By: Jamiatul Ulamaa KZN
February 14th, also known as Valentine’s Day, is that time of the year that has commonly been associated with love and romance. Valentine’s Day has become synonymous with greeting cards, red roses, teddy bears and a whole host of other paraphernalia that are exchanged between young men and women. Many schools, universities and clubs prepare elaborate functions and parties. Many will argue that Valentine’s Day is a day of joy and harmless fun. But is it really?
From an Islamic point of view Valentine’s day is wrong for the following reasons :
1. It invites people to the relentless pursuit of sexual freedom
In Islam all forms of intimacy and passion are confined to the
relationship of marriage. Anything beyond this is not acceptable. The
culture of promoting the satisfaction of desires and passions in an
uncontrolled manner is unhealthy.
Islam recognizes that we are human and can succumb to human weakness, so
it has provided strict safeguards for our own sake. The Quran mentions
clearly : “Do not come near to adultery. It is a great sin and an evil
way.” (Surah Israa, Verse 32)
2. Valentine’s Day is based on pagan culture
Cupid, the virtually naked, arrow-shooting character, which shoots
people with its arrows to make them fall in love, is a remnant of Roman
pagan times. Cupid is described as the son of Venus, the Roman god of
love and beauty. Cupid’s picture is frequently found on Valentine cards
and other paraphernalia.
3. Imitation is strictly forbidden in Islam
Islam only has two special days of celebration – the two Eids. Tashabbuh
(imitation) of any foreign culture or system that is opposed to Islam
is prohibited. Islam is very sensitive about maintaining its purity and
the unique identity of its followers. For example, Salaah is forbidden
at the precise times of sunrise, transition, and sunset to eliminate the
possibility of confusion with the practice of sun worship. When such
care has been taken regarding worship what can we say regarding the
celebration of a sinful occasion such as Valentine’s Day?
4. Extravagance and wastage is discouraged by the Quran and Sunnah
Vast amounts of money are usually squandered on purchasing useless gifts, cards and other futile items.
The Quran mentions : “The wasters are the brothers of Shaitaan.”
5. Valentine’s Day brings along with it a host of parties, balls, dances, social functions, etc.
Unfortunately, these are havens of free mixing, alcohol, drugs, and illicit sexual encounters.
…Valentines Day is definitely not for YOU!!!
“And whoever seeks a religion[a way of life] other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers” [Quran-Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that groups of his ummah would follow the enemies of Allah in some of their rituals and customs. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” We said, “O Messenger of Allah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else? !” (Hadith-al-Bukhaari )
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (narrated by Ahmad)
Conclusion
As Muslims we need to distance ourselves from such frivolous events. We
should not participate in anything associated with Valentines Day nor
should we encourage it in any way. As fathers and mothers we should pay
attention to our children. We should ensure that we guard them from such
activities by educating and monitoring them.
Remember that by participating in Valentine’s Day we are destroying our
Islamic morals and standards of respect and dignity. Let us become the
army of Allah not the army of Shaitaan.
