Assalalaikum My brother's daughter has started menstruating and my sister in law wants to celebrate by adorning my niece like a bride, throw a party and receive gifts and all. Her mother's side family have been doing it for every girl coming of age.Is this allowed in Islam or is it a bida'a?

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.

This practice is taken from some non-Muslim societies; for example, in Japan they celebrate this. Also, in Korea, they celebrate a girl's reaching the age of 20 years old.

Therefore, it appears that it is forbidden to arrange this celebration as it is imitating the non-Muslims, a matter which is Islamically forbidden.

Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Ahmad]

Allaah Knows best.