Q: My wife informs me of an invite to a surprise birthday party - her sister is turning sixty tomorrow.
Would it be correct to attend, or allow family to? The sister is visited at least every fortnight, and the intention of paying a family visit could be used: what is the Shari stance?
A: You should not attend this function. Muslims do not celebrate birthdays. Celebrating birthdays is a part of the kuffaar culture which opposes the way of Islam. Islam prohibits us from emulating the kuffaar in their ways and culture as well as following them in their customs.
Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم (the one who emulates a people will be counted from amongst them [in the sight of Allah Ta’ala]).
You should politely explain to them that the reason for you not attending the function is that celebrating birthdays is against the Islamic teachings and the Islamic culture.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Checked & Approved: