Is offering two rak'ahs of prayer out of gratitude on one's birthday considered an innovation in religion?
There is no harm in praying two rak'ahs as a gesture of gratitude to Allah on one's birthday, provided that this is not a continuous habit, the doer does not believe it to be a Sunnah, and does not invite people to it. However, if one persists in it or invites others to it, this is considered an innovation in religion, which is forbidden, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever innovates into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected," and "Whoever does an action that is not in accordance with our matter, it is rejected." A Muslim should thank and praise Allah at all times for His blessings and should not particularize their birthday with anything specific.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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