Celebrations and Customs

Q: In order to appease the kuffar, Muslims are today participating in memorial services, joint prayers with non-Muslims, vigils etc to remember the those (predominantly non-Muslim) that died in unjustified terrorist attacks. I am not a scholar but I even see scholars condoning participation in such events by participating themselves. Am I correct in understanding that participating in such prayers, vigils and services is haraam because we are not permitted to pray for a dead kafir and also imitation of kuffar methodology in expression of grief is not permissible. I also find it discomforting that at these events there is free mixing and acknowledgement by virtue of participation that all religions are equal. Would you please provide proof in light of Qur'an and Hadith whether participation in joint vigils, memorial services and prayers is permissible as family and friends do not just accept a simple answer of no without evidence of why?

Q: Thanks for replying for not celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. But if someone invited us, then we should not join them and make an excuse right? And if we just had a dinner at home with family and give a gift to the kid and have a home made cake, is it permissible? Secondly, if someone joins the birthday party then does he come out of the fold of Islam, his wife is haraam on him and he has to renew his nikaah? Thirdly, by wearing shirts and trousers and not keeping a beard are we not emulating/copying the kuffaar? Are we not supposed to refrain from wearing kuffaar outfits?

Q: Baby showers. Is there a fatwa that disallows it or does the Quran expressly forbid it? Please substantiate with some scholarly backing for the enlightenment of the sisters.

Q: Kindly tell us whether celebrating birthdays / wedding anniversaries are haraam or can be celebrated with some precautions.

Q: I have a question regarding birthdays. Can we as Muslims celebrate birthdays? I know the answer is no, but a friend of mine told me that if you just cut the cake and only invite one or two friends just to make your child happy, then it's not gunaah and you wont be punished for it. So is this true? Can we celebrate our child's birthday just the way she said?

Q: Celebrating birthdays is permissible or impermissible in Islam?

Q: Is wishing hindu friends on festivels permissible in Islam?

Q: My daughter is going to be 21 and she wants to celebrate in a hall for family and friends but wants to spend on an mc, music and 5 star etc. Please advise me.

Q: Celebrating pahela boishak the first day of Bangla year is halaal or not?

Q: I am an international student from Pakistan living and studying in Canberra, Australia. I am renting a room in a shared house with other students. My landlord has arranged a party on the occasion of Christmas today inviting all the tennants who follow different religions. I as a Muslim, can attend this party / get together? I understand the fact that wishing someone Christmas is doing shirk.