Are birthday celebrations permissible now that they have spread among Muslims, by analogy with the ruling on trousers and ties, which are no longer considered imitation of non-believers due to their widespread use?

Contemporary scholars have differed concerning the ruling on celebrating personal birthdays. Some view it as permissible, reasoning that it does not constitute prohibited imitation of disbelievers, as it is not exclusive to them, and that the fundamental principle regarding customs is permission unless accompanied by something that prohibits it. This is the view of Dr. Salman Al-Ouda and the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta.

Others view it as impermissible, arguing that holidays are not merely customs that can be innovated, but rather rituals in which innovation is not allowed, and that Islam has no holidays other than Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Friday. This is the fatwa issued by Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz, and the Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas in the Kingdom, and it is also the fatwa we issue at Islamweb.