Accepting gifts on Valentine's Day or birthdays

9-2-2005 | 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?

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Answer:

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. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

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 gifts, especially from non-Muslims, on such occasions and on innovated festivals. Accepting 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 non-Muslims 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 gifts on the occasion of these festivals, be it Valentine's Day, a birthday or other false festivals that Allaah has not legislated.

Allaah Knows best.