What is the ruling on celebrating wedding anniversaries, and what should a husband do to appease his wife after his refusal to celebrate their wedding anniversary?
The holidays of Muslims are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Celebrating what is called "marriage anniversary" is impermissible because it constitutes imitation of the disbelievers. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." The husband must explain to his wife the ruling on these celebrations with wisdom and gentleness, clarifying to her that they are an innovation (bid'ah) and a reprehensible act (munkar), and that they are an act of defiance against Allah and His Messenger. He should encourage her to learn the affairs of her religion, for a man is responsible for his family before Allah. It is permissible for him to give gifts to his wife on occasions other than these, such as the Muslim Eids or at any other time.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/91428