The Status of Celebrating Birthday in Islam

NOTE: It should be noted that the below answer is the English translation of the Fatwa issued by Jamia Uloom Islamia Allama Yusuf Banuri Town, Karachi, Pakistan.

Question

is celebrating birthday forbidden in Islam? If so what is the reason?

Answer

Celebrating a birthday is not a proven act in Shari’ah. Rather it is a modern-day ceremonial act introduced by non-Muslims, which usually involves a variety of significant customs, such as: wearing a special dress, cutting a cake with candles, music, birthday songs, mix gathering and photography. This is an imitation of other non-Muslim nations. all these things are forbidden in Islam, so it is not permissible to celebrate birthdays in its usual manner.

Yes! If there are no such impermissible activities nor is it intended to imitate the disbelievers, but the family is only remembering this day for the purpose of thanking Allah for all the blessings, wellbeing, and full filling all obligations while completing one year of life. if they arrange a ceremony free from unallowed activities and sins or cook something special for the happiness of their child at home or bring it from outside, it will be permissible, but being cautious is still better.