Re: Celebrating birthdays
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If it is celebrated by imitating the Kuffar in that all or some of the customs that are unique with the Kuffar are adopted, or acts that are unlawful in Shariah are committed, then there is no doubt in its impermissibility. The lighting of candles on a cake that number the years of one’s life and then blowing on them, playing of music, singing, extravagant and lavish spending, showing off, etc are all unlawful and forbidden practices. Thus, if birthdays are celebrated by adopting the above-mentioned customs, it will not be permissible.
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What about clowns, pony rides or pin the tail on the donkey? Are they evil as well? What about giving presents, sending a card or buying them lunch?
All this "don't copy the kuffar" stuff implies that Islam is a cultural and not a religious or spiritual practice. If Islam is meant for all people of all countries, colors and creeds, then local customs and practices should not be forbidden . The reason these things are "unique and exclusive to the non-believers" is because Islam has been a closed society where Arab culture has been interpreted as religion and the sunnah taken literally which does not allow for other cultural differences to be practiced.