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Fatwa CenterBirthday gifts sent by non-Muslim mother
Question
As-Salaamu Alaikum, My non-Muslim mother sent birthday presents to my son, even though she knows we don't celebrate birthdays. Is it okay to accept her presents? Thank you, Salaams
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
Celebrating birthdays is an innovation, and it is imitating the non-Muslims whom Allaah forbade us to imitate. So, it is not permissible for Muslims to imitate them in this matter. We have already stated that this is forbidden in Fataawa 81725 and 84957.
As regards gifts, this is something permissible and desirable as it leads to some religious objectives. However, to give gifts on this occasion- birthdays- is not permissible, therefore in principle it is not permissible to offer or accept gifts on birthdays as this is a manner of celebrating them which is forbidden. However, one is obliged to be kind and dutiful to the parents especially the mother, and avoid anything which could hurt their feelings as long as this does not lead to disobeying Allaah.
Finally, you should be keen on guiding your mother to Islam, as this is one form of being kind and dutiful to her.
May Allaah guide your mother and enable you to do whatever He likes and He is pleased with.
Allaah Knows best.
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