Holidays can be categorized as either religious or social. Religious holidays must have an established religious basis, such as the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) and celebrating the Prophet’s birthday. As for social holidays, like celebrating Independence Day, the birthday of a specific individual, commemorating a historical victory, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, the start of a new year, and others, the default ruling regarding them is permissibility.
It is narrated from Abu Barzah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he had Zoroastrian neighbors who used to offer him gifts on their New Year and other festivals. Abu Burzah would say to his family, “If it is fruit, then eat it, and if it is something else, then return it.” This narration is recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah in his Musannaf.
Fatwa by: Dr. Khalid Nasr