I’m 36 tomorrow!
Today I’m experiencing some muscle pains and back ache… Probably because my Monday workout session was cancelled. Or maybe it’s the 36 coming into my body. On a more sincere note, I want to share this article because it’s something that most people will deem unprogressive especially in the social department of their lives.
CLICK THIS: https://musliminspire.com/should-muslims-celebrate-birthdays/
BIRTHDAYS are a well accepted tradition worldwide, in fact…
The first time I heard of this was from my husband. As a person who was exposed to this culture of birthdays and anniversaries, I found it quite absurd at first. There are certain matters in Islam, back then when I was a new revert, that I have to check up against logic and everything I grew up and lived with.
It all boils down to whether I choose Islam or not.
It would be hypocritical to say I haven’t attended any birthday celebrations or greeted, especially my non-Muslim family since then. But #alhamdulillah, I never found the need to personally make mine a big deal, anymore.
When it comes to workplaces, such traditions tend to become the work culture. It brings about lightness in mood between co-workers and their superiors, vice versa. Still, as Muslims, we should ponder more about these small things that are randomly a part of our daily lives.
In the end, all these little things pile up and they become a huge thing to deal with.
Currently, I don’t belong to an office scene, so this may come out as easier said than done… But here’s what I WISH I had been more aware of and took care of, attending and celebrating with my peers/colleagues back then.
1. Mind Your Boundaries:
Needless to say, between non-mahrams and the matter of free-mixing, this is definitely a difficult thing to do. I cannot pin point anything in particular that wouldn’t touch a bigger topic for this. There are too many things in gatherings that gives exposure to makrooh and even haram things, for us.
This, however, doesn’t mean that all parties or gatherings conduct any inappropriate activities. I mean, no Muslim brother or sister in their right mind would willingly play birthday cake fights, smearing icing over a colleague of the opposite sex… or feed each other off like newlyweds, right?
In my opinion, if there are any such activities, no matter how harmless, done for the fun, or merely to show “togetherness” as a team;
If any recorded media were not willingly exposed on SocMed (which is the norm), or if you personally are not willing to have them SEEN by your inner circle, parents, siblings, spouses, children, juniors (people who look up to you) etc…
Then there must be something inappropriate somewhere there, especially if you’re in a professional set-up.
2. Attend for the Courtesy:
As bad as this may sound, it really isn’t about being anti-social or whatever they want to make you believe in order to coerce you into joining the festivities. No matter what, these events are extra curricular and you shouldn’t feel any such work guilt about it.
“Don’t be a party pooper”, “It’s just within us only”, “Will include this in KPI”, “Do it for boss!”
Brother. Sister. You’ve already taken part, had some food and drinks, greeted and all. It’s OKAY to say, “I’ve gotta go.” OR “Sorry I’m gonna have to skip the birthday cake thingy…”
It’s okay to say no… Don’t let peer pressure guilt trip you into something you are uncomfortable doing, that would make you Drop your senses and boundaries, may it be moral or religious.
You don’t have to explain too much. Awkward as this may be, do it consistently and the rest will be understood later on.
3. Keep your intentions right:
Don’t get carried away with the traditions or bring it into your own practises. Help make others accept and understand your religious boundaries without any fuss. When given the opening for discussion, answer simply with a smile.
Other things to remember that’s just common sense and not necessarily Islamic based.
- If you are with your tribe… they will accept you, and everything about you. This include your religious practises.
- Even if the world is against you, stand for what you believe in. Actual respect comes through that.
- Stop being a people pleaser: Self-love. Self-care. Self-respect.
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