How Do Muslims Celebrate Birthdays?
The manner in which Muslims celebrate birthdays varies widely, based on their beliefs, tradition and cultural influence. Some very traditional Muslims do not celebrate birthdays – neither their own nor other people’s – based on the belief that it is forbidden by Sharia Law, according to The Times of India.
In 2011, Muslim leader Darul Uloom Deoband advised Muslims against the celebration of birthdays, stating that Islam did not allow such celebrations of Western culture. Therefore, some Muslims, especially those who are considered orthodox, do not celebrate birthdays at all.
Some Muslims celebrate birthdays in the traditional American manner, stating that there is nothing in the Quran that specifically prohibits such a custom. Further, the adoption of Western culture is also not prohibited by the Quran, according to New Religion. However, some believe that Islam advises Muslims against the celebration, since the religion asks its believers to celebrate and give thanks every day of the year, rather than marking the birthday with a celebration which may be considered pagan.
Many Muslims celebrate the birth anniversary of the prophet Mohammad, although this is not practiced by the Islamic seminary, according to the Times of India. Orthodox Muslims also choose not to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, according to IslamQA.
