Self-reckoning no excuse for celebrating birthdays

10-11-2007 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is it permissible to celebrate one’s birthday for the sake of self-reckoning and recalling one’s deeds throughout that past year; not for the sake of imitating disbelievers?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

 

We have previously clarified the ruling on celebrating birthdays in Fataawa 84957, 81725, 86137 and 92663. We would like to call the questioner’s attention to the fact that what he has mentioned does not constitute a valid reason to celebrate birthdays.

Muslims are required to call themselves to account everyday. Moreover, this kind of celebration is in itself an imitation of the acts of disbelievers for they originated this idea that has become one of their habits and only those who are influenced by them do the same.

We ask Allaah The Almighty to improve the condition of all Muslims.

Allaah Knows best.