Is It Haram To Celebrate Birthdays In Islam?
Is celebrating birthdays haram: Being a Muslim, there are many things that we have to follow. There is a specific way to do everything which Islam has defined. So, when it comes to celebrating birthdays, the question arises is it haram to celebrate birthdays in Islam?
Well, to answer this question, we will have to look into Islamic teachings. There is no clear-cut answer to this question as scholars have different opinions on this matter. Some say it is permissible to celebrate birthdays, while others say it is not allowed in Islam.
So today, we will discuss whether can Muslim celebrate birthdays by looking into different opinions of scholars on this matter, and then you can decide for yourself what is the ruling in Islam about celebrating birthdays.
Is It Haram To Celebrate Birthdays In Islam?
The short answer is it is seen as bid’ah and is discouraged by most Muslim scholars, so it is haram to celebrate birthdays in Islam.
Although, there is no clear-cut answer, as different scholars have different opinions on this matter.
Some scholars say that it is permissible to celebrate birthdays, while the majority of scholars say that it is not allowed in Islam.
Celebrating birthdays is seen as bid’ah because the idea of celebrating birthdays is not found in the Quran or Sunnah, and some scholars argue that it was not done during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
On the day of your birthday, remind that now you’ve one year older, and as Muslims, we should thank Allah for blessing us with another day of life. Also, we should think that now coming close to the day of judgment, and we should spend our time meaningfully.
Earlier, the birthday celebration was not like that; people just used to remember their loved ones and thank god for another year of life. The non-muslims introduced it, and Muslims started copying it, which is not allowed in Islam.
At last, we can say that it is better to be safe and not celebrate birthdays in Islam as there are other ways of thanking Allah and remembering loved ones.
We should follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and use our time in useful activities such as reading Quran, performing salah, and helping needy people. This way, we can be true Muslims and please Allah SWT.
You might also find it helpful to read is mother’s day haram or is father’s day haram.
Why Do Some Scholars Say It Is Not Allowed To Celebrate Birthdays?
The main reason why some scholars say that it is not allowed to celebrate birthdays is because it has similarities with pagan practices.
It is reported that pagans used to celebrate the birth of their gods and goddesses on specific dates. They used to make special offerings and do special worship on this day.
So, when Muslims started celebrating birthdays, it was seen as a continuation of pagan practices.
Another reason why some scholars say that it is not allowed to celebrate birthdays is that there is no clear guidance from Quran and Sunnah on this matter.
And according to Islamic teachings, we should do those things which are allowed by Quran and Sunnah and avoid those things which are not clearly mentioned in Quran and Sunnah.
So, if there is no clear guidance from the Quran and Sunnah on this matter, it is better to avoid celebrating birthdays.
Why Do Some Scholars Say It Is Halal To Celebrate Birthdays?
The main reason why some scholars say that it is allowed to celebrate birthdays is because there is no clear prohibition from Quran and Sunnah on this matter.
They also argue that there is no similarity between celebrating birthdays and pagan practices as Muslims do not make any special offerings or do any special worship on these days.
So, according to these scholars, celebrating birthdays is not haram as there is no clear guidance from Quran and Sunnah on this matter.
You can also read is it haram to celebrate new years.
Which Is The Correct Opinion?
As we have seen, there is a difference of opinion among scholars on this matter. So, which is the correct opinion?
The answer to this question is that we cannot say for sure which opinion is correct.
However, the preponderant opinion is that it is better to avoid celebrating birthdays as there is no clear guidance from Quran and Sunnah on this matter.
It’s better to be on the safe side and avoid doing something not clearly mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.
Is It Haram To Celebrate Prophet’s Birthday?
There is no clear answer to this as there is no evidence in the Quran or Hadith that suggests celebrating the Prophet’s birthday is haram or halal.
However, some scholars believe that since there is no clear evidence, it is best to avoid celebrating the Prophet’s birthday.
Whereas others argue that since the Prophet himself never forbade the practice, it is permissible.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they believe is right. Still, if you ask us, we recommend avoiding celebrating prophet’s birthday and instead making dua and reading the Quran.
Is It Haram To Go To A Birthday Party?
If you believe it is haram to celebrate birthdays, then it would also be haram to go to a birthday party. This is because you would be participating in something that is considered haram.
However, suppose you believe that celebrating birthdays is permissible. In that case, there is no reason why you shouldn’t attend a birthday party until and unless there is no music, dancing, or other activities that are considered haram in Islam.
Why Don’t Muslims Celebrate Birthdays?
Muslims who don’t celebrate birthdays usually do so because they believe that it is haram. As mentioned earlier, there is no clear evidence in the Quran or Hadith that suggests celebrating birthdays is haram or halal.
However, some scholars believe that since there is no clear evidence, it is best to avoid celebrating birthdays.
Is Wishing Someone Happy Birthday Haram In Islam?
If you follow the opinion that it is haram to celebrate birthdays, then wishing someone a happy birthday would also be considered haram. This is because you would be participating in something that is considered haram.
However, if you believe that celebrating birthdays is permissible, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t wish someone a happy birthday.
Why Are Birthdays Haram?
Celebrating birthdays in Islam is seen as haram because the idea of celebrating birthdays was not found or practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The idea of celebrating birthdays is thought to have been introduced by non-Muslims, and Muslims started copying it, which is not allowed in Islam.
Moreover, celebrating birthdays can also encourage the idea of vanity and pride in oneself as it marks a milestone in a person’s life. This is contradictory to the Islamic teachings of humility and modesty.
Another reason why celebrating birthdays is haram is because it can lead to wasting time and money on unnecessary things. Islam encourages its followers to use their time and resources in meaningful activities like helping the needy, reading Quran, and performing salah.
Thus, it is better to be on the safe side and should not celebrate birthdays in Islam.
If you’re married you must read is celebrating anniversary haram.
Tips To Avoid Celebrating Birthdays
If you’re looking to avoid celebrating birthdays in Islam, here are some tips you can consider:
- Remember that celebrating birthdays is haram according to Islam and should be avoided.
- Instead of celebrating birthdays, use the day to remember Allah and thank Him for blessing you with another year of life.
- Spend your time in useful activities such as reading Quran, performing salah, and helping needy people.
- If someone around you is celebrating their birthday, avoid participating in any activities related to birthdays.
- Spend time with your family and friends by engaging in meaningful activities like having dinner together or going on a picnic.
Lastly, make dua on the day of your birthday and throughout the year, asking Allah to grant you success in this life and hereafter.
If you have completed your graduation and planning to celebrate or wants to join others graduation party make sure you know first Is It Haram To Celebrate Graduation or not.
FAQs
Q. Are birthdays haram?
A. Yes, celebrating a birthday is seen as bid’ah and is discouraged by most Muslim scholars. It is celebrated by pagans and non-Muslims, which is why it is not allowed in Islam.
Q. Is it allowed to celebrate birthdays in Islam?
A. In Islam, celebrating a birthday is not allowed. This is because the idea of celebrating birthdays is not found in the Quran or Sunnah.
Q. Do Muslims celebrate birthdays?
A. No, Muslims do not celebrate birthdays, as it is not allowed in Islam. However, some Muslims still celebrate birthdays, which most Muslim scholars do not approve.
Q. Is it Haram to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet?
A. There is a different opinions by different scholars and branches of Islam. Some scholars say that it is permissible to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet, while some say that it is not allowed in Islam. It is better to be safe and not celebrate birthdays of any kind in Islam.
Q. Are birthday parties haram?
A. Yes, it is haram to even get involved in birthday parties as it goes against the Islamic teachings to celebrate birthdays. It is seen as bid’ah and should be avoided by Muslims.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no clear answer as to whether or not it is haram to celebrate birthdays in Islam. Some scholars believe that since there is no clear evidence, it is best to avoid celebrating birthdays.
Whereas others argue that since the Prophet himself never forbade the practice, so it is permissible. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they believe is right.
However, according to our team and researchers, it’s better to avoid celebrating birthdays as there is a chance that it might be haram. Instead, focus on doing good deeds and worshipping Allah. That is what will truly make you happy in this life and the hereafter.
What do you think? Is it haram to celebrate birthdays? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy birthday! Or not…?
