It’s a common knee jerk reaction that birthdays in Islam = haraam. In fact if you Google “birthdays Islam,” this is the first thing you get.
So, many new converts, encouraged to go hardcore and do EVERYTHING in Islam the second they convert, choose to give up birthdays (along with Christmas, Halloween, nail polish, pork, music, movies, tv, their pet dog Muffy, their non-Muslim relatives (God forbid they die, b/c you ain’t going to Nana’s funeral now), Skittles, Starburst and every other questionably haraam candy, Crest toothpaste, rice crispy treats, photographs etc, etc, etc, omg the list goes on forever).
But wait. How do we know birthdays are not “part of this matter of ours (i.e., Islam)?” Birthdays are a part of American culture, and American culture isn’t intrinsically haraam.
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). (Q. 49:13)
“In Islam, birthdays are not considered `eid (a festival) like `Eidul-Fitr or `Eidul-Adha, because `eidshave conditions and guidelines such as not being allowed to fast during the days of Eid. Therefore, birthdays are simply occasions of a person’s date of birth and are a matter of culture. If a person wants to commemorate his/her date of birth, then he/she may do so, especially if he/she takes the opportunity to reflect on the past and pledge to be better during the following year. However, to make the birthday an important occasion is not recommended or encouraged.” (From Islamonline, which abridged it from islamicity)
Still, many of my friends don’t believe in celebrating birthdays. And that is their right and I applaud them for shedding one more part of the dunya. I recognize my birthday. I don’t know if I should have balloons and a party (presents and cake are always accepted, for any occasion). I don’t know if I will throw my kids parties. But recognizing that I was born on a certain day, that my mother labored on that day and brought me into this world, that Allah created me for this world: that makes me thankful.
The Prophet (saw) used to celebrate his birth by fasting.
Muslim reports on the authority of Qatadah Al-Ansari that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), was asked about fasting on Monday and he replied: “It is the day on which I was born and on which I received the Divine Revelation”.
And maybe that is a good example for us.
Anyway, Happy Birthday Audra. :)
*Asiah*
P.S. Clowns are DEFINITELY haraam. Just say no to clowns.
Lol. Thanks Asiyah. If clowns are haraam, pinatas have to be halal, right? I love pinatas.
Anyway, some time ago I happened to come across a sufi book in a book store and I couldn’t stop reading it so I broke down and bought it. It made a point about separating “dunya” from spirituality and religion. It says:
“If you came to a scrossraods and the signs read: “This way to Life,” and “This way to God,” which way would you choose?
How many generations of honest people have been bewildered by this apparent dilemma, believing that the way to God lies in the opposite direction from a human life? How many people’s psychospiritual health has been undermined because they took the road away from their own humanity?
Can we imagine a spirituality that integrates the highest spiritual attainment with a fully lived human life? Is it possible that the realization of the Divine is the realization of complete humaness?”
~Kabir Helminski, “The Knowing Heart”
From what I know and understand, there is very little in the actual literature of Islam (Qur’aan and Hadith) that states that anyone should be sacraficing so many things for the sake of God where God doesn’t directly ask them to.
God has not directly asked me anywhere not to celebrate my birthday. Further, on that day I get to hear from all of my friends and family again, who in today’s world it’s hard to keep in touch with. It’s also a chance to reflect on life – and to just be happy.
And even if it were just a day to be happy, what’s so wrong with that?
Anyway, you’re right, and I think the whole birthday thing is just another aspect of the “arabization” of Islam and the result of a lot of fear and control issues.
Happy belated Birthday Lady
arabization, it’s also puritanical arab or no.
but yay. i hope ur bday was a happy one.
and i’m with you on the pinatas. now i want a pinata!