Accepting gifts on Valentine's Day or birthdays

31/01/2019| IslamWeb

 

Question:

 

My question is: Am I allowed accepting gifts from Muslim and non-Muslim friends, if they give on valentines day and on my birthday?

 

Fatwa:

 

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.

 

Offering or accepting a gift is something that is legislated and encouraged in Islam as this leads to fulfilling the religious objectives. The Prophet said: "Exchange gifts as this removes the spite from your hearts towards one another." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]

 

However, one should not accept or exchange gifts, on such occasions and on innovated festivals. Accepting or exchanging gifts on such occasions is a sign of approving of these festivals. This ruling is more confirmed on Valentine's Day, as this day is a slogan of youths in committing dissolute acts, fornication and adultery.

 

Therefore, refraining from accepting gifts on such days is more confirmed in order to fulfil the religious obligation of condemning these festivals. Thus, it is not permitted to accept or exchange gifts on the occasions of these festivals, be it Valentine's Day, a birthday or other false festivals that Allah has not legislated.

 

Allah Knows best.

 

Fatwa answered by: The Fatwa Center at Islamweb