Question: Is saying “Happy Birthday” considered shirk?
Answer: Simply saying “Happy Birthday” is not shirk because it does not involve anything associated with shirk. However, when someone says “Happy Christmas,” it does involve shirk to some extent because Christians believe that on Christmas Day, God’s son was born. Therefore, avoid saying “Happy Christmas.” While “Happy Birthday” should not be said either, congratulating someone on their birthday is not permissible.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail
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