Baby shower ritual: ..

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

As- Salaamu 'Alaykum brother,

One of my muslim friends have invited me to a get together for the ladies, she is having a baby shower for her sister. It is a trend in Canada. Is it permissible in Islam to attend such parties?

Thanks & Jazak Allah.

A sister

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Answer:

Baby shower ritual

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

In some countries and cultures, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts.

Although one cannot say with certainty when, how, or where this ritual of 'baby shower' originated, it would be safe to assume that it is a ritual based on culture rather than religion.  And because this particular ritual is not based on any false faith or religion and there is no display of indecency (fahisha), one cannot say it is impermissible or unalwful for the believers to participate or attend it. 

At best, one can argue that such rituals are an utter waste of time and resources, and it would only be piety and righteousness if the believers strove to abstain from such useless celebrations and commemorations.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is only ones. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brothers and well wishers in Islam,

Members of Islamhelpline