There is no explicit text in the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah that directly addresses the practice of celebrating birthdays. Therefore, scholars have differed in their rulings based on principles of Islamic law, particularly those related to imitation (tashabbuh), innovation (bid‘ah), and lawful customs (‘urf).

Some scholars have held that celebrating birthdays is impermissible, arguing that it resembles non-Islamic religious celebrations and constitutes an imitation of religious practices that are not part of Islam. They also cite the principle that Islam has designated specific occasions of celebration, namely ‘Eid al-Fitr and ‘Eid al-Adha, and that introducing recurring celebrations with religious significance could be considered a blameworthy innovation.

Other scholars, however, differentiate between religious celebrations and customary, worldly practices. According to this view, if a birthday celebration is not treated as an act of worship, does not carry religious meaning, and is free from prohibited elements such as extravagance, mixed gatherings with improper conduct, music that promotes immorality, or neglect of Islamic obligations, then it falls under permissible customs. This view considers birthdays to be similar to marking personal milestones or expressing gratitude for life and blessings.

What is agreed upon by scholars is that birthdays become haram if they involve sinful activities, imitation of religious rituals, belief in special spiritual merit for that day, or wastefulness and pride. They may also be disliked (makrūh) if they lead to excess, social pressure, or distract from Islamic values, even if no explicit sin occurs.