Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) said:
“I want to address this question for children and some youth as well, as I have done several times before, who ask: If we do not celebrate birthdays, then why is Hazrat Musleh-e-Mau’ud’sra birthday commemorated? Let it be clear—as I have mentioned several times—that we do not celebrate the birthday of Mirza Bashir-ud-Deen Mahmood Ahmadra. Rather, gatherings are held to mark the fulfillment of the prophecy. The birth of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) took place on January 12, 1889.
“Secondly, in households where this matter is not discussed, parents themselves should read and explain to their children what the prophecy of Musleh-e-Mau’ud is. This is a great prophecy that was foretold in earlier scriptures and by previous Prophets, and then, in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Allah the Almighty instructed the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) to announce it.”
[Friday Sermon, February 23, 2024; Al-Fazl International, March 15, 2024, pp. 2–3, translated from Urdu]