Is exchanging congratulatory phrases such as "Kul 'am wa anta bi-khair" (May you be well every year) and accepting a simple gift or a sum of money on the occasion of one's birthday, with the intention of showing happiness and joy at the passing of a year of life, considered part of the forbidden celebration of this day?

Good words and exchanging gifts between Muslims are desirable at all times. Singling out one's birthday for exchanging gifts or for specific words is an innovation received from non-Muslims, and is considered a manifestation of celebrating the birthday, which should be abandoned; so that the birthday becomes an ordinary day like all other days.