Celebrations and Customs

Q: Please advise on the new "galentines" trend, it is valentines but for friends. It has become a trend amongst the Muslim youth.

Q: Is it permissible to attend a mendhi ceremony/party or is it imitation of non-Muslims?

Q: At work, non Muslims will give new year messages. I know that new year celebrations and messages are not allowed in Islam.

Is it permissible to respond with a general statement not connected to the new year such as "I hope you enjoyed your break and all the best for the year".

Q: It's Christmas season now. Can we wish our associates and friends a prosperous new year and all the best for 2024. Not wishing happy christmas as a usual.

Q: There is a tradition on thanksgiving where 2 people pull the wishbone of a turkey and whoever is left with the bigger part of the bone that persons wish will come true. I know celebrating thanksgiving is not allowed and I know that only Allah grants things, but if I pull the wishbone with my cousin not with the intention of getting my wishes come true but with the intention of just having fun, is it kufr?

Q: If someone follows the opinion that celebrating birthdays is halaal as long as they are not extravagant and as long as they don't include something haraam, then if that person says happy birthday to non-Muslims who are celebrating it, are they still Muslim?

Because I've heard from people that if a Muslim participates in a kaafirs events then they have committed kufr (atleats that is what I understood) but what if that person thinks its ok to celebrate birthdays?

Q: What is the ruling on using balloons at jalsas and eid day, etc?

Q: What is the status of Muslim schools and madrasahs for kids celebrating Spring Day (the 1st day of spring) by making kids bring flowers or planting flowers, eating ice cream, etc. Thereafter giving it an Islamic theme like seeing the greatness of Allah in spring, etc. However doing it on this same day i.e. first day of spring. Is this allowed in or is it tashabbuh bil kuffar? 

Q: Please advise on an engagement. A couple wants to have an engagement.

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?