What is the ruling on giving a Christian person a gift on their birthday with the intention of showing friendliness and respect, not as a congratulation for the holiday?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Originally, it is permissible to give a gift to a disbeliever, especially if it is intended to soften their heart towards Islam. However, giving a gift specifically for Christmas is not permissible. If the timing of the gift happens to coincide with the recipient's birthday unintentionally, and it is not understood that it is due to their birthday, then there is no objection. Nonetheless, it is preferable to delay or advance it. It is obligatory to harbor hatred towards the disbeliever for their disbelief, for the sake of Allah, while still treating them with kindness and justice.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/145120
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 145120
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy