One thing I would like to know is why the Shaykh does not deem birthdays to be steeped in religion. Since the celebration of birthdays is of pagan origin and the ancient Egyptians used to celebrate the “birth” of their “gods”, I also thought that this is where the zodiac signs originated from. If this is the case and paganism being a religion then “birthdays” surely have a religious connotation attached to them, right?! In addition, is there any record of the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), his family or his companions every celebrating their birthdays or each others birthdays?

And Allaah knows best!

I hope all is well with you.

This is an amazing fatwa, and Im always in awe how shaykh Bin Bayyah reaches conclusions in such a precise and logical manner. jzak Allahu khair for the translation.

Wonderful piece!

I have a follow-up question: what about the celebration of ‘religious’ holidays that are observed in a non-religious way? For example, what about sharing Christmas with non-Muslim family where the festival has no religious content (consisting of swapping presents and eating a halal turkey, but no religious ritual whatsoever)?

Thanks and salams.

This is excellent, Sidi Suhaib Masha’Allah please keep carry on trnslating on articles like this. If the important issues facing Muslims in the west are presented formally by moderate Ulamah-then Insha’Allah we can hope in the West.

May I suggest you perhaps produce formal leaflets or even produce regular journals (such as one similar to Zaytuna) presenting balanced fatwas of important issues…

Honestly with some of the articles read–the minimum my colleagues have adapted at least, is respect for their fellow Muslim.

I hope Allah blesses you even more and helps you in your studies

W/Salam

Apa khabar? Thank you for sharing this timely information. I hope all is well with you and your wonderful family.