Is Birthday Parties Haram?
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yes, birthday parties are a custom of the kuffaar and therefore not allowed, there is also another reason, but i cant rmbr it, i'll try and find it for you 
hmm, this is what Islamqa say:
Question:
what is the evidence on celebrating birthdays,is it allowed in islam?
Answer:
The evidence in the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicates that celebrating birthdays is a kind of bid’ah or innovation in religion, which has no basis in the pure sharee’ah. It is not permitted to accept invitations to birthday celebrations, because this involves supporting and encouraging bid’ah. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed…?” [al-Shoora 42:21]
“Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment. So follow that, and follow not the desires of those who know not. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allaah (if He wants to puish you). Verily, the zaalimoon (wrongdoers) are awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allaah is the Wali (Protector, Helper) of the muttaqoon (pious).” [al-Jaathiyah 45:18-19]
“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord, and follow not any awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) besides Him. Little do you remember!” [al-A’raaf 7:3]
According to saheeh reports, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does something that is a not part of this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) will have it rejected” (reported by Muslim in his Saheeh); and “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The most evil of things are those which have been newly invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” There are many other ahaadeeth that convey the same meaning.
Besides being bid’ah and having no basis in sharee’ah, these birthday celebrations also involve imitation of the Jews and Christians in their birthday celebrations. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, warning us against following their ways and traditions: “You would follow the ways of those who came before you step by step, to such an extent that if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would enter it too.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?” (Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”(/font>
Fataawa Islamiyyah, 1/115
http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=1027&ln=eng&txt=birthday
therefore not allowed
hmm, this is what Islamqa say:
Question:
what is the evidence on celebrating birthdays,is it allowed in islam?
Answer:
The evidence in the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicates that celebrating birthdays is a kind of bid’ah or innovation in religion, which has no basis in the pure sharee’ah. It is not permitted to accept invitations to birthday celebrations, because this involves supporting and encouraging bid’ah. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed…?” [al-Shoora 42:21]
“Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment. So follow that, and follow not the desires of those who know not. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allaah (if He wants to puish you). Verily, the zaalimoon (wrongdoers) are awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allaah is the Wali (Protector, Helper) of the muttaqoon (pious).” [al-Jaathiyah 45:18-19]
“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord, and follow not any awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) besides Him. Little do you remember!” [al-A’raaf 7:3]
According to saheeh reports, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does something that is a not part of this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) will have it rejected” (reported by Muslim in his Saheeh); and “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The most evil of things are those which have been newly invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” There are many other ahaadeeth that convey the same meaning.
Besides being bid’ah and having no basis in sharee’ah, these birthday celebrations also involve imitation of the Jews and Christians in their birthday celebrations. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, warning us against following their ways and traditions: “You would follow the ways of those who came before you step by step, to such an extent that if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would enter it too.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?” (Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”(/font>
Fataawa Islamiyyah, 1/115
http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=1027&ln=eng&txt=birthday
therefore not allowed
Last edited:
islamirama
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Celebrating birthdays is not allowed
Question:
what is the evidence on celebrating birthdays,is it allowed in islam?
Answer:
The evidence in the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicates that celebrating birthdays is a kind of bid’ah or innovation in religion, which has no basis in the pure sharee’ah. It is not permitted to accept invitations to birthday celebrations, because this involves supporting and encouraging bid’ah. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed…?” [al-Shoora 42:21]
“Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment. So follow that, and follow not the desires of those who know not. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allaah (if He wants to puish you). Verily, the zaalimoon (wrongdoers) are awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allaah is the Wali (Protector, Helper) of the muttaqoon (pious).” [al-Jaathiyah 45:18-19]
“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord, and follow not any awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) besides Him. Little do you remember!” [al-A’raaf 7:3]
According to saheeh reports, the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does something that is a not part of this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) will have it rejected” (reported by Muslim in his Saheeh); and “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The most evil of things are those which have been newly invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” There are many other ahaadeeth that convey the same meaning.
Besides being bid’ah and having no basis in sharee’ah, these birthday celebrations also involve imitation of the Jews and Christians in their birthday celebrations. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, warning us against following their ways and traditions: “You would follow the ways of those who came before you step by step, to such an extent that if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would enter it too.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?” (Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim).
The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Fataawa Islamiyyah, 1/115
The Prophet
Celebrating birthdays is not allowed
Question:
what is the evidence on celebrating birthdays,is it allowed in islam?
Answer:
The evidence in the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicates that celebrating birthdays is a kind of bid’ah or innovation in religion, which has no basis in the pure sharee’ah. It is not permitted to accept invitations to birthday celebrations, because this involves supporting and encouraging bid’ah. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed…?” [al-Shoora 42:21]
“Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment. So follow that, and follow not the desires of those who know not. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allaah (if He wants to puish you). Verily, the zaalimoon (wrongdoers) are awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allaah is the Wali (Protector, Helper) of the muttaqoon (pious).” [al-Jaathiyah 45:18-19]
“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord, and follow not any awliyaa’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) besides Him. Little do you remember!” [al-A’raaf 7:3]
According to saheeh reports, the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does something that is a not part of this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) will have it rejected” (reported by Muslim in his Saheeh); and “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The most evil of things are those which have been newly invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” There are many other ahaadeeth that convey the same meaning.
Besides being bid’ah and having no basis in sharee’ah, these birthday celebrations also involve imitation of the Jews and Christians in their birthday celebrations. The ProphetFataawa Islamiyyah, 1/115(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, warning us against following their ways and traditions: “You would follow the ways of those who came before you step by step, to such an extent that if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would enter it too.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?” (Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim).
The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
I dont understand why u would copy and paste what the first person said? and increase the size
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..... did you understand the fatwa? if you did - i think we can close the thread.
..... did you understand the fatwa? if you did - i think we can close the thread.
NobleMuslimUK
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What the ruling says if its done as an Islamic thing then it will be rejected, but I dont think anyone celebrates birthdays as an Islamic thing. Although I can see how birthday parties can include many haraam actions, such as dance and music, even drinking and mixing of the sexes.
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:wasalamex
I think the reason is because it's an imitation of the disbelievers, since the original intent of those who celebrated birthdays was because they felt they had 'survived' another year in their life, whereas we believe in Qadr [destiny] anyway.
And Allaah knows best.
I think the reason is because it's an imitation of the disbelievers, since the original intent of those who celebrated birthdays was because they felt they had 'survived' another year in their life, whereas we believe in Qadr [destiny] anyway.
And Allaah knows best.
Ra`eesah
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Assalamu'Alaykum
Read this:
If we just take the time to do some research and look into the history for half the holidays that Muslims now celebrate we would be in great shock.
The history of "Birthdays" is one that is rather scary, it was invented by the "PAGANS". The fear of the evil spirits drove them to rituals. The family/ friends of that person would gather around to protect them. It was a common belief that the evil spirits were more dangerous to a person when he/she experience a change in their life, such as turning a year older. Thus as a result, birthdays was an occasion where family and friends of that individual would surround that person with "laughter and joy" in order to protect them from the "EVIL" instead of gifts most guests brought happy wishes however if they brought presents it was to be considered as good omens.
The custom of lighting candles originated with people believing that the "gods" lived in the sky and by lighting candles and torches it was a way for them to send signals or prayers to the "gods" so that they could be answered. Hence, blowing out candles and making a wish was thought of another way of sending the "signals/message" to the "gods". In the ancient times people prayed to the flames of an open fire, these were also the same people that we know as being " Fire Worshipers". They believed that the smoke carried their thoughts up to the "gods".
Wa na3oothobillah.
So many Muslims now days in Muslim lands celebrate birthdays out of ignorance.
For us [Muslims] are the two Eids that replace all holidays,
Hadith - Abu Dawood #1134, 1/675, Narrated Anas Bin Malik
The Prophet came to Medina with two days they played in. The Prophet said, What are these two days? They said, These are two days we used to play in, in our Jahiliyah. The Prophet said, Allah has replaced them with two better days: Eid Al Adhaa and Eid Al-Fitr.
In conclusion: We are told to oppose Jews and Christians by doing the opposite of what they do, so now imagine "Birthdays" the custom of the PAGANS should we not then oppose even more so?
Read this:
If we just take the time to do some research and look into the history for half the holidays that Muslims now celebrate we would be in great shock.
The history of "Birthdays" is one that is rather scary, it was invented by the "PAGANS". The fear of the evil spirits drove them to rituals. The family/ friends of that person would gather around to protect them. It was a common belief that the evil spirits were more dangerous to a person when he/she experience a change in their life, such as turning a year older. Thus as a result, birthdays was an occasion where family and friends of that individual would surround that person with "laughter and joy" in order to protect them from the "EVIL" instead of gifts most guests brought happy wishes however if they brought presents it was to be considered as good omens.
The custom of lighting candles originated with people believing that the "gods" lived in the sky and by lighting candles and torches it was a way for them to send signals or prayers to the "gods" so that they could be answered. Hence, blowing out candles and making a wish was thought of another way of sending the "signals/message" to the "gods". In the ancient times people prayed to the flames of an open fire, these were also the same people that we know as being " Fire Worshipers". They believed that the smoke carried their thoughts up to the "gods".
Wa na3oothobillah.
So many Muslims now days in Muslim lands celebrate birthdays out of ignorance.
For us [Muslims] are the two Eids that replace all holidays,
Hadith - Abu Dawood #1134, 1/675, Narrated Anas Bin Malik
The Prophet came to Medina with two days they played in. The Prophet said, What are these two days? They said, These are two days we used to play in, in our Jahiliyah. The Prophet said, Allah has replaced them with two better days: Eid Al Adhaa and Eid Al-Fitr.
In conclusion: We are told to oppose Jews and Christians by doing the opposite of what they do, so now imagine "Birthdays" the custom of the PAGANS should we not then oppose even more so?
NobleMuslimUK
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What if the fun at the birthday party is all halaal and not with the intention of reviving a pagan ritual. Its a chance to have the family around and have many different foods and so on.
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What if the fun at the birthday party is all halaal and not with the intention of reviving a pagan ritual. Its a chance to have the family around and have many different foods and so on.
:wasalamex
As sister Ra`eesah posted earlier, there was a celebration which the people of Madina would do before the Prophethood of Allaah's final Messenger (peace be upon him.) It wasn't really a religious celebration, just a normal one;
Hadith - Abu Dawood #1134, 1/675, Narrated Anas Bin Malik
The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Medina with two days they played in. The Prophet said, What are these two days? They said,
These are two days we used to play in, in our Jahiliyah (times of ignorance.) The Prophet said, Allah has replaced them with two better days: Eid Al Adhaa and Eid Al-Fitr.
And Allaah knows best.The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Medina with two days they played in. The Prophet said, What are these two days? They said,
These are two days we used to play in, in our Jahiliyah (times of ignorance.) The Prophet said, Allah has replaced them with two better days: Eid Al Adhaa and Eid Al-Fitr.
Ra`eesah
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Assalamu`Alaykum
That’s the problem these says, we as Muslims do not say "We hear and we obey" Its actually “We hear and we disobey”.
It is enough that all of these people brought you proof, of it being Haram. But yet its not enough, and its killing us to just submit, that is what being Muslim is, just Submit. That’s it. Stop looking for loop holes. Its Haram its Haram. You can not say based on your intention, you are making it halal. That is one of the conditions of Intentions, not doing something that is “Haram” and intending it to be “Halal”. Its like someone saying “ well, I have slaughtered this pig facing the qibla and I said “ Bismaillaah Allahu Akbar” now its Halal” because my intention was to make it halal. No brothers and Sisters it doesn’t work like that. Do not be like Bani Israel. They did this, they asked too many questions, they tried to find loopholes
Allaah says, And if only they had said: "We hear and obey", and "Do make us understand," it would have been better for them, and more proper, but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few.
[ An-Nisaa’ -46]
Please just obey. You have the proof. Now obey. I know I sound harsh in this post but sometimes you need to shake people up a bit.
That’s the problem these says, we as Muslims do not say "We hear and we obey" Its actually “We hear and we disobey”.
It is enough that all of these people brought you proof, of it being Haram. But yet its not enough, and its killing us to just submit, that is what being Muslim is, just Submit. That’s it. Stop looking for loop holes. Its Haram its Haram. You can not say based on your intention, you are making it halal. That is one of the conditions of Intentions, not doing something that is “Haram” and intending it to be “Halal”. Its like someone saying “ well, I have slaughtered this pig facing the qibla and I said “ Bismaillaah Allahu Akbar” now its Halal” because my intention was to make it halal. No brothers and Sisters it doesn’t work like that. Do not be like Bani Israel. They did this, they asked too many questions, they tried to find loopholes
Allaah says, And if only they had said: "We hear and obey", and "Do make us understand," it would have been better for them, and more proper, but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few.
[ An-Nisaa’ -46]
Please just obey. You have the proof. Now obey. I know I sound harsh in this post but sometimes you need to shake people up a bit.
Last edited:
Salam wa alaykum. After some investigation, I found the following non-Muslim sources which agree that birthdays are pagan related in their origin:
"The tradition of birthday parties started in Europe a long time ago. It was feared that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would come to be with the birthday person and bring good thoughts and wished. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to ward off the evil spirit. This is how birthday parties began." (Sarno, Et Al - Reading Wonders 5' 2006 Ed. - Rex Bookstore, Inc - Pg. 237).
"The reasons why we have birthday parties goes back to when people believed that good and evil spirits appeared when a child was born and influenced that child for life. These people also believed that it was dangerous for a person to have a change in his or her life. This led people to believe that birthdays were filled with danger since each year marked a change in a person's life." (Ibid - Pg. 238).
"Once upon a time only kings and queens had birthday parties, but, with the advent of the calendar, parties became commonplace. Early birthday parties were raucous affairs intended to drive away evil spirits." (Happy Birthday to You! - Ariel Books - Pg. 54).
"The birth of the birthday cake dates back to the ancient Greeks. It was their custom to present round honey cakes to Artemis, their goddess of the moon - and childbirth." (Ibid - Pg. 59)
"It is said that the earliest birthday parties were conducted because of belief that evil spirits visit on one's birthday. The gathering of friends and family, along with the lighting of candles, represent methods of protection from the threat posed by these evil forced." (Linda S. Watts - Encyclopedia Of American Folklore - Infobase Publishing, 2007 - Pg.40).
"The tradition of birthday parties began in Europe. People feared evil spirits were attracted to people on their birthdays. For protection, their friends and family would come over, bringing good wishes and presents to ward off the evil spirits." (Lisa Thompson - Cordially Invited: Have You Got What It Takes to Be an Event Planner? - Compass Point Books, 2008 - Pg. 14).
"The reason we have a cake with candles is also not known for sure. Some people think it's because a long time ago, in Greece, people used to make a round (or moon-shaped) cake for the goddess of the moon, and light candles and torches to send her messages, wishes or prayers. This might be how we started the tradition of having cakes and blowing out the candles to make a wish." (R.I.C. Publications - Comprehending Our World - R.I.C. Publications, 2008 - Pg. 49).
"The obvious question is this: what is the origin of birthdays? Birthdays were originated through astrology. We need to understand that YHWH's Scriptural calendar was replaced with the Roman calendar, which had 12 months and 385 days. The months were given pagan names/titles and this calendar made it very each for a person to keep track of his birthday, because he could look to the stars and horoscopes, instead, of YHWH. Whereas, YHWH's Scriptural calendar would mean a person's birthday would be very hard to fund each year. Maybe this fact, in and of itself, is revealing to us that YHWH doesn't what us to observe birthdays!
Modern birthday celebrations find their roots in Germany, where gifts were given and candles were lit. The lit candle have honor to the Greek moon goddess, Artemis. Wishing a person "Happy Birthday" and using noisemakers were to scare off evil spirit." (Diane L. Otto - Guess What I Discovered On The Way To Church? - Xulon Press, 2007 - Pg. 402).
Modern birthday celebrations find their roots in Germany, where gifts were given and candles were lit. The lit candle have honor to the Greek moon goddess, Artemis. Wishing a person "Happy Birthday" and using noisemakers were to scare off evil spirit." (Diane L. Otto - Guess What I Discovered On The Way To Church? - Xulon Press, 2007 - Pg. 402).
"The tradition of birthday parties began centuries ago in Europe as a deterrent to evil spirits, believed to be attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect the person having the birthday, friends and family would drop by, bringing good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts was thought to be an even more effective strategy to ward off evil spirits." (Deborah Kesten & Dean Ornish - The Healing Secrets of Food: A Practical Guide for Nourishing Body, Mind, and Soul - New World Library, 2001 - Pg. 46).
"An ancient Greek custom of honoring Artemis' birthday with a Full Moon cake is still seen today in our birthday cakes. The Greeks even put lighted candles on the Moon cake." (Deanna J. Conway - Moon Magick: Myth & Magick, Crafts & Recipes, Rituals & Spells - Llewellyn Worldwide, 1995 - Pg. 74).
"Many people believe the idea of a birthday cake came from ancient Greece. Ancient Greeks made cakes as offerings to the goddess of the moon. These cakes were round like a full moon. Later, candles were added to make the cakes glow like a full moon." (Gina DeAngelis - Greece - Compass Point Books, 2003 - Pg. 19).
"The popular custom of lighting candles on a birthday cake, making a wish, and then blowing out the candles is one that is carried out in many parts of the world. Most people are unaware, however, that this custom is actually remnants of an age-old Pagan ritual. In ancient Greece, Artemis (virgin goddess of the hint, lunar deity, and Greek equivalent to the Roman goddess Diana) was honored each year on the 24th day of May, the date of her birth, according to Greek mythology. In special temples consecrated to her worship, moon-shaped cakes adorned with burning cakes would be places upon the altar as offerings.
After the advent of the Christian faith in Greece, the worship of the ancient gods was banned by law and their temples destroyed or converted to the uses of the New Religion. However, many of the old ways, including the lighting of the candles on birthday cakes, managed to survive into the present day." (Gerina Dunwich - Exploring Spellcraft: How to Create and Cast Effective Spells - Career Press, 2001 - Pg. 97-98).
Also, refer to: (Zsuzsana Summer - The Now Age: Demystifying Spirituality, the New Age and the Metaphysical - iUniverse, 2004 - Pg.65 - Source: goo.gl/8c40). After the advent of the Christian faith in Greece, the worship of the ancient gods was banned by law and their temples destroyed or converted to the uses of the New Religion. However, many of the old ways, including the lighting of the candles on birthday cakes, managed to survive into the present day." (Gerina Dunwich - Exploring Spellcraft: How to Create and Cast Effective Spells - Career Press, 2001 - Pg. 97-98).
Salam wa alaykum. After some investigation, I found the following non-Muslim sources which agree that birthdays are pagan related in their origin:
"The tradition of birthday parties started in Europe a long time ago. It was feared that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would come to be with the birthday person and bring good thoughts and wished. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to ward off the evil spirit. This is how birthday parties began." (Sarno, Et Al - Reading Wonders 5' 2006 Ed. - Rex Bookstore, Inc - Pg. 237).
"The reasons why we have birthday parties goes back to when people believed that good and evil spirits appeared when a child was born and influenced that child for life. These people also believed that it was dangerous for a person to have a change in his or her life. This led people to believe that birthdays were filled with danger since each year marked a change in a person's life." (Ibid - Pg. 238).
"Once upon a time only kings and queens had birthday parties, but, with the advent of the calendar, parties became commonplace. Early birthday parties were raucous affairs intended to drive away evil spirits." (Happy Birthday to You! - Ariel Books - Pg. 54).
"The birth of the birthday cake dates back to the ancient Greeks. It was their custom to present round honey cakes to Artemis, their goddess of the moon - and childbirth." (Ibid - Pg. 59).
"It is said that the earliest birthday parties were conducted because of belief that evil spirits visit on one's birthday. The gathering of friends and family, along with the lighting of candles, represent methods of protection from the threat posed by these evil forced." (Linda S. Watts - Encyclopedia Of American Folklore - Infobase Publishing, 2007 - Pg.40).
"The tradition of birthday parties began in Europe. People feared evil spirits were attracted to people on their birthdays. For protection, their friends and family would come over, bringing good wishes and presents to ward off the evil spirits." (Lisa Thompson - Cordially Invited: Have You Got What It Takes to Be an Event Planner? - Compass Point Books, 2008 - Pg. 14).
"The reason we have a cake with candles is also not known for sure. Some people think it's because a long time ago, in Greece, people used to make a round (or moon-shaped) cake for the goddess of the moon, and light candles and torches to send her messages, wishes or prayers. This might be how we started the tradition of having cakes and blowing out the candles to make a wish." (R.I.C. Publications - Comprehending Our World - R.I.C. Publications, 2008 - Pg. 49).
"The obvious question is this: what is the origin of birthdays? Birthdays were originated through astrology. We need to understand that YHWH's Scriptural calendar was replaced with the Roman calendar, which had 12 months and 385 days. The months were given pagan names/titles and this calendar made it very each for a person to keep track of his birthday, because he could look to the stars and horoscopes, instead, of YHWH. Whereas, YHWH's Scriptural calendar would mean a person's birthday would be very hard to fund each year. Maybe this fact, in and of itself, is revealing to us that YHWH doesn't what us to observe birthdays!
Modern birthday celebrations find their roots in Germany, where gifts were given and candles were lit. The lit candle have honor to the Greek moon goddess, Artemis. Wishing a person "Happy Birthday" and using noisemakers were to scare off evil spirit." (Diane L. Otto - Guess What I Discovered On The Way To Church? - Xulon Press, 2007 - Pg. 402).
Modern birthday celebrations find their roots in Germany, where gifts were given and candles were lit. The lit candle have honor to the Greek moon goddess, Artemis. Wishing a person "Happy Birthday" and using noisemakers were to scare off evil spirit." (Diane L. Otto - Guess What I Discovered On The Way To Church? - Xulon Press, 2007 - Pg. 402).
"The tradition of birthday parties began centuries ago in Europe as a deterrent to evil spirits, believed to be attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect the person having the birthday, friends and family would drop by, bringing good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts was thought to be an even more effective strategy to ward off evil spirits." (Deborah Kesten & Dean Ornish - The Healing Secrets of Food: A Practical Guide for Nourishing Body, Mind, and Soul - New World Library, 2001 - Pg. 46).
"An ancient Greek custom of honoring Artemis' birthday with a Full Moon cake is still seen today in our birthday cakes. The Greeks even put lighted candles on the Moon cake." (Deanna J. Conway - Moon Magick: Myth & Magick, Crafts & Recipes, Rituals & Spells - Llewellyn Worldwide, 1995 - Pg. 74).
"Many people believe the idea of a birthday cake came from ancient Greece. Ancient Greeks made cakes as offerings to the goddess of the moon. These cakes were round like a full moon. Later, candles were added to make the cakes glow like a full moon." (Gina DeAngelis - Greece - Compass Point Books, 2003 - Pg. 19).
"The popular custom of lighting candles on a birthday cake, making a wish, and then blowing out the candles is one that is carried out in many parts of the world. Most people are unaware, however, that this custom is actually remnants of an age-old Pagan ritual. In ancient Greece, Artemis (virgin goddess of the hint, lunar deity, and Greek equivalent to the Roman goddess Diana) was honored each year on the 24th day of May, the date of her birth, according to Greek mythology. In special temples consecrated to her worship, moon-shaped cakes adorned with burning cakes would be places upon the altar as offerings.
After the advent of the Christian faith in Greece, the worship of the ancient gods was banned by law and their temples destroyed or converted to the uses of the New Religion. However, many of the old ways, including the lighting of the candles on birthday cakes, managed to survive into the present day." (Gerina Dunwich - Exploring Spellcraft: How to Create and Cast Effective Spells - Career Press, 2001 - Pg. 97-98).
Also, refer to: (Zsuzsana Summer - The Now Age: Demystifying Spirituality, the New Age and the Metaphysical - iUniverse, 2004 - Pg.65 - Source: goo.gl/8c40). After the advent of the Christian faith in Greece, the worship of the ancient gods was banned by law and their temples destroyed or converted to the uses of the New Religion. However, many of the old ways, including the lighting of the candles on birthday cakes, managed to survive into the present day." (Gerina Dunwich - Exploring Spellcraft: How to Create and Cast Effective Spells - Career Press, 2001 - Pg. 97-98).
Hi,
I agree that questioning too much is probably not the spirit of Islam, However, I believe Allah also wants us to reach the truth through learning / mutual discussion in matters where we need certain clarifications.
>> The word Party has some what open and larger meaning and may not be fixed to certain way of life. It may be both ways ie within or outside Islamic Norms.
>> I feel the concept of Birth Day Celebrations does exist in Muslims in the form of Celebrating Birth Day of Prophet Peace be Upon him. I am not sure if this concept is limited to certain factions within Muslims only and whether this forum is also sectt oriented or not.
>>> Shedding more light on the issue, the prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Tajuddin Hamid Al-Hilali, Mufti of Australia and New Zealand, states:
"A Muslim has a distinguished personality. He should not imitate others in evil things and leave the good ones. Talking to our children about their birthdays, we should remind them that on such days they should remember the blessings of Allah and praise Him for giving them life and guidance. It would be better if we ask them to offer something in charity as a form of showing gratitude.
Still there is nothing wrong if we try to make them feel happy on that day as long as we are using lawful things. It is better if we make it a day ahead or a day after. You said that your children insist on having such a celebration, and this is really dangerous. If the child insists on having his desires fulfilled at this early age, what is going to happen when he grows older? We need to be alarmed and never allow Western traditions that are based on individualism, to ruin our families. Thus, calling birthdays `eids is not accepted, for this has no basis in Islam. At the same time, there is nothing wrong if we use these occasions to inculcate Islamic principles in our children, like showing gratitude to Allah, praising Him and seizing the chance of this life in performing good deeds since the older we grow the nearer to the grave we come."
>>> Speaking about the same issue Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, Deputy Chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, adds:
“Permissibility is the original ruling in this case, as there is no evidence of prohibition. The principle of not following the Jews and Christians is really required in matters of their false claims and beliefs in relation to religion. Such beliefs are no more than disbelief from an Islamic perspective.
Islam supports the celebration of birthdays if it is an expression of gratitude to Allah for His bounties, sustenance and blessings in man’s life, as long as that celebration does not include anything that may displease Allah, the Almighty. In this context the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he answered: “It is the day on which I was born.” Muslim scholars take this hadith and the hadith of fasting on the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Mharram) as evidence on the permissibility of celebrating good occasions, which have special significance in our religion such as occasions like the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
(Source: islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543944)
I agree that questioning too much is probably not the spirit of Islam, However, I believe Allah also wants us to reach the truth through learning / mutual discussion in matters where we need certain clarifications.
>> The word Party has some what open and larger meaning and may not be fixed to certain way of life. It may be both ways ie within or outside Islamic Norms.
>> I feel the concept of Birth Day Celebrations does exist in Muslims in the form of Celebrating Birth Day of Prophet Peace be Upon him. I am not sure if this concept is limited to certain factions within Muslims only and whether this forum is also sectt oriented or not.
>>> Shedding more light on the issue, the prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Tajuddin Hamid Al-Hilali, Mufti of Australia and New Zealand, states:
"A Muslim has a distinguished personality. He should not imitate others in evil things and leave the good ones. Talking to our children about their birthdays, we should remind them that on such days they should remember the blessings of Allah and praise Him for giving them life and guidance. It would be better if we ask them to offer something in charity as a form of showing gratitude.
Still there is nothing wrong if we try to make them feel happy on that day as long as we are using lawful things. It is better if we make it a day ahead or a day after. You said that your children insist on having such a celebration, and this is really dangerous. If the child insists on having his desires fulfilled at this early age, what is going to happen when he grows older? We need to be alarmed and never allow Western traditions that are based on individualism, to ruin our families. Thus, calling birthdays `eids is not accepted, for this has no basis in Islam. At the same time, there is nothing wrong if we use these occasions to inculcate Islamic principles in our children, like showing gratitude to Allah, praising Him and seizing the chance of this life in performing good deeds since the older we grow the nearer to the grave we come."
>>> Speaking about the same issue Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, Deputy Chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, adds:
“Permissibility is the original ruling in this case, as there is no evidence of prohibition. The principle of not following the Jews and Christians is really required in matters of their false claims and beliefs in relation to religion. Such beliefs are no more than disbelief from an Islamic perspective.
Islam supports the celebration of birthdays if it is an expression of gratitude to Allah for His bounties, sustenance and blessings in man’s life, as long as that celebration does not include anything that may displease Allah, the Almighty. In this context the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he answered: “It is the day on which I was born.” Muslim scholars take this hadith and the hadith of fasting on the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Mharram) as evidence on the permissibility of celebrating good occasions, which have special significance in our religion such as occasions like the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
(Source: islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543944)
I very much agree with this.
There seems also to be a connection between birthdays and the worship of Satan.
This link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVeyan_Satanism
says:
Satanic holidays
The most important holiday in Satanism is one's own birthday, as it is the birthdate of one's own god. This is a reminder that the Satanist, committed to true "vital existence", should consider himself (or herself) the most important person in his own life. LaVey recommends that a Satanist celebrate his own birthday in any way he chooses, with as much pomp and ceremony as he sees fit. The Satanic celebration of one's birthday can thus be seen as something of a "Black Mass", by redirecting to oneself the sanctimony and celebration typically reserved for the many "high holy days" commemorating the births of key gods or saints in other religions.
We surely do not want to imitate Satanists.
azzedinefaizan
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Considering birthday parties are haram, is it haram to simply say "Happy Birthday" or go to a restaurant to mark a one-year increase in age?
