by His grace, include us in the assembly of His pious servants who strive to please Him in every aspect of their lives.