I Do Not Celebrate Birthdays

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
"The BEST of people are those whose life is long, and deeds are good;
and the WORST of people are those whose life is long, and his deeds are bad"
(Narrated in At-Tirmidzi, graded hasan)

So I thank all of the well-wishers for your sincere intentions, but if you mean well for me, I request that instead, pray to Allah that, now that I am one year closer to meeting my Lord, supplicate to Him that I become amongst those who are amongst the first category mentioned by the Prophet.


Why not celebrate birthdays?

Alhamdulillah, as you can easily Google up, the celebration of birthdays originated from a Egyptian and Greek paganistic (i.e. polytheistic, idol-worshipping, mushrik) practices.

1) Pagans used to believe that a soul would be vunerable to 'evil spells' on birthdays, with 'guardian spirits', both good and evil, hover around to give predictions of the future. Thus the paganistic belief was that one should spread 'good wishes' to avoid enemies giving bad wishes thus causing evil omens.

2) The giving of birthday gifts is a custom associated with the offering of sacrifices to pagan gods on their birthdays.
Exchanging presents is conducted with the intent of the influence of “good and evil fairies” .

3) Beleiving that the fire of candles had magical properties, they offered prayers and made wishes to be carried to the gods on the flames of the candles. The Greeks celebrated the birthday of their moon goddess, Artemis, with cakes adorned with lighted candles.
Hence, the custom of making a wish and blowing out the candles.

Clearly, this isn't a cultural practice, it is of clear pagan beliefs contrary to the belief of monotheism. The Prophet said,
مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ, فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
"Whoever imitates a people, is one of them." (Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawud, 4/314)

The recurring annual practice of birthday celebrations is in fact what is terminologically is classified as “Eid” (celebration which keeps ‘returning’/repeating) – and the Prophet has mentioned that all forms of “eid” have been cancelled except for two : Eid ul-Fitri and Eid al-Adha.

The Prophet came to Madinah and the people of Madinah had, in Jahiliyyah two days for play and amusment. So the Prophet said:
“I came to you and you had, in Jaahiliyyah two days for play and amusement.
Indeed Allaah has replaced them for you by that which is better than them: Eid ul Adha (The Dav of Slaughteung) and Eid ul Ftir (the day of fitrah/breaking of the fast).”
(Saheeh. Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i)

Now a person might claim “this is just a fun practice, and we don’t have any irreligious or paganistic intent”. To that, my stance is:

1) The very origin itself is of paganistic origin, regardless of the intent.
2) Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and the Prophet has granted us a superior identity by replacing these annually recurring celebrations. Who should we really imitate?
3) Really, rationally speaking, what ARE we actually celebrating? Being older? If we just want an excuse to get your family and friends together, just make one up adhoc. Why choose a pagan-originated celebration? 

May Allah make us amongst those who live long lives of righteousness and benefit to mankind.