Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Sharif, “There is definitely an excellent example in Allah’s Rasool Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam for the one who fears Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah abundantly.” [Re:-Surah Ahzaab Verse, 21]
In another verse, Allah Ta’ala states, Say (O Muhammad Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “If you love Allah then follow me (Muhammad Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah will then love you and forgive your sins. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Re:-Surah Aa’le Imraan Verse, 31]
The way of life that was granted to our noble leader and master, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, is indeed most beloved to Allah Ta’ala. We, as the followers of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, are commanded to follow this blessed way of life which is referred to as the ‘Sunnah’.
Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Whoever acts upon my Sunnah certainly loves me, and whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.”
عن أنس بن مالك قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من أحيا سنتي فقد أحبني، ومن أحبني كان معي في الجنة (الطبراني الاوسط)
Now contemplate for a moment, did Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam or the Sahaabah ever celebrate birthdays, or did our pious predecessors (whom we claim to love very dearly) celebrate their birthdays? Did the pious and righteous Ulama in all eras ever celebrate their birthdays? If the answer is no, then when was this concept initiated, and, who initiated it?
The internet states, ‘Referring to the Bible, the first birthday is believed to be celebrated somewhere around 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. The Pharaohs, who were crowned in ancient Egypt were believed to be transformed into Gods, and their birthdays were the first to be celebrated ever in history.’
What does Bible say about birthdays?
The Bible doesn’t command us to celebrate yearly the day of our birth, but it does say that we are to give thanks to God. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.
Birthdays are a celebration of Kufr and disbelief as understood from the above two excerpts. It was initiated by the Kuffar and Mushrikeen. We, as Muslims, have stooped to such a low level that we have discarded the way of life of our Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam (the best of Allah’s creation) and adopted a celebration of Kufr and Shirk. Even if we suffice on having tea and cake and celebrate a ‘birthday’ just a few days after (the actual birthday of the person), the reality of the matter will not change. The question is, why are we having cake and tea just a few days after the birthday together with friends and relatives? Why don’t we do so at all times? The answer is as clear as daylight and can be understood by all. We are deceiving none other than ourselves, whereas Allah Ta’ala is fully aware of even the thoughts that cross the mind of a person.
We also have celebrations in our Deen. The Day of Jumuah is a day of celebration and on this day a person, after taking Ghusl, adorns himself with the best of clothing and applies Itr. We generally cook the best food on the day of Jumuah. However, we spend additional time in the Masjid listening to the Khutbah of Jumuah and even performing 2 additional Rakaats of Salaah. Similarly, on both the days of Eid, we perform extra Salaah and listen to an extra Khutbah. In short, on our days of celebration we increase in the Ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala. On the other hand, the Kuffar celebrations are filled with Haraam activities such as drinking, music, wastage and extravagance, singing futile songs wishing one a happy birthday, lighting candles, children dressing in weird costumes and adults dressing in the most immodest manner etc. It doesn’t end there but instead it has gone one step further. These birthdays have now reached restaurants, beaches, entertainment centres and public halls, which sometimes cost hundreds of thousands of Rands, whilst millions of people go hungry without a decent meal. Invitation cards which are printed for such an occasion that lasts merely a few hours and costs a fortune, are discarded and thrown into garbage bins. Clowns and party equipment are hired for the occasion, which is totally against the grain and teachings of Shariah. Every person attending the function is pleased, whilst Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam are displeased.
In spite of so many evils attached to these birthday parties, we, too, have followed suit. In order to oppose such celebrations, we could have spent at least a few minutes performing Salaah, being grateful for the bounties of Allah Ta’ala, seeking forgiveness for the past errors committed in our lives, and most importantly, remembering our time of death which is drawing closer every split second. It is really sad that Muslims cannot see the wrongs in these celebrations whereas the evils are as clear as daylight. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the understanding. Ameen!
