Q: I have often heard that celebrating birthdays is strictly prohibited and haraam in Islam. Now what about those owners of hotel and restaurants which are earning money for arranging these birthday parties. Is this amount haraam for them too? Please provide a detailed description with reference.
A: They should refrain from this. Celebrating birthdays is a custom of the kuffaar. As Muslims, we are commanded to refrain from emulating the kuffaar as well as adopting their ways. Earning in this way is indeed very shameful for a Muslim.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)