Q: Is birthday parties haraam? If a person sends to me a piece of her birthday cake, will it be haraam for me to eat? To send ones children to
birthday parties will it be also haraam? Please explain this issue well and if it is haraam why?
A: Celebrating birthdays is a custom of the kuffaar. As Muslims, we are commanded to refrain from emulating the kuffaar as well as adopting their ways. 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’aala)). Hence, it is not right at all for a Muslim to share in the happiness of someone celebrating his birthday by saying “happy birthday” to him or to send gifts or attend a birthday party.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Checked & Approved: