Can a Muslim wish “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to anyone? And how to convince a non-muslim if it is not allowed? Kindly reply in detail.
Answer
(Fatwa: 36/36=M)
The tradition of celebrating ‘Happy Birthday’ is an invention of the West. Whose birthday is more blessed than that of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم), but the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was not alsked to celebrate his birthday; so how common people will be allowed to celebrate their birthdays. Therefore, a Muslim should not say ‘Happy Birthday’ to others; he should clearly say that it is not allowed in Islam.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband