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Answered by 2 scholars Contemporary IssuesSA-0124

What is the ruling on celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or non-Islamic holidays?

Answer 1 of 2Published work 1 min read
SourcePublished work
Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah· محمد بن أبي بكر ابن قيم الجوزيةClassical Scholar

Ahkam Ahl adh-Dhimmah

Ahkam Ahl adh-Dhimmah 1/441

Congratulating the disbelievers upon the rituals of their disbelief is forbidden by consensus, even if the one congratulating does not himself fall into disbelief — for it is approval of their kufr, and approving kufr is itself kufr. As for innovated celebrations among the Muslims (birthdays, anniversaries of death, etc.), they are rejected: the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected."

Key Takeaway

Congratulating disbelievers on their religious festivals is forbidden, and innovated Muslim celebrations are rejected per the Prophetic principle.

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