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Is there a scholarly refutation of the fatwa that permits celebrating International Mother's Day, considering it not forbidden?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The discussion about celebrating unlawful holidays revolves around two fundamental principles: First, the meaning of 'Eid' (holiday), which encompasses recurring customs, and the obligation to oppose the practices of the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah). Second, the forbidden imitation (tashabbuh) of non-Muslims is not limited to an intention to imitate, but includes everything that involves conformity with them. Therefore, all holidays that contradict the lawful holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Jumu'ah) are innovated acts (bid'ah). Their origin might be from non-Muslims, thus involving resemblance to the enemies of Allah. Hence, it is impermissible to introduce holiday rituals into them. A Muslim must be proud of their religion and confine themselves to what Allah and His Messenger have ordained, and not be an 'Imma'ah' (a person who follows everyone blindly). The prohibition of celebrating Mother's Day is not due to a rejection of increased devotion to remembrance (dhikr), but because it embodies the meaning of an innovated holiday and imitation of non-Muslims. Differentiating types of imitation and their rulings in customs: whatever is intended for worship, seeking closeness (to God), glorification, or imitating the people of Jahiliyyah is a forbidden innovation. As for what is for organizing affairs for the benefit of the nation, there is no harm in it.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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