BismiLLah…
“Hey, how would you celebrate the valentine’s day?”
I was surprised to receive a sudden question from my colleague during our night shift. I mean, he always ask questions, but not this kind of question.
“I don’t celebrate it.” I said firmly.
“Why? Is it against your religion?”
“Yes, it is against my religion and yours too.”
“My religion? How?”
“Well, you should know the origin of the valentine’s day before you decide to celebrate it.”
The origin of Valentine’s Day
It is Saint Valentine’s Day, which takes the name of Saint Valentine, a Christian ‘martyr’. This so-called martyr was persecuted on February 14th, AD 269, by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for performing marriage ceremony secretly which was against the emperor’s order. The emperor, who wanted to grow his army, ordered young men to remain single as he believed that married man did not make for good soldier. [Wikipedia]
There are many versions of the origin of the Valentine’s Day, but basically, the celebration is a part of memorial of the Saint Valentine’s ‘martyrdom’ which is against islamic teachings. For Allah has said:
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: You would tread the same path as was trodden by those before you inch by inch and step by step so much so that if they had entered into the hole of the lizard, you would follow them in this also. We said: Allah’s Messenger, do you mean Jews and Christians (by your words)” those before you”? He said: Who else (than those two religious groups)? [Sahih Muslim, Book 034, No. 6448]
Although nowadays this day is not only celebrated by Christians, in fact some even denies its relation to Christianity, but we should aware of its origin which has no basis in islam, and it is known to be associated with immoral conduct. (Read: the cross festivals)
من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
Narrated from Abdullah bin Umar r.a: The Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates (a group of) people, is (considered) one of them” [Sunan Abu Daud, no: 4031].
The islamic rulings regarding celebration of valentine’s day
“The 71st Muzakarah (Conference) of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia held on 22nd-24th November 2005 has discussed the ruling on Muslims celebrating Valentine’s Day. The Conference decided that the teachings of Islam stress on love and there is no specific day in Islam to celebrate it. Therefore, The Conference decided that the practice of celebrating Valentine’s Day is not part of Islam. The spirit of the celebration contains elements of Christianity and its practice that is mixed with sinful acts is prohibited and contradicts with Islam.” [Read: The Ruling on Muslims Celebrating Valentine’s Day]
“Keputusan Jawatankuasa Fatwa Negeri Selangor telah menyatakan melalui Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Fatwa Negeri Selangor Kali 1/2006 pada 21 Februari 2006 telah memutuskan bahawa amalan merayakan Valentine’s Day tidak pernah dianjurkan oleh Islam. Roh perayaan tersebut mempunyai unsur-unsur Kristian dan amalannya yang bercampur dengan perbuatan maksiat adalah bercanggah dan dilarang oleh Islam”. [Read: Sambutan Hari Kekasih Salah Di Sisi Islam]
read also : Ruling on celebrating Valentine’s Day – islam Q&A
Valentine’s day and pre-marriage relationship
Valentine’s day is strongly associated with unlawful pre-marriage relationship. This is the most awaited day mostly by young (unmarried) couples – who’s at the age with heart craving to love and being loved – to prove their unconditional love to each other. They exhibit their affection to each other in various ways, some of which to that extend of committing adultery. Wa-liya-na’uzubiLLah. Therefore the call against the pre-marriage relationship should not only during the month of February, but should be ongoing and addressed at all time.
And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way. [al-israa': 32]
And today, my heart ached after attending a case of rape and sodomy of a 16 year-old girl – by her own trusted boyfriend. Initially the family attempted to negotiate with the boyfriend’s family – for marriage, but eventually they made a police report after being rejected. I tried my best not to be emotional and judgemental, but I just could not hide my aching heart to see such case and the fact that she reminded me of all the single mothers that I encountered during my posting in obstetrics & gynaecology.
