Q: I would like to know if baby/wedding showers are permissible or not?
A:
The giving of gifts in Islam is meritorious and highly commendable. It is a means of creating bonds of closeness and affection between people. However, There is no basis in Islam to arrange a special occasion for the exchanging of gifts.
Secondly, baby/wedding showers are from the way of life and culture of disbelievers, regarding which Rasullualh Sallallahu alayhi wasallam has stated that a person that imitates a nation is from them.
Thirdly, there are many un-Islamic practices that take place at such functions details of which require no elucidation. Fourthly, many persons are placed under pressure to present an “appropriate” gift for the occasion even if they are unable to afford it.
One should therefore freely give gifts but abstain from inculcating and adopting the mannerisms and practices of disbelievers.
Jamiatul Ulama (Council of Muslim Theologians), Johannesburg