Allah Ta‘ala has commanded us to adhere to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and to emulate his Mubaarak lifestyle in all dimensions of our lives. Allah Ta‘ala states:

لَقَدۡ کَانَ لَکُمۡ فِیۡ رَسُوۡلِ اللّٰہِ اُسۡوَۃٌ حَسَنَۃٌ لِّمَنۡ کَانَ یَرۡجُوا اللّٰہَ وَ الۡیَوۡمَ الۡاٰخِرَ

Indeed there is in the Messenger of Allah Ta‘ala a beautiful example for the one who hopes in Allah Ta‘ala and the Final Day (Surah Ahzaab v. 21)

When we have been commanded by Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to follow the Mubaarak lifestyle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in order to gain salvation and success, then we need to examine whether such practices existed during the Mubaarak lifetime of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and were practiced by him and his illustrious Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum).The way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and his illustrious Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) is the gauge to determine whether a practice is acceptable or not in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala.

The occasion on which one is blessed with a child is undoubtedly one of great happiness and joy. On this occasion, people generally come to see the new born baby and offer gifts. There is no problem with this. However, to arrange a formal function or party in this manner, where people are invited to come and view the new born baby, is a practice that was not in vogue during the Mubaarak era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum).Hence we understand that this practice resembles the ways of the kuffaar. Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:

عن ابن عمر قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم (سنن أبي داود #4033)

The one who emulates a people will be counted from amongst them (in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala)

Furthermore, besides the various sins that generally take place such as intermingling between the sexes, making an expression of one's gifts and doing things for show, music, photography, taking pictures of the baby, etc, a major problem found in such functions (be they baby showers, bridal showers or any other function of a similar nature) is that those who are invited to the function are expected to offer gifts to the newborn baby. Hence those who attend feel obliged to contribute something to the occasion so that they are not regarded as miserly by others and their respect is not tarnished. One feels compelled to offer a gift even if he does not wish to give anything. This expectation of people and subtle pressure on them to bring gifts has resulted in this function becoming a sophisticated form of begging.

Another major problem in these functions is that those who do offer gifts expect that when they will be blessed with a child, then they also will receive gifts from the current recipients. Such an intention at the time of giving gifts goes against the very spirit and core of the Islamic teaching. There is no sincerity found in such gifting. Hence, the Qur’aan has prohibited giving gifts with the hope of receiving exchanges. Allah Ta‘ala states:

وَ لَا تَمۡنُنۡ تَسۡتَکۡثِرُ ۪﴿ۙ۶﴾

And bestow not favors so that you may receive more. (Surah Muddathir v. 6)

In the light of the above, it is clear that these functions are not in conformity with the Islamic spirit and Islamic teachings. Hence, one must not attend such functions. And Allah Ta‘ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)