Valentine’s Day — Origins and Islamic Perspective — Ex. Study
Islam is a kaffah religion that governs everything. It teaches values and how to preserve good connections with the creator of the universe and His creations. Some individuals view Islam as a rescuer and a tranquiliser for the soul. Yet, plenty of others disagree with its teachings, leading to reactions of jealousy and hatred that inflict harm from both the inside and the outside. It has been the situation ever since Islam was created. There have been several attempts to eradicate Islam.
Why don’t Muslims observe Valentine’s Day?
Keeping followers of religion away from its professed teachings is one efficient technique to undermine religion and its beliefs. Samuel Zwimmer stated, “Actually your job is not to expel Muslims from their religion so that they become one religion with you,” during a 1935 Holy City priests’ meeting. However, keep them away from their religion (the prophetic Hadith and the Al-Qur’an).
One of the occasions that is frequently utilized to alienate Muslims from their faith is Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is dangerous not just for Muslims but also for followers of other religions, as virtue is something that almost all faiths preach.
What Is The Islamic View Of Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day falls on February 14th, which is why it is a much-anticipated annual event. People celebrate in large numbers on that Day to remember history, but the event often sparks controversy, particularly in Indonesia. Valentine’s Day is a ritual that Muslims should not observe because, aside from its detrimental effects, it is evident that Allah and His Messenger have been warning us about it for a very long time. Says Surah al-Kafirun, Allah SWT.
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِىَ دِينِ
For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” ( Surah Al-Kafirun: 6)
Regarding worship, there is no consolation for us Muslims among adherents of other faiths. The argument put up by the unbelievers is that your religion and ours cannot coexist because yours encourages disobedience to Allah.
The ideal approach for religious individuals to show respect for God’s worship is in this manner. Next, Allah warns the unbelievers in this verse by saying, “For you the reward for your deeds and me the reward for my deeds.” Another passage from Allah states:
For us our deeds, for you your deeds. ( al-Baqarah/2:139)
Origins & History Behind
Valentine’s Day originated as a pagan Roman holiday; it was observed up until the Romans converted to Christianity. This Day was associated with the saint Valentine, who was executed on February 14, 270 CE. This holiday is still observed by the kuffar, who engage in widespread immoral and bad behavior.
Can Muslims Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
A Muslim is not allowed to celebrate any of the kuffar’s holidays as they fall under the category of sharing concerns, which reliable writings must decide.
May Allah pity Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, who said:
“Festivals are a component of the Shari’ah, which is a precise system of laws and customs that Allah states (meaning interpretation):
“We have prescribed a law and a clear way to each of you.” [ Al-Maidah 5:48]
“We have ordained religious ceremonies for every nation, which they must adhere to.” [ Al-Hajj 22:67]
As for praying and fasting, as well as the qiblah (the direction faced in prayer), their participation in the celebration is the same as in every other ceremony. Participating in the event to the fullest extent entails participating in Kufr, and participating in some of its more minor concerns entails participating in some of Kufr’s branches.
Festivals are, in fact, one of the most distinctive characteristics that set different religions apart and one of their most notable emblems; thus, celebrating them alongside them is celebrating one of Kufr’s most recognizable and significant symbols. Participating in this will likely result in total Kufr.
Fatwas On Celebrating Valentine’s Day
Scholars have declared in fatwas that Valentine’s Day celebrations are forbidden.
1-A question was posed to Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaymin (may Allah pity him):
Valentine’s Day celebrations have grown in popularity recently, particularly among female students. During this Christian celebration, individuals exchange red roses and dress entirely in red, including their shoes and clothing. May Allah bless you and take care of you. We hope you can clarify the rules for celebrating this event and provide your counsel to Muslims regarding such topics.
He answered,
It is improper to celebrate Valentine’s Day for a variety of reasons.
It is a modern celebration without any Islamic foundation.
2. It encourages attraction and affection.
3. It demands that people’s souls be consumed with silly concerns that are at odds with the path of the pious salaf (may Allah be pleased with them).
All activities typical of this celebration are prohibited on this day, including exchanging presents, food, beverages, clothes, and other items.
The Muslim should not be a weak person who blindly follows Tom, Dick, and Harry-instead, he should be proud of his religion. I pray Allah to shield Muslims from all forms of temptation, both apparent and hidden, and to lead and guard us. ( Fatawa Majmu’ Fatawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin (16/199)
2. A question was posed to the Standing Committee: “Some individuals observe Valentine’s Day on February 14 every year. They congratulate one another; exchange red rose presents, and dress in red. Confident bakers decorate their red candies with hearts, and other retailers promote items that are exclusive to this day.
How do you feel about the following?
1. Honoring this occasion
2- Purchasing merchandise on this particular day
3- Are retailers who don’t observe the holiday marketing items that may be presented as presents to those who do?
They said, “There are only two festivals in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and ‘Eid al-Adha. according to the clear teachings of the Quran and Sunnah as well as the agreement of the early generations of this ummah.”
All other holidays associated with an individual, a community, an occasion, or anything else are considered innovative holidays. Muslims are not allowed to celebrate these holidays, observe them, or encourage others to do so because doing so would be a violation of Allah’s precepts, and anyone who violates Allah’s precepts has wronged himself.
Idolatrous Christian Holiday
The transgression becomes even more severe if the fake celebration coincides with the kuffar’s celebration since this amounts to mimicking them and considering them close friends-something Allah forbids the believers from doing in His Noble Book. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is said to have remarked, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” It is supported by evidence.
Valentine’s Day falls under this category as it is an idolatrous Christian holiday. Muslims who believe in Allah and the Last Day are not allowed to celebrate, observe, or even wish others a happy Valentine’s Day.
Instead, he must shun it and stay away from it to obey Allah and His Messenger and to avoid the things that would bring Allah’s anger and punishment.
Prohibited For The Muslims
Additionally, it is forbidden for Muslims to assist others in celebrating this or any other haram festival by providing food or drink of any kind or by purchasing, selling, manufacturing, donating, or advertising, among other things. Since doing so is disobedient to Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and encourages sin and transgression. (Verification of the meaning) Allah says:
“Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness, and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment.” [al-Maidah 5:2]
In all of his dealings, the Muslim must abide by the Sunnah and the Book of Allah, particularly during fitnah, when evil is rampant. He should exercise caution and stay away from the misdirection of those who have offended Allah and been misguided, as well as the evildoers who have no fear of Allah and no pride in being Muslims.
The Muslim must turn to Allah, ask for His direction, and follow it with steadfastness since He alone is the Guide and the One who can make someone steadfast. And the wellspring of power is Allah. May Allah bestow peace and blessings to our Prophet Muhammad, his Companions, and his family.
Do You Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
It is clear from the preceding that Valentine’s Day celebrations are unrelated to Islam or Muslims. A Muslim makes sure that his actions and inactions align with the will of God and the Prophet and submits faithfully to the mandates of God and His Apostle (Hazrat Muhammad). Furthermore, rather than happening once a year, the celebration of love between family members and legally married couples happens every day of the year.
Considering this, a Muslim should refrain from engaging in any illegal activities or partnerships on the pretext of showing love and affection. In a nutshell, Muslims are not allowed to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Originally published at https://explorestudy.org on January 23, 2024.
