Celebrations

Is there what is called an Islamic wedding? How is it held?

Many people refuse to acknowledge al-Azhar's fatwa on the permissibility of congratulating Christians on their occasions like Christmas and that this is a sunnah. They maintain that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not do so with Jewish festivals and so we should not do so as well. They also asked for proofs from the Sunnah.

Dear Sir,

I am living in the US and many of my friends here are following what's happening in the Middle East from killing ambassadors and attacking embassies. so I wanted to tell them that our religion doesn't allow the killing of the innocent people even if they are non Muslims. Also, i wanted to tell them that our religions instruct us to give safety and security to non Muslims living in Islamic countries. so could you please elaborate on this issue?Thanks a lot and I am waiting for your reply

Is it permissible to congratulate non-Muslims on their religious festivals like Christmas, Diwali, etc.?

I read on the internet and watched on TV that many traditional-minded people are totally against Valentine’s Day. On the other hand, others who are not so traditional maintain that present day celebrations of Valentine’s Day are not associated with Christianity and that if a Muslim celebrates the day in compliance with Islamic teachings, such as by a man giving a rose to his wife to express his feelings, then it is not prohibited. Is this opinion correct according to Islam?

It is known that Islam has commanded humankind to be kind to one another. Is it permissible for a Muslim to give gifts to non-Muslims and to send them special greetings during their holidays?

What is the legal opinion concerning men wearing watches made of white gold?

Christmas is around the corner and I do not know what to do about my non-Muslim mother. I do not want her to be alone on this occasion, as she does not have her family with her and she invited my brother and me over to spend this day with her. I know she wants our company. She respects our choice of religion and serves us only halal meat when we visit her for dinner. She even greets us on our Eids. My intention is not to celebrate Christmas, but to keep a bond with my mother and soften her heart towards.
On the other hand, I have heard many opinions from Muslims deeming this to be prohibited and some even go as far as to say it is shirk. Kindly advise us.
 

I have seen a lot of Muslims refuse to even say happy Valentine’s Day to their friends, so I wanted to double check.

Some scholars are of the opinion that the Fatiha should be avoided during the Khitba as this practice has become common in some countries and has reached the level of being "part" of the Khitba (engagement ceremony). However, it is to my understanding that Fatiha in accordance to the sunnah is not "part" of the Khitba and is a "cultural" practice. Should a person avoid reading Fatiha during the Khitba to avoid falling into something that is not permissible in Islam according to some scholars?

What is the ruling of celebrating mother’s day?

It is known that 'Aqiqah for a male newborn must be offered by slaughtering two sheep.
Is it permissible for anyone who is unable to afford the price of two sheep at the time of 'Aqiqah to slaughter only one sheep and delay slaughtering the second till it is possible? Please answer providing evidence and opinions of the scholars if any.

Can I celebrate my birthday?

What is the ruling for celebrating Mother's day?

Is it right to celebrate "sham el neseem"day, and if it is not right what is the reason?

We celebrate various religious occasions such as the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), the Prophet's Night journey and Night ascension (Al-Isra' wa Al-Mi'raj), the birth of the Prophet(Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi) and so forth. These celebrations comprise the following:
- Inviting notable sheikhs and scholars to deliver religious lectures.
- Organizing religious competitions.
- Making use of loudspeakers both inside and outside the mosque
- Decorating the outside of the mosque with lights.
- Videotaping the ceremony.
- Preparing a special seating area for the scholars, consisting of a table and chairs facing the audience.
- Distributing desserts and beverages.
- Honoring those who have memorized the holy Qur`an and conscientious mosque workers.
What is the Islamic stance of holding celebrations in this manner?

What is your opinion on taking Thursdays and Fridays as work-free days instead of Fridays and Saturdays?
Does this entail imitating non-Muslims?