Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Title: Hosting and attending Baby Showers
Question
Is it permissible to have baby showers or attend an invitation to a baby shower? In our community there is a debate some saying yes and some no. please guide on this.
Answer
The giving of gifts in Islam is meritorious and highly commendable. It is a means of creating bonds of closeness and affection between people. However, there is no basis in Islam to arrange a special occasion for the exchanging of gifts.
Secondly, baby/wedding showers are from the way of life and culture of disbelievers, regarding which Rasoolullah Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam has stated that a person who imitates a nation is from them.
Thirdly, there are many un-Islamic practices that take place at such functions details of which require no elucidation. Fourthly, many persons are placed under pressure to present an “appropriate” gift for the occasion even if they are unable to afford it.
One should therefore freely give gifts but abstain from inculcating and adopting the mannerisms and practices of disbelievers.
Jamiatul Ulama (Council of Muslim Theologians), Johannesburg
The above is the ruling of the Jamiatul Ulama (Johannesburg). The Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) concurs with this view.
And Allah Knows Best.
Suhail Tarmahomed (Mufti)
Fatwa Dept.
