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What is the ruling on saying "a long life in obedience to Allah" on one's birthday, and is it considered an innovation (bid'ah)?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If the aforementioned phrase is said at the time of birth, there is no harm in it, as it is a good supplication. However, if it is said on the occasion of a birthday (the passing of a year since birth), it is considered a birthday greeting, which is an impermissible innovation (bid'ah). Scholars have issued fatwas stating the impermissibility of congratulating, attending, or encouraging its practitioners.

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

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