Fatwa by: Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh al-Uthaymeen
Question:
In our society, a special celebration is held every year on the 21st of March, known as "Eid al-Um" (Mother's Day), in which everyone participates. Is this permissible or forbidden?
Answer:
Any celebration outside the prescribed Islamic festivals is considered a bid'ah (innovation), which was not observed by the pious predecessors (Salaf al-Salih). Many such celebrations were actually initiated by non-Muslims, making their observance not only an innovation but also an imitation of non-Muslims. The Islamic festivals are well-known among Muslims: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Jumu'ah (Friday). Beyond these three, there is no concept of any other Eid in Islam. Any festival invented beyond these will be rejected and deemed invalid in the Shariah.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not from it, it will be rejected."
[Agreed upon]
This means it will be thrown back at the one who introduces it and will not be accepted by Allah.
In another narration, he said:
"Whoever does an act that is not in accordance with our matter (Islam), it will be rejected." [Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad 2/146]
Given this, it becomes clear that the celebration in question, named "Eid al-Um" (Mother's Day), which involves expressing joy and giving gifts, is not permissible. A Muslim should suffice with his religion, be proud and content with it, and respect the limits set by Allah and His noble Messenger (peace be upon him). These limits should not be exceeded or diminished. It is not befitting for a Muslim to be a follower or to display a slavish mentality. His character should align with the requirements of the divine Shariah; he should be a leader, not a follower, a guide rather than one who is guided.
Alhamdulillah, the Islamic Shariah is perfect in every aspect, as stated in the Quran:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
[Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3]
A mother's right is far greater than to be merely remembered once a year. It is the responsibility of the children to consistently respect the boundaries set by Shariah, to obey and serve their mother, and to care for her in all aspects at all times and in all places.
Question:
In our society, a special celebration is held every year on the 21st of March, known as "Eid al-Um" (Mother's Day), in which everyone participates. Is this permissible or forbidden?
Answer:
Any celebration outside the prescribed Islamic festivals is considered a bid'ah (innovation), which was not observed by the pious predecessors (Salaf al-Salih). Many such celebrations were actually initiated by non-Muslims, making their observance not only an innovation but also an imitation of non-Muslims. The Islamic festivals are well-known among Muslims: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Jumu'ah (Friday). Beyond these three, there is no concept of any other Eid in Islam. Any festival invented beyond these will be rejected and deemed invalid in the Shariah.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not from it, it will be rejected."
[Agreed upon]
This means it will be thrown back at the one who introduces it and will not be accepted by Allah.
In another narration, he said:
"Whoever does an act that is not in accordance with our matter (Islam), it will be rejected." [Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad 2/146]
Given this, it becomes clear that the celebration in question, named "Eid al-Um" (Mother's Day), which involves expressing joy and giving gifts, is not permissible. A Muslim should suffice with his religion, be proud and content with it, and respect the limits set by Allah and His noble Messenger (peace be upon him). These limits should not be exceeded or diminished. It is not befitting for a Muslim to be a follower or to display a slavish mentality. His character should align with the requirements of the divine Shariah; he should be a leader, not a follower, a guide rather than one who is guided.
Alhamdulillah, the Islamic Shariah is perfect in every aspect, as stated in the Quran:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
[Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3]
A mother's right is far greater than to be merely remembered once a year. It is the responsibility of the children to consistently respect the boundaries set by Shariah, to obey and serve their mother, and to care for her in all aspects at all times and in all places.