Re: Celebrating birthdays
Ha.. for my cousins first birthday, his relatives frm ghakkar came over.. another cousin, had a freakin tent and a hall rented out for his 1st b-day.. my bro was dressed in a crown and sherwani 
But for the girls, their first birthdays are just family affairs, very cheap-err simple.. 
Re: Celebrating birthdays
I have read the post by other brothers and sisters.
The conclusion, was our tradition has to be different from kafirs.
If we believe and Allaah subhanawataala and Prophet Mohammed may peace and blessing of Allaah be upon him,
I feel the bottom line will be did Prophet Mohammed may peace and blessing of Allaah be upon him, did he celebrate his birthday.
Did he give consent to celebrate birthdays, then did the righteos predecessors or Sahabas radiallaahuanhom celebrated the birhtday.
The argument is based on celebrating birthdays and this action was not performed by our beloves Prophet may peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him.
Allaah knows the best
Re: Celebrating birthdays
Is it permitted to celebrate birthdays?
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
Principally, birthdays are not something that should be celebrated or to be happy about. When it is someone's birthday, one year of his/her life has decreased, and not increased. As such, what intelligence is there in celebrating and showing happiness when a year has decreased in one's life?
Before understanding the legal ruling with regards to birthday celebrations, it is worth remembering here that imitation of the unbelievers (Kuffar) is something that Islam strictly disapproves of.
In a Hadith recorded by Imam Abu Dawud (Allah have Mercy on him) and others, The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
āWhosoever imitates a nation is amongst themā. (Sunan Abu Dawud,)
It should be remembered here that not everything what the non-Muslims wear and do, is Haram and unlawful. Imitation, which is prohibited, is effected in one of the following two ways:
a) One does something with the intention of imitating the Kuffar, meaning one does so because one wants to be like a particular non-believer or non-believers.
b) Doing something that is unique and exclusive to the non-believers or it is part of their faith. This will also be considered imitation, thus Haram (unlawful). (See the Fatwa of Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani).
In light of the above, there are few situations with regards to the Shariah (legal) ruling on celebrating birthdays:
1)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 oneās 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.
2)If the above-mentioned evils are avoided, then there are two possibilities:
a) If one celebrates birthdays with the intention of imitating the Kuffar meaning one does so because one wants to be like the Kuffar, then, as stated previously, it will be considered imitating the Kuffar, thus unlawful.
b) If there is no intention of imitating the Kuffar (and also the above mentioned evils are avoided) then the ruling on celebrating birthdays will depend on whether it originated from the religious customs of the non-Muslims and it is part of their faith. (It can not be considered to be unique with the Kuffar, for celebrating birthdays has become a widespread phenomenon that is carried out in many different parts of the world). I am personally unaware of whether celebrating birthdays has a connection with the Christian faith or other wise, thus I am unable to give a decisive ruling.
However, I have mentioned the criterion of which the ruling will be based. If the origins of birthday celebrations are connected to a particular faith, then there is no doubt in its impermissibility. If, however, it has no connections with the faith of the non-Muslims, then (and Allah knows best) it seems that it would be permissible to celebrate it (provided the evils mentioned above are avoided).
3)If one thanks Allah and shows gratitude for being blessed with one more year of his life, thus expresses happiness and joy, then there is nothing wrong with that. (See: al-Fatawa al-Rahimiyya (urdu), 6/320).
And Allah knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK
www.daruliftaa.org
Re: Celebrating birthdays
[quote]
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 oneās 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.
[/quote]
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.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
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.
You didn't get the point. Anything that goes against the Shariah or not included in the Shariah is forbidden. Doesn't mean that people can't have their own cultures. I wear normal cloths just like all of the Kuffars. Does that make me a Kuffar? No.
Anyways, these little things, what are we getting by debating it..?
Re: Celebrating birthdays
Asslam-U-Alikum
Please guys don't start the logic thing again, i'm getting sick of logic thing. Islam doesn't prohibit asking question but there's extent to it. I'll end this "logic" issue with simple Quranic quotes, interpertation of the meaning: "Would ye question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way." (Surah Baqra, 2:108).
*If people of certain areas don't practice Islam properly and have inculded their own culture tradition for certain activities (e.g. marriage) that doesn't mean that what Islam is or whatever they're doing in name of Islam is correct. You can do inculde the certain cultural traditions for certain special occassions as long as they don't contradict Islamic values and don't go beyond those Islamic values. *
Now back to the main topic, Now, tell me does celebrating Birthdays like Kafirs follow Islamic laws? Doesn't Allah (SWT) and His messenger (SAW) say that don't imitate kafirs? Doesn't Allah's messenger prohibte wasting money? One thing that's so straight: Allah mentioned so many times in the Quran that follow me and my messenger. Did the great and perfect man on the earth, Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), celeberated his birthday or advised others to do so? **If the greatest people, ever on earth, never did then**** why us? Why in the world we always need to bring in our stupid logic and find alternate ways to calm and worship our desires? Doesn't Allah say in Quran, ***interpertation of the meaning:* "O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed? (Surah Ya-sin, 36:60). **If we truly believes in Quran and Sunnah then what more proofs can we ask for? Are the words of God and His messenger more important for us or our human logic? It doesn't matter how many times we say, "O Allah and Allah's Prophet(SAW) we love you," if we're not actually going to follow Allah's orders and do as He said and His messenger(SAW) did.
I always say to my friends, it's very easy to fail in course but it's hard to ace in it. There're will be so many obstcales which we'll have to over come in order to achieve in our goals. Our desires will tell us not to do our homework but instead play games, watch TV etc. *Now choice is our what we really want to do. *Are we going to follow our desires and be ashamed ourselves tomorrow when the result will come out or fight against it to achieve in our goals and be the among those who would achieve the glory? Allah Subhaanhu Wa Ta'ala told us what questions He'll ask in the test and what are the answers for those questions. Even after knowing the exams' questions and answers ahead we fail, we should be ashamed ourselves. There's never tomorrow, who knows when death would knock our doors. So we should seek Allah's forgiveness and start loving Him from bottom our hearts before it's too late. We should give up things/desires that we love or makes us feel better to please Allah Subhaanhu Wa Ta'ala.
**@Seminole: Islam isn't a culture and it has it's own special occasions days, (Eid etc.) Islam never said that go and adopt other people's cultures. Yes, indeed Islam is for everyone but Islam never encouraged people to stick with their ignorant traditions, or thoughts that're against Islam. Why something would be allowed in Islam when it's against Islam?
Islam is a way of life and should be practiced for every single act we do, for things that happen in our daily lives, (e.g any special days etc.). Therefore, whatever thing we do that's not for Islam or goes against Islamic shariah, it means that we're introducing it in Islam.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
No, it's not about immitating kafir's. For some of us, at least.
What Das Reich has highlighted is a rather potent point; it's food for thought.
As for imitating Kafir, this is a point that people bandy about with the sophisitication of school children. Islam is NOT against culture...in fact, traditional rules of Fiqh allow for cultural considerations so long as they retain within the norms of Islamic law....
Eating cake and what not is more or less within these norms, unless it dives into decadence and spoiling our children for no good reason other than approaching one year closer to death...it's always easy to find alternatives...a good grade, a good deed...whatever. Do what you will, but at least have the decency to admit that that is a powerful point.
Islam has no culture in itself...what we consider much of Islamic culture is in fact Arab/Bedouin culture. Harmless in and of itself, but outright innovation if we suggest that it is mandated by religion to follow any particular culture.
If birthdays are alien to Pakistanis, then don't celebrate it...the case is valid to a degree; if you're a born Canadian (or even better, a Canadian convert) then you really aren't imitating kafir...you're simply being yourself.
There are incredible similarities between how the Prophet (pbuh) and the Sahaba dressed (for example) and how the kafir's did. Or how they fought or how they spoke...imitation is by intent, not by sharing salient cultural traits. For those of us born in the West...birthdays are very much as salient as taking weekends off...
What is forbidden is imitating the kafir in characteristic traits such that by imitating such traits one may be considered to be identifying with them. Trimming the moustache and growing the beard is a prime example of this; the Kafir's of Arabia did the opposite. Names are another prime example. Eating pasta or sheppards pie is not.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
The latter part is incorrect. Anything that is not explicitly forbidden or can be considered forbidden by analogy is what is not allowed; all other things are.
In matters of religion, only that which has been allowed can be practiced...everything else is forbidden.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
Some scholars consider celebrating Birthdays as Mubaah provided nothing is done against Sharia.. Wallaho Alam
Re: Celebrating birthdays
Islam is a way of life and should be practiced for every single act we do, for things that happen in our daily lives, (e.g any special days etc.). Therefore, whatever thing we do that's not for Islam or goes against Islamic shariah, it means that we're introducing it in Islam.
Everything you say here after "Islam isn't a culture" goes on to explain how Islam **is **a culture.
If someone converts that lives in a western culture, why in the world would they be expected to mimic ancient Arab culture? Celebrating birthdays, being off the weekend, taking mom out on Mother's Day are all normal things they would have done their whole lives and are NOT ignorant traditions. Just because Muhammed didn't do something 1400 years ago doesn't make it against Islamic shriah or ignorant.
The whole "logic thing" isn't such a bad thing really. You ought to not be so against it.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
Did you read rest of my post, if you did read and you still say this theni find no point arguing with you. Islam isnāt arab culture, itās a religion. By the way whatās your definition of Islam? Whenever you say Prophet Muhammad you always add :saw: at the end, Jazak Allah.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
If someone converts that lives in a western culture, why in the world would they be expected to mimic ancient Arab culture? Celebrating birthdays, being off the weekend, taking mom out on Mother's Day are all normal things they would have done their whole lives and are NOT ignorant traditions. Just because Muhammed didn't do something 1400 years ago doesn't make it against Islamic shriah or ignorant.
The whole "logic thing" isn't such a bad thing really. You ought to not be so against it.
Nobody is saying to mimic ancient Arab culture. Taking mom out for the the day for only on Mother's day is just pathetic. When you mom is older, you throw her in the seniors' home and don't even call her. When comes mother's day, you take her out and at the end of the day you throw her back in the black hole.
This is not Islam. In Islam your mother is the most respected of all! Seriously I don't you grasped what has been said.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
This is not Islam. In Islam your mother is the most respected of all! Seriously I don't you grasped what has been said.
It is you who is not grasping. Limiting the care of your mother to taking her to lunch on Mother's Day is repulsive. Don't be so judgmental, I feel sure I take care of my mother better than you want or are able to take of your own.
Re: Celebrating birthdays
yes I read your post. It does nothing to dispel the part I quoted which makes following sunnah literally an imitation of Arab culture.
I do not think Islam is Arab culture, it is obviously a religion. But Iām not the one trying to equate culture with religion.
So answer this, if someone that has lived in western culture their whole life converts to Islam, are they expected to stop following their customs if it was something Muhammed or those who tell is story did not follow?
Re: Celebrating birthdays
sometime they do so to save their own behind when facing Allah, so YOU wouldnāt have excuse āAllah mian, nobody told meā 
Did someone tell you Islam is the party religion? I am sorry if someone misguided you.
Yes you are āFREEā to do that as long as you know the differences in amount of time here and in hereafter
Re: Celebrating birthdays
Are you a muslim? You seriously need to show some respect to Prophet Muhammad :saw:. Could someone or a mod please tell him how to respect people? Do you even read peopleās post?
I said earlier
. Any cultural custom or tradition thatās not from Islam or contradict Islamic values should not be practiced, Islam simply doesnāt allow it. From the start iām saying, Islam is religion, youāre the one whoās always bringing culture and stuff in the conversation. Is this clear?
I also said:
But you did samething again! Do you need someoneās help with reading?
Re: Celebrating birthdays
did I also then misunderstand the term dawat-e-islam?
Re: Celebrating birthdays
yeh kahan se ācelebrating birthdaysā/party-bazi mai aa gayee? 
Re: Celebrating birthdays
Iām not Muslim.
ā¦
I still donāt know how you say you donāt believe Islam is heavily influenced by culture, but then say āAny cultural custom or tradition thatās not from Islamā¦ should not be practiced, Islam simply doesnāt allow it.ā
That is exactly what you are saying. You are making contradicting statements.