Although I’m Mashallah only in my first trimester I’ve been asked about what I plan to do for my maternity leaving do at work.
The tradition at work is to have lunch down the local pub, or go to one of the local restaurants. Unfortunatley both options are not right for me. The local pub is simply a no go, and I really don’t like any local places near to where I work to actually go for a meal.
Someone has suggested having a simple lunch/appertizer do in the afternoon at home taking inspiration from Baby showers.
Has anyone else done something similar? I know we’ve had great debates in regards to Islam Vs Baby showers, and a part of me is quite worried about having a baby shower inspired lunch do if they are simply wrong for us Muslims (eekk decisions decisions!!!).
Re: Leaving lunch or kind-of baby shower inspired do?
If you don't feel like going out to any pubs to celebrate with your work people, you can tell them that you're not up to it/uncomfortable with the idea. I'm pretty sure that they won't force you to go some place you don't want to.
They can have a little lunch for you at work, perhaps a potluck or order in from a place that you like. It doesn't necessarily have to have a baby shower theme, but everyone on your team knows that it is for your upcoming baby.
At my work, they have a one hour lunch where we order in, there's a cake and everyone's chipped in like $5 or so to purchase a gift for the new mom-to-be.
And I don't think there's anything Islamically wrong with celebrating your upcoming baby, especially when others are doing it out of kindness for you.
At my work, they have a one hour lunch where we order in, there's a cake and everyone's chipped in like $5 or so to purchase a gift for the new mom-to-be.
And I don't think there's anything Islamically wrong with celebrating your upcoming baby, especially when others are doing it out of kindness for you.
Good luck!
Thats what is done at our work too, we either do lunch or a snack thing in the office around 3 ish, with soda, snacks and a baby-themed cake .... people bring in individual gifts or they make groups and chip in to buy a group gift.
I agree with smilestar, I don't see anything wrong with celebrating the birth of your baby. Why would you think its Islamically wrong?
Sahar & Brit Chick-I’m 99.99% positive there was a biggish thread on the topic on GS somewhere about it being more of a hindu tradition etc etc and after going through the thread my head started to hurt (I think its called Bodh barai or something).
Re: Leaving lunch or kind-of baby shower inspired do?
Hindus have a Godh Barhai.
But baby showers are not uniquely Hindu. I don't feel there is anything wrong with it. In fact it is a celebration of one of Allah SWT's greatest gifts. If you don't personally have an issue with it, then don't worry about what others say, and have a shower.
Re: Leaving lunch or kind-of baby shower inspired do?
This shouldnt be an issue. You will be leaving work and your colleagues want to see you off with a party to wish you well. Its a lovely and generous gesture on their part. For your part, you should try to be gracious even if the food or venue isnt up to your standards.
Re: Leaving lunch or kind-of baby shower inspired do?
As far as I know, Godh bharayee is totally different… it includes some rasams, like mehndi, mayoon, etc.
Baby showers are just well-wishers getting together to give you gifts, its kind of like a birthday party in my opinion
I have to choose the venue Mamaof3, and considering I do not use Pubs on an average day I do not see it as something to do as a one off such as a lunch :halo: I think my work friends will understand as I don’t attend things like the Christmas lunch either due to the location of it. It’s not being ungrateful, it’s my personal preference.
Thank you for the input ladies, so the general feeling is as long as it’s just food, well wishers etc and no celebrations that imitate those of say other religions I should be fine? I guess it’s my first pregnancy and don’t want to get anything ‘wrong’ does that make sense?
Because there are some who take something even remotely fun thats "western" and like to label it baaaaaaaaaad. people have issues with cutting a cake!!
I think theres nothing wrong with it, to each thier own..if one chooses not to have one or participate in one, thats their choice but I don't believe its in any way un-Islamic (but not saying its a part of Islam either) :)
its a sweet gesture on the part of the friends and family of the pregnant woman....I'm sure they will understand your reservations about where to go and whatnot..
Re: Leaving lunch or kind-of baby shower inspired do?
godh bharai is religious and cultural both- my bff is hindu and at hers there were puja's (religious) and other things involved like gifting coconuts (cultural) etc.
a baby shower on its own though is just a party to celebrate your baby. and there ain't nothing wrong with parties :)
you can introduce islamic elements into by incorporating a khatm or a milad if you want, but its not a requirement.
jews don't have baby showers because they consider it a nazr-thing. they prefer to celebrate after the baby is born. i like that but i want presents before haha :p
Hehe, if we go somewhere for lunch we all pay for ourselves hun, and if we have something in house (done once before as far as I’ve been told) everyone including me is expected to contribute-no free food here
