Question Summary:
Is it permissible to give a gift on one`s birthday even though not celebrating?

Question Detail:

Is it permissible to give a gift on one`s birthday even though not celebrating?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
A birthday is celebrated also through receiving gifts.
 
Rasulullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said:
 
من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم[1]
 
Whoever imitates a people is from them.
 
It is not permissible to offer a gift to a person on his birthday because it is imitating the customs and way of disbelievers.
 
It is important to note that the issue is not only about gifts or birthdays. It is a value system which we are diametrically opposed to.
 
Disbelievers focus on their past and their achievements. As muslims our focus is on regretting our past and our shortcomings and preparing for our Aakhira.
 
Furthermore, as muslims we should  endeavor to keep record of our ages according to the lunar calendar.
 
Abu Ali ad-Dagestani
Student Darul Iftaa
Moscow, Russia
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai