Kempen Anti Sambutan Valentins's day - Kenapa Orang Islam tidak boleh menyambutnya

Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan -Fatwa- Mengharamkan sambutan Valentine's day
Petikan dari fatwa yang digazetkan:

Alhamdulillah fatwanya adalah seperti berikut :

”  Amalan merayakan hari kekasih ( Valentine Day ) tidak pernah dianjurkan oleh Islam. Roh perayaan tersebut mempunyai unsur-unsur kristian dan amalannya yang bercampur dengan perbuatan maksiat adalah dilarang oleh Islam yang jelas bercanggah dengan aqidah, syariah dan akhlak Islamiah. Oleh itu umat Islam adalah DILARANG daripada melibatkan diri di dalam meraikan hari tersebut. ”

Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Malaysia kali ke-71, yang telah bersidang pada 20-22 Syawal 1426 Hijriah bersamaan 22-24 November 2005 Miladiah di Kuching Sarawak, juga telah bersetuju memutuskan bahawa amalan merayakan Valentine’s Day, tidak pernah dianjurkan oleh Islam. Roh perayaan tersebut mempunyai unsure-unsur kristian dan amalannya yang bercampur dengan perbuatan maksiat adalah bercanggah dan dilarang oleh Islam.

Lihat lebih Lanjut : http://www.e-fatwa.gov.my/fatwa-negeri/fatwa-hukum-umat-islam-menyambut-hari-kekasih-valentines-day-johor
http://www.gurumursyid.com/articles.php?aid=40&action=more

 

Malaysia kini- Melaporkan Valentine bukan amalan Kristian - http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/155788

Petikan berita: 

4:54PM Feb 11, 2011

Majlis Gereja-gereja Malaysia (CCM) hari ini menggesa Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan menarik balik andaiannya dalam satu fatwa yang dibuat pada 2005 berhubung amalan orang Islam dan Hari Valentine.

Setiausaha agung CCM Hermen Shastri berkata, majlis fatwa itu telah membuat kesimpulan yang salah dengan menyatakan Hari Valentine sebagai satu acara keagamaan Kristian.

Hermen dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata kesimpulan itu telah "mengguris perasaan masyarakat Kristian" di Malaysia.

“Hari Valentine merupakan satu amalan sekular, dan ia tidak disambut secara keagamaan di Malaysia atau mana-mana tempat di dunia," katanya.

Jelasnya, walaupun perkataan Valentine itu membayangkan kaitan dengan seorang santo dalam ajaran Kristian, pihak berkuasa gereja Roman Katolik mahupun Protestan tidak menyokong kaitan tersebut.

Hermen juga berkata, saranan bahawa Hari Valentine disambut oleh penganut Kristian dalam fatwa itu merupakan satu tindakan "tidak adil" dan "mengelirukan."

Pada 2005, Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan mengeluarkan satu fatwa yang menghalang orang Islam daripada menyambut Hari Valentine kerana sambutan itu didakwa "bertujuan untuk melekakan serta merosakkan aqidah dan akhlak masyarakat Islam."

Fatwa yang dikeluarkan itu menyebut: "Roh perayaan tersebut mempunyai unsur-unsur Kristian dan amalannya yang bercampur dengan perbuatan maksiat adalah dilarang oleh Islam yang jelas bercanggah dengan aqidah, syariah dan akhlak Islamiah."

Dalam alasan yang dikemukakan bersama fatwa berkenaan, majlis tersebut turut menyebut mengenai seorang santo berpengaruh bernama Velentino pada waktu pemerintahan Ratu Isabelle di Sepanyol.

"(Valentino) merupakan antara orang terpenting yang menghancurkan tamadun Islam di Sepanyol. Oleh itu ratu Isabella telah menetapkan 14 Februari sebagai hari mengingati kemenangan Kristian terhadap Islam.

"Maka barangsiapa yang merayakannya seolah-olah ia bergembira dan merestui ke atas kekalahan orang Islam di Sepanyol," dokumen tersebut dipetik.

Khutbah Jumaat : Awas Jerat Valentine(http://www.islam.gov.my/awas-jerat-valentines-day)

Petikan :

Fenomena sebahagian remaja menjadikan Valentine’s Day sebagai perayaan paling diminati dan sangat-sangat ditunggu untuk diraikan bersama kekasih amat menggusarkan. Ia sebenarnya merupakan satu fenomena ajaib dan aneh kerana perayaan ini tidak pernah disisipkan secara rasmi di mana-mana kalender. Akan tetapi ia terus diingati dan diraikan saban tahun.

To be my Valentine?

     Bagi mereka yang meraikan sambutan Valentine’s Day ungkapan ‘To be my Valentine’ sering bermain di bibir. Kebiasaannya ia diungkapkan oleh teruna kepada si dara dalam menzahirkan kecintaannya.

     Menurut Ken Sweiger, perkataan “Valentine” berasal dari bahasa Latin yang mempunyai maksud “Yang Maha Perkasa, Yang Maha Kuat, dan Yang Maha Kuasa”. Menurutnya lagi, kata ini sebenarnya digunakan pada zaman Rom Kuno ditujukan kepada Nimrod dan Lupercus, tuhan orang Romawi. Sedar atau tidak, menurut Sweiger, jika seseorang meminta orang lain atau pasangannya menjadi “To be my Valentine?”, maka dengan hal itu sesungguhnya ia telah secara terang melakukan suatu perbuatan yang bercanggah dengan aqidah dan dimurkai Allah. Ini karena ia telah meminta seseorang menjadi “Sang Maha Kuasa” dan hal ini sama dengan usaha menghidupkan kembali budaya pemujaan berhala.

Mengapa Mawar Merah?

     Selain ucapan ‘To be my Valentine’ pemberian jambangan mawar merah oleh si teruna kepada si dara juga sering menjadi amalan pada Valentine’s Day. Ia dianggap satu simbol dalam menzahirkan kasih sayang ‘hakiki’. Sebenarnya perbuatan ini merupakan amalan kebudayaan Eropah dengan diselitkan kepercayaan aneh dan karut. Menurut satu mitos Rom kuno, mawar merah merupakan bunga kegemaran Venus, si dewi cinta. Dewi itu amat sinonim dengan memperingati kekasih. Ia tidak ada kaitan dengan Islam dan hanya mengikut ‘teladan’ mitos karut.

     Amalan memberi bunga mawar merah ini sebenarnya mula dipopularkan pada tahun 1970an. Ia berlaku selepas Raja Charles II mengarang buku yang bertajuk The Languange of Flowers, yang menguraikan tentang amalan kebiasaan bangsa Persia yang mengungkapkan perasaan melalui bunga. Sejak itu pemberian mawar merah terutama pada saat Valentine’s Day amat popular. Tanpa mengetahui sebabnya ia terus menjadi amalan.

Hukum Menyambut Valentine’s Day

     Sebenarnya, majoriti tokoh agama telah menyatakan bahawa menyambut atau meraikan Sambutan Hari Valentine ini adalah bertentangan dengan Syarak. Menurut Panel Kajian Aqidah (PKA) dan Panel Kajian Syariah (PKS) Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia amalan ini adalah haram dan bertentangan dengan ajaran Islam.”

      Jawatankuasa Fatwa Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Malaysia kali ke-71 yang bersidang pada 22 hingga 24 November 2005 memutuskan bahawa amalan merayakan Hari Valentine 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. Oleh itu amalan meraikan Hari Valentine tidak digalakkan oleh agama Islam.

     Pengharaman dan larangan ini bukanlah kerana ingin menghalang keseronokan atau dengki di atas aktiviti trend baru zaman moden ini. Tetapi ianya berlandaskan kepada apa yang dinyatakan di dalam Al-Quran dan As-Sunnah yang menjadi panduan seantero umat manusia bagi mengecapi keindahan hidup di dunia dan diakhirat.

 Sejarah Valentine’s Day

     Menurut Rizki Ridyasmara di dalam bukunya, Valentine Day, Natal, Happy New Year, April Mop, Hallowen: So What?, para sejarawan masih tidak mempunyai kata sepakat berkenaan peristiwa apa sebenarnya menjadikan Hari Valentine terus diperingat. Tetapi daripada beberapa sumber sejarah terdapat empat (4) versi pendapat yang amat popular berkaitan dengannya.

Pendapat Pertama

     Pendapat pertama mengaitkan Sambutan Hari Valentine dengan pesta sambutan kaum Rom kuno sebelum kedatangan agama Kristian yang dinamakan Lupercalia. Lupercalia merupakan upacara penyucian diri yang berlangsung dari 13 hingga 18 Februari. Dua hari pertama mereka menyembah dewi cinta (Queen of Feverish Love) bagi kaum Rom kuno yang bernama Juno Februata. Pada hari ini para pemuda Rom memilih nama-nama gadis-gadis yang menjadi pilihan mereka lalu dimasukkan ke dalam sebuah kotak. Setiap pemuda tersebut kemudiannya akan mencabut nama tersebut dari dalam kotak itu secara rawak. Nama gadis yang tertera di dalam kertas tersebut akan menjadi pasangan yang akan menjadi objek hiburan seksnya selama setahun. Pada 15 Februari, mereka meminta perlindungan dewa Lupercalia dari gangguan serigala. Pada hari itu mereka akan menyembelih seekor anjing dan kambing. Kemudian mereka akan memilih dua pemuda Rom yang dianggap paling gagah untuk menyapukan darah binatang tersebut ke badan mereka lalu mencucinya pula dengan susu. Setelah itu akan diadakan perarakan besar-besaran yang diketuai dua pemuda tersebut dan mereka berdua akan memukul orang ramai yang berada di laluan mereka dengan kulit binatang dan para wanita akan berebut-rebut untuk menerima pukulan tersebut kerana mereka beranggapan ianya akan menambahkan kesuburan mereka. Semasa agama Kristian menguasai Rom, mereka mengadaptasikan upacara paganism ini dan mewarnainya dengan nuansa Kristian. Mereka menggantikan nama-nama gadis dengan nama-nama Paus atau Pastor. Antara pendukungnya adalah Raja Konstantine dan Paus Gregory I.

Pendapat Kedua

     Pendapat kedua pula mengaitkannya dengan kematian paderi St. Valentine ketika pemerintahan Raja Rom yang bernama Claudius II. Terdapat dua (2) kisah berkaitan dengan St. Valentine ini.

     Versi pertama menyatakan bahawa pada masa pemerintahan Claudius II, kerajaan Rom yang menyembah dewa-dewi, hidup dengan penuh mitos dan lagenda amat memusuhi penganut agama Kristian. Para mubaligh Kristian telah dipenjara serta disiksa. St. Valentine sebagai seorang yang tegar menganut agama Kristian dan aktif menyebarkan ajaran tersebut turut dipenjarakan oleh Cladius II. Dikhabarkan St. Valentine walaupun dipenjarakan, beliau tetap tegar mengajar dan menyebarkan agama tersebut di kalangan banduan-banduan penjara di samping membantu tawanan-tawanan penjara meloloskan diri dari penjara. Kegiatan ini telah diketahui oleh Cladius II dan beliau memerintahkan St. Valentine diseksa dan akhirnya dihukum bunuh pada 14 Februari. Pengorban yang dilakukan oleh St Valentine ini dianggap oleh penganut Kristian sebagai satu pengorbanan yang besar demi kecintaan beliau terhadap agamanya. Malah St. Valentine disamakan dengan Jesus yang dianggap oleh penganut Kristian mati kerana menebus dosa yang dilakukan oleh kaumnya. Dikatakan juga bahawa ketika di dalam penjara, beliau telah jatuh cinta dengan anak salah seorang pegawai penjara dan di akhir hayatnya sebelum dibunuh, beliau sempat menulis sepucuk surat cinta kepada gadis tersebut yang bertandatangan ‘From your Valentine’ (Daripada Valentinemu). Maka orang-orang Kristian mengambil sempena 14 Februari itu untuk meraikan hari kasih sayang demi memperingati hari kematian paderi mereka St. Valentine.

     Versi kedua pula menyatakan bahawa Claudius II, yang berhadapan dengan peperangan beranggapan bahawa anggota tentera yang muda dan masih bujang adalah lebih tabah dan kuat ketika berada di medan peperangan berbanding dengan mereka yang telah berkahwin. Justeru itu, Cladius II menghalang para pemuda dari berkahwin. Namun demikian, St.Valentine menentangnya dengan keras dan beliau telah melakukan upacara pernikahan terhadap para pemuda Rom secara rahsia. Aktiviti St. Valentine ini akhirnya diketahui oleh Cladius II lalu beliau mengarahkan St. Valentine ditangkap dan dihukum gantung pada 14 Februari 269 M.

Pendapat Ketiga

     Ia dirayakan bersempena kejatuhan Kerajaan Islam Andalusia di Sepanyol dimana St. Valentine merupakan individu yang telah memainkan peranan penting dalam usaha menjatuhkan kerajaan Islam itu. Disebabkan sumbangan itu, St. Valentine dianggap sebagai kekasih rakyat. 14 Februari 1492 merupakan tarikh kejatuhan Islam di Sepanyol dan dianggap pada hari itu hari kasih sayang kerana mereka menganggap Islam adalah agama yang zalim.

Pendapat Keempat

     Berdasarkan apa yang dinukilkan oleh Geoffrey Chaucer, seorang penyair Inggris di dalam puisinya.  Sambutan Hari Valentine ini bersempena dengan sifat burung yang musim mengawannya pada 14 Februari.

     Berdasarkan kepada versi-versi tersebut, ianya amat jelas tiada hubungan sama ada secara langsung ataupun tidak langsung dengan budaya kita mahupun agama bagi umat Islam. Malahan ianya amat terang lagi tersuluh mempunyai kaitan dalam memperlekehkan aqidah Islam dan orang Islam sendiri.

Kebejatan Acara Valentine’s Day

     Sebenarnya bukan sekadar apa yang tersirat di sebalik amalan dan kepercayaan berkenaan Sambutan Hari Valentine ini sahaja amat keji dan perlu dihindari. Tetapi acara-acara jelek dan tidak boleh diterima oleh budaya manusia bertamadun, menjadikan ianya perlu ditolak dan dipadamkan dari takwim perayaan manusia madani dan memiliki pegangan aqidah yang suci.

     Lihatlah bagaimana saban tahun kebelakangan ini, media-media mendedahkan pelbagai acara dianjurkan bagi mengamatkan Sambutan Hari Valentine, khususnya kepada kalangan muda mudi. Ianya dicatur berpaksikan kepada menzahirkan perasaan kasih dan sayang kepada pasangan masing-masing. Amat jijik dan jelek sekiranya difikirkan dengan akal pemikiran yang waras. Bagaimanakah seorang kekasih boleh menyerahkan dan melakukan apa sahaja untuk kekasihnya tanpa ada sebarang ikatan demi membuktikan perjanjian cinta?

     Akan tetapi, apa yang amat mendukacitakan, acara tidak bertamadun dan tidak bermata dalam menilai kehormatan sesama insan itu tetap mendapat sambutan. Ia sukar dibendung. Jauh sekali untuk dibersihkan sepenuhnya. Kesedaran pemikiran yang waras tercabut dengan hayalan dan dongengan dek janji indahnya kasih sayang tanpa ada suluhan kebenaran yang hak.

     Berdasarkan kepada apa yang telah terjadi, sebenarnya Hari yang bertemakan kepada menyanjungi dan mengagungi kasih sayang di kalangan para kekasih menjadi hari permulaan bermulanya bencana dan kehancuran. Sememangnya pada Valentine's Day akan muncul si Romeo dan si Juliet yang mampu mengungkapkan bait-bait puisi seindah puisi William Shakespeare. Tidak kurang pula juga mereka yang sehebat si Laila dan si Majnun dalam bergelumang memperjuangkan kesetiaan cinta dengan bibir mengalunkan kata-kata puitis seindah puisi Jamaludin Rumi. Itu semua hanya seketika dek karamnya mereka di dalam bahtera gelojak nafsu tanpa nakhoda keimanan. Keindahan detik ‘syurga’ ciptaan penuh tipu daya hanya wujud pada hari itu sahaja. Ia akan ghaib entah ke mana setelah berakhirnya Valentine’s Day.

      Penderitaan, kekecewaan dan penyesalan akan menyelusuri. Ia akan menggantikan nikmat yang tidak seberapa. Si Romeo yang menjanjikan seribu kesetiaan menjadi halimunan bersama janjinya. Si Majnun yang menaburkan selangit pengorbanan demi kasih, cinta dan setia bisu dan ghaib entah kemana. Ia sudah terlambat untuk diatasi. Nasi sudah menjadi bubur. Cempedak sudah menjadi nangka. Kekesalan sudah tiada gunanya.

Islam Ada Cara

   

     Islam sebagai agama fitrah dan sempurna, sentiasa menganjurkan kasih sayang sesama kekasih. Ini dapat dilihat melalui apa yang diungkapkan di dalam Kitab Al-Quran dan dijelmakan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w. bongkarlah khazanah yang ditinggalkan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w itu bagi mencarinya.

     Menzahirkan kasih sayang kepada kekasih perlulah ada batasan selaras dengan fitrah manusia. Kasih sayang diantara dua jantina berbeza tidak boleh hanya dengan janji manis di bibir. Tetapi ia perlu diikat dengan satu ikatan akad yang mampu menyimpul ikatan kukuh bagi menjamin zuriat, akhlak dan peribadi. Ikatan itu dinamakan sebagai perkahwinan.

     Ia bukan bertujuan menyusahkan hubungan sesama manusia. Akan tetapi, ia hanya bermatlamatkan menjadikan masyarakat yang stabil, aman dan harmoni. Keindahan dalam menzahirkan kasih sayang itulah yang dianjurkan oleh Islam dan perlulah disemai dan dibajai setiap hari tanpa perlu menunggu detik satu hari dalam setahun.

Penutup

     Bagi menyelamatkan agamadan ummah dari terus musnah akibat impak amalan-amalan bertentangan dengan aqidah dan syariah sempena Valentine’s Day ini perlulah disemaikan dalam setiap minda kita mewar-warkan larangan Sambutan Valentine’s Day dari terus diraikan oleh umat Islam khususnya di Negara kita. Wujudkanlah perasaan anti Valentine’s Day di dada dan minda, hadirkanlah rasa benci dan tidak akan meraikannya melalui penyertaan aktiviti-aktiviti yang menyalahi aqidah, syarak dan tamadun manusia.

Tarikh : Februari 14, 2011 - 7:21pm
Editor : sallehariff

Rujukan : 

1- http://books.google.com.my/books?id=ajZ_aR-VXn8C&pg=PA139&dq=history+of+valentine+tradition&hl=en&sa=X&ei=qh06T4TDOIXprQelkIm3CA&ved=0CFQQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=history%20of%20valentine%20tradition&f=false

2- http://mindasuper.com/v2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=204&Itemid=41

  

Why Muslim cannot celebrate Valentine's day

Ruling on celebrating Valentine’s Day

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

Valentine’s Day is a jaahili Roman festival, which continued to be celebrated until after the Romans became Christian. This festival became connected with the saint known as Valentine who was sentenced to death on 14 February 270 CE. The kuffaar still celebrate this festival, during which immorality and evil are practised widely. For more details on this celebration, please see: Celebrating Valentine’s Day . 

Secondly: 

It is not permissible for a Muslim to celebrate any of the festivals of the kuffaar, because festivals come under the heading of shar’i issues which are to be based on the sound texts. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Festivals are part of sharee’ah, clear way and rituals of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way”

[al-Maa’idah 5:48] 

“For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow”

[al-Hajj 22:67] 

-- such as the qiblah (direction faced in prayer), prayer and fasting. There is no difference between their participating in the festival and their participating in all other rituals. Joining in fully with the festival is joining in with kufr, and joining in with some of its minor issues is joining in with some of the branches of kufr. Indeed, festivals are one of the most unique features that distinguish various religions and among their most prominent symbols, so joining in with them is joining in with the most characteristic and prominent symbols of kufr. No doubt joining in with this may lead to complete kufr.                                                 

Partially joining in, at the very least, is disobedience and sin. This was indicated by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said: “Every people has its festival and this is our festival.” This is worse than joining them in wearing the zinaar (a garment that was worn only by ahl al-dhimmah) and other characteristics of theirs, for those characteristics are man-made and are not part of their religion, rather the purpose behind them is simply to distinguish between a Muslim and a kaafir. As for the festival and its rituals, this is part of the religion which is cursed along with its followers, so joining in with it is joining in with something that is a cause of incurring the wrath and punishment of Allaah. End quote from Iqtida’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (1/207). 

He also said (may Allaah have mercy on him): It is not permissible for the Muslims to imitate them in anything that is uniquely a part of their festivals, whether it be food, clothing, bathing, lighting fires, refraining from a regular habit, doing acts of worship or anything else. It is not permissible to give a feast or to give gifts, or to sell anything that will help them to do that for that purpose, or to allow children and others to play games that are part of the festivals, or to wear one’s adornments. 

To conclude: the Mulsims should not do any of their rituals at the time of their festivals; rather the day of their festival should be like any other day for the Muslims. The Muslims should not do anything specific in imitation of them. End quote from Majmoo al-Fataawa (25/329). 

Al-Haafiz al-Dhahabi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: If the Christians have a festival, and the Jews have a festival, it is only for them, so no Muslim should join them in that, just as no Muslim should join them in their religion or their direction of prayer. End quote from Tashabbuh al-Khasees bi Ahl al-Khamees, published in Majallat al-Hikmah (4/193) 

The hadeeth to which Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah referred was narrated by al-Bukhaari (952) and Muslim (892) from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: Abu Bakr came in and there were two young girls of the Ansaar with me who were singing about what had happened to the Ansaar on the day of Bu’aath. She said: And they were not (professional) singing girls. Abu Bakr said: “Musical instruments of the shaytaan in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?!” and that was on the day of Eid. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O Abu Bakr, every people has a festival and this is our festival.” 

Abu Dawood (1134) narrated that Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah, they had two days when they would play. He said: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to play on these days during the Jaahiliyyah.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has given you instead of them two days that are better than them: the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

This indicates that festivals are among the characteristics by which nations are distinguished, and it is not permissible to celebrate the festivals of the ignorant and the mushrikeen (polytheists). 

The scholars have issued fatwas stating that it is haraam to celebrate Valentine’s Day. 

1 –Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: 

In recent times the celebration of Valentine’s Day has become widespread, especially among female students. It is a Christian festival where people dress completely in red, including clothes and shoes, and they exchange red flowers. We hope that you can explain the ruling on celebrating this festival, and what your advice is to Muslims with regard to such matters; may Allaah bless you and take care of you. 

He replied: 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day is not permissible for a number of reasons.  

1-     It is an innovated festival for which there is no basis in Islam.

2-     It promotes love and infatuation.

3-     It calls for hearts to be preoccupied with foolish matters that are contrary to the way of the righteous salaf (may Allaah be pleased with them). 

It is not permissible on this day to do any of the things that are characteristic of this festival, whether that has to do with food, drinks, clothing, exchanging gifts or anything else. 

The Muslim should be proud of his religion and should not be a weak character who follows every Tom, Dick and Harry. I ask Allaah to protect the Muslims from all temptations, visible and invisible, and to protect us and guide us. 

End quote from Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (16/199) 

2 – The Standing Committee was asked: Some people celebrate Valentine’s Day on the fourteenth of February every year. They exchange gifts of red roses and wear red clothes and congratulate one another. Some bakeries make red coloured sweets and draw hearts on them, and some stores advertise products that are especially for this day. What is your opinion on the following: 

1-     Celebrating this day

2-     Buying things from the stores on this day

3-     Storekeepers who are not celebrating it selling things that may be given as gifts to people who are celebrating it? 

They replied: 

The clear evidence of the Qur’aan and Sunnah – and the consensus of the early generations of this ummah – indicates that there are only two festivals in Islam: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Any other festivals that have to do with a person, a group, an event or anything else are innovated festivals, which it is not permissible for Muslims to observe, approve of or express joy on those occasions, or to help others to celebrate them in any way, because that is transgressing the sacred limits of Allaah, and whoever transgresses the sacred limits of Allaah has wronged himself. If the fabricated festival is also a festival of the kuffaar, then the sin is even greater, because this is imitating them and it is a kind of taking them as close friends, and Allaah has forbidden the believers to imitate them and take them as close friends in His Holy Book. And it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Valentine’s Day comes under this heading because it is an idolatrous Christian festival, so it is not permissible for a Muslim who believes in Allaah and the Last Day to observe it or approve of it or congratulate people on it. Rather he has to ignore it and avoid it, in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, and so as to keep away from the causes that incur the wrath and punishment of Allaah. It is also haraam for the Muslim to help people to celebrate this or any other haraam festival by supplying any kind of food or drink, or buying or selling or manufacturing or giving or advertising etc., because all of that is cooperating in sin and transgression and is disobedience towards Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“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 Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment”

[al-Maa’idah 5:2] 

The Muslim must adhere to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah in all his affairs, especially at times of fitnah when evil is widespread. He should be smart and avoid falling into the misguidance of those who have earned Allaah’s anger and who have gone astray, and the evildoers who have no fear of Allaah and who do not have any pride in being Muslims. The Muslim must turn to Allaah and seek His guidance and remain steadfast in following it, for there is no Guide except Allaah and no one can make a person steadfast but Him. And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote. 

3 – Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) was asked: 

Among our young men and women it has become common to celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is named after a saint who is venerated by the Christians, who celebrate it every year on February 14, when they exchange gifts and red roses, and they wear red clothes. What is the ruling on celebrating this day and exchanging gifts? 

He replied: 

Firstly: it is not permissible to celebrate these innovated festivals, because it is an innovation for which there is no basis in Islam. It comes under the heading of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” 

Secondly: it involves imitating the kuffaar and copying them by venerating that which they venerate and respecting their festivals and rituals, and imitating them in something that is part of their religion. In the hadeeth it says: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” 

Thirdly: it results in evils and haraam things such as wasting time, singing, music, extravagance, unveiling, wanton display, men mixing with women, women appearing before men other than their mahrams, and other haraam things, or things that are a means that leads to immorality. That cannot be excused by the claim that this is a kind of entertainment and fun. The one who is sincere towards himself should keep away from sin and the means that lead to it. 

And he said: 

Based on this, it is not permissible to sell these gifts and roses, if it is known that the purchaser celebrates these festivals or will give these things as gifts on those days, so that the seller will not be a partner of the one who does those innovations. And Allaah knows best. End quote. 

And Allaah knows best.

Reference : http://islamqa.info/en/ref/73007/valentine

 Islam Q&A

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

---

Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.  

Allaah has chosen for us Islam as our religion and He will not accept any other religion from anyone, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]  

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us that groups of his ummah would follow the enemies of Allaah in some of their rituals and customs, as it says in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him), who narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?!”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari in al-I’tisaam bi’l-Kitaab wa’l-Sunnah, Baab Qawl al-Nabi (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) La tattabi’unna Sanan man kaana qablakum, 8/151; and by Muslim in Kitaab al-‘Ilm, Baab Ittibaa’ Sanan al-Yahood wa’l-Nasaara, 4/2054)

 What the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) spoke of has indeed come to pass and has become widespread in recent times, in many of the Muslim countries. Many of the Muslims follow the enemies of Allaah in many of their customs and ways of behaving, and imitate them in some of their rituals and in celebrating their holidays. 

The matter has been made even worse by the opening up of mass communications between peoples, whereby the rituals and customs of the kuffaar are now transmitted with the glamorous adornment of sound and image from their countries into the Muslim countries, via satellite TV and the World Wide Web (Internet). Many Muslims have been deceived by their glamour. 

In recent years, a new phenomenon has spread among the Muslim youth – males and females alike – which does not bode well. This is manifested in their imitation of the Christians in their celebration of the Valentine’s Day, which has led the scholars and daa’iyahs to explain the rulings of sharee’ah concerning that, out of sincerity towards Allaah, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk, so that Muslims may have a clear understanding of this issue and so that they will not fall into that which will undermine the belief (‘aqeedah) with which Allaah has blessed them. 

This is a brief discussion of the origins, development and purpose of this holiday, and what the Muslim should do with regard to it. 

The story of the Festival of Love (Valentine’s Day)

 The Festival of Love was one of the festivals of the pagan Romans, when paganism was the prevalent religion of the Romans more than seventeen centuries ago. In the pagan Roman concept, it was an expression of  “spiritual love”. 

There were myths associated with this pagan festival of the Romans, which persisted with their Christian heirs. Among the most famous of these myths was the Roman belief that Romulus, the founder of Rome, was suckled one day by a she-wolf, which gave him strength and wisdom. 

The Romans used to celebrate this event in mid-February each year with a big festival. One of the rituals of this festival was the sacrifice of a dog and a goat. Two strong and muscular youths would daub the blood of the dog and goat onto their bodies, then they would wash the blood away with milk. After that there would be a great parade, with these two youths at its head, which would go about the streets. The two youths would have pieces of leather with which they would hit everyone who crossed their path. The Roman women would welcome these blows, because they believed that they could prevent or cure infertility. 

The connection between Saint Valentine and this festival 

Saint Valentine is a name which is given to two of the ancient “martyrs” of the Christian Church. It was said that there were two of them, or that there was only one, who died in Rome as the result of the persecution of the Gothic leader Claudius, c. 296 CE. In 350 CE, a church was built in Rome on the site of the place where he died, to perpetuate his memory. 

When the Romans embraced Christianity, they continued to celebrate the Feast of Love mentioned above, but they changed it from the pagan concept of “spiritual love” to another concept known as the “martyrs of love”, represented by Saint Valentine who had advocated love and peace, for which cause he was martyred, according to their claims. It was also called the Feast of Lovers, and Saint Valentine was considered to be the patron saint of lovers. 

One of their false beliefs connected with this festival was that the names of girls who had reached marriageable age would be written on small rolls of paper and placed in a dish on a table. Then the young men who wanted to get married would be called, and each of them would pick a piece of paper. He would put himself at the service of the girl whose name he had drawn for one year, so that they could find out about one another. Then they would get married, or they would repeat the same process again on the day of the festival in the following year. 

The Christian clergy reacted against this tradition, which they considered to have a corrupting influence on the morals of young men and women. It was abolished in Italy, where it had been well-known, then it was revived in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when in some western countries there appeared shops which sold small books called “Valentine’s books”, which contained love poems, from which the one who wanted to send a greeting to his sweetheart could choose. They also contained suggestions for writing love letters. 

It was also said concerning the origins of this holiday that when the Romans became Christian, after Christianity had become widespread, the Roman emperor Claudius II decreed in the third century CE that soldiers should not get married, because marriage would distract them from the wars they used to fight. This decree was opposed by Saint Valentine, who started to perform marriages for the soldiers in secret. When the emperor found out about that, he threw him in jail and sentenced him to execution. In prison, he (Saint Valentine) fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, but this was a secret because according to Christian laws, priests and monks were forbidden to marry or fall in love. But he is still regarded highly by the Christians because of his steadfastness in adhering to Christianity when the emperor offered to pardon him if he forsook Christianity and worshipped the Roman gods; then he would be one of his closest confidantes and he would make him his son-in-law. But Valentine refused this offer and preferred Christianity, so he was executed on 14 February 270 CE, on the eve of February 15, the festival of Lupercalis. So this day was named for this saint.  

In The Story of Civilization, it says that the Church devised a calendar in which every day was designated as the feast day of one of the saints. In England, Saint Valentine’s Day was to come at the end of winter. When that day came, according to them, the birds mated enthusiastically in the forests, and the young men would put flowers on the windowsills of the homes of the girls whom they loved. (The Story of Civilization by Will Durant, 15/23) 

The Pope designated the day of the death of Saint Valentine, February 14, 270 CE, as a festival of love. Who is the Pope? He is the “the archbishop, the supreme pontiff of the universal church, the successor of Saint Peter.” Look at this “archbishop” and how he prescribed for them the observance of this festival which was an innovation in their religion. This reminds us of what Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allaah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allaah)…”[al-Tawbah 9:31] 

It was narrated that ‘Adiy ibn Haatim said: “I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wearing a gold cross around my neck. He said, ‘O ‘Adiy, cast aside this idol.’ And I heard him reciting from Soorat Baraa’ah [al-Tawbah] (interpretation of the meaning): ‘They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allaah.’ He said: ‘They do not worship them, but when they permit them something they accept it as permitted, and when they forbid them something they accept it as forbidden.’” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and it is a hasan hadeeth). 

Among the most important symbols of this holiday: 

1 – Expressing joy and happiness on this occasion, as on their other major festivals.

2 – Exchanging red roses, which are an expression of love, the “spiritual love” of the pagans or the “love” of the Christians. Hence it is known to them as the Feast of Lovers.

3 – The sending of greetings cards. On some of these cards are pictures of “Cupid”, who appears as a child with two wings, carrying a bow and arrows. This was the god of love of the pagan Romans – exalted be Allaah far above their fabrications and their association of others with Him.

4 – Exchange of words of love and desire in the greetings cards which they send to one another, in verse, prose and short phrases. Some of the cards contain comical pictures and funny words, and they often contain the phrase “be my Valentine”. This represents the Christian concept of this festival after it was taken from the pagan concept.

5 – In many western countries, parties are held during the day and in the evening, where there is mixing of men and women, and dancing. Many of them send gifts such as roses and boxes of chocolates to their wives, friends and those whom they love. 

Anyone who looks at what is said above about the myths surrounding this pagan festival will clearly understand the following: 

Firstly:

That its origins lie in the pagan beliefs of the Romans, where it was an expression of the spiritual love of the idols which they used to worship instead of Allaah. Whoever celebrates it is celebrating an occasion of shirk on which the idols are venerated. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) there are no helpers”[al-Maa’idah 5:72] 

Secondly:

That the development of this festival among the Romans was connected to myths and legends which no sound mind can accept, let alone the mind of the Muslim who believes in Allaah and His Messengers (peace be upon them). Can anyone of sound mind believe that a she-wolf suckled the founder of the city of Rome and gave him strength and wisdom. Moreover, these myths go against the belief (‘aqeedah) of the Muslim because the One Who bestows strength and wisdom is the Creator, may He be glorified and exalted, not the milk of a she-wolf! The same applies to the myth that their idols could protect them from evil or keep wolves away from their flocks.

 Thirdly:

Among the ugly rituals of the Romans on this day was the sacrifice of a dog and a goat, the daubing of their blood onto two youths then washing the blood off with milk, etc… This is something that would cause revulsion in anyone of a sound nature, and it is unacceptable to the sound mind. 

Fourthly:

The connection between Saint Valentine and this festival has been questioned by many sources, and it considered to be far from definite. It would have been better for the Christians to reject this pagan festival in which they imitated the pagans. So how about us Muslims, who are commanded to be different from the Christians and the pagans before them? 

Fifthly: this festival was denounced by the Christian clergy in Italy, the bastion of Catholicism, because it was spreading bad attitudes and having an adverse effect on the minds of young men and women. So it is better for the Muslims to reject it, warn others against it and to fulfil their duty towards it of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. 

Someone may ask: why do we Muslims not celebrate this festival?

This question may be answered in several ways: 

1.     In Islam, the festivals are clearly defined and well established, and no additions or subtractions may be accepted. They are an essential part of our worship and there is no room for ijtihaad or personal opinion. They have been prescribed for us by Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

“Festivals are part of the laws, clear way and religious ceremonies of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

‘To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way[al-Maa’idah 5:48]

‘For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow’[al-Hajj 22:67]

like the qiblah (direction faced in prayer), prayer and fasting. So there is no difference between joining them in their festival and joining them in their other rituals. Agreeing with the whole festival is agreeing with kufr. Agreeing with some of their minor issues is the same as agreeing with them in some of the branches of kufr. Festivals are the most distinctive things by which religions are told apart, so whoever celebrates their festivals is agreeing with the most distinctive rituals of kufr. Undoubtedly going along with them in their festivals may in some cases lead to kufr. Dabbling in these things, at the very least, is a sin. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) referred to the fact that every nation has its own festivals when he said: ‘Every nation has its own Eid and this is our Eid’ (al-Bukhaari , 952, Muslim, 1892).” (al-Iqtidaa’, 1/471-472) 

Because Valentine’s Day goes back to Roman times, not Islamic times, this means that it is something which belongs exclusively to the Christians, not to Islam, and the Muslims have no share and no part in it. If every nation has its own festivals, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said – “Every nation has its Eid” (narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim) – then this means that every nation should be distinguished by its festivals. If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival, which belongs exclusively to them, then no Muslim should join in with them, just as he does not share their religion or their direction of prayer. 

2.     Celebrating Valentine’s Day means resembling or imitating the pagan Romans, then the Christian People of the Book in their imitation of the Romans in something that was not a part of their religion. If it is not allowed to imitate the Christians in things that really are part of their religion – but not part of our religion – then how about things which they have innovated in their religion in imitation of idol-worshippers?! 

Imitating the kuffaar in general –whether they are idol-worshippers or People of the Book – is haraam, whether that imitation is of their worship – which is the most serious form – or of their customs and behaviour. This is indicated by the Qur’aan, Sunnah and ijmaa’ (scholarly consensus): 

(i)                From the Qur’aan: Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment”[Aal ‘Imraan 3:105]

(ii)              From the Sunnah: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (narrated by Ahmad, 2/50; Abu Dawood, 4021)

Shaykh al-Islam (Ibn Taymiyah) said: “This hadeeth at the very least indicates that it is haraam to imitate them, although the apparent meaning implies that the one who imitates them is a kaafir, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): ‘And if any amongst you takes them (as Awliyaa’ [friends and helpers]), then surely, he is one of them’ [al-Maa’idah 5:51].” (al-Iqtidaa’, 2/722-725)

(iii)            With regard to ijmaa’, Ibn Taymiyan narrated that there was agreement that it is haraam to imitate the kuffaar in their festivals at the time of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them), and Ibn al-Qayyim narrated that there was scholarly consensus on this point. (See al-Iqtidaa’, 1/454; Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 2/722-725) 

Allaah has forbidden imitation of the kuffaar; He has described it as hateful and has warned against the consequences of that, in many aayahs, on many occasions, and in various ways, especially imitation of the kuffaar. Sometimes He does that by forbidding following them or obeying them; sometimes by warning against them or being deceived by their plots, following their opinions, or being influenced by their actions, conduct or attitude. Sometimes He does that by mentioning some of their characteristics that will put the believers off from them and from imitating them. Most of the warnings in the Qur’aan refer to the Jews and hypocrites (munaafiqeen), then the People of the Book in general and the mushrikeen. Allaah tells us in the Qur’aan that imitating and obeying the kuffaar may constitute riddah (apostasy). Allaah also forbids following them, obeying them, or following their whims and desires and bad characteristics. 

Prohibition of imitating the kuffaar is one of the basic principles of sharee’ah. Allaah sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion so that it might prevail over all other religions, and Allaah has perfected His religion for mankind:

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”[al-Maa’idah 5:3 – interpretation of the meaning].

Allaah has made Islam cover all (human) interests at all times and in all places and for all people. So there is no need to adopt the ways of the kuffaar or imitate them. 

Imitation causes defects in the Muslim personality, such as feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, weakness and defeatism, then it leads to shunning and keeping away from the path and laws of Allaah. Experience has shown that admiration for the kuffaar and imitation of them causes people to love them, have complete faith in them and take them as friends and helpers, and to reject Islam and its people, its heroes, its legacy and values, and become ignorant of all of that. 

3.     The purpose of Valentine’s Day in these times is to spread love between all people, believers and disbelievers alike. Undoubtedly it is haraam to love the kaafirs. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“You (O Muhammad) will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people)…”[al-Mujaadilah 58:22] 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Allaah tells us that there is no believer who takes a kaafir as a close friend. Whoever takes a kaafir as a close friend is not a believer. Outward imitation may be taken as a sign of love, so it is haraam.” (al-Iqtidaa’, 1/490). 

4.     The love referred to in this festival ever since the Christians revived it is romantic love outside the framework of marriage. The result of that is the spread of zinaa (fornication and adultery) and immorality. Hence the Christian clergy opposed it at some stage and abolished it, then it came back again. 

Most of the young people celebrate it because it lets them fulfil their desires, without thinking of the issues of imitation and resembling that are involved. Look at this tragedy, where they go so far as to commit major sins such as zinaa and the like, by imitating the Christians in something which is part of their worship and which may even be kufr. 

Some people may wonder, and say, you mean to deprive us of love, but in this day and age we express our feelings and emotions – what is so wrong with that? 

We say: 

Firstly:

It is a mistake to confuse what they call the day with what the real intentions are behind it. The love referred to on this day is romantic love, taking mistresses and lovers, boyfriends and girlfriends. It is known to be a day of promiscuity and sex for them, with no restraints or restrictions… They are not talking of pure love between a man and his wife or a woman and her husband, or at least they do not distinguish between the legitimate love in the relationship between husband and wife, and the forbidden love of mistresses and lovers. This festival for them is a means for everyone to express love. 

Secondly:

Expression of feelings and emotions is not a justification for the Muslim to allocate a day for celebration based on his own thoughts and ideas, and to call it a festival, or make it like a festival or Eid. So how about when it is one of the festivals of the kuffaar? 

In Islam, a husband loves his wife throughout the year, and he expresses that love towards her with gifts, in verse and in prose, in letters and in other ways, throughout the years – not just on one day of the year. 

Thirdly:

There is no religion which encourages its followers to love and care for one another more than Islam does. This applies at all times and in all circumstances, not just on one particular day. Indeed, Islam encourages us to express our emotions and love at all times, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If a man loves his brother, let him tell him that he loves him.” (narrated by Abu Dawood, 5124; al-Tirmidhi, 2329; it is saheeh). 

And he said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you truly believe, and you will not truly believe until you love one another.  Shall I not tell you of something that, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread (the greeting of) salaam amongst yourselves.” (Narrated by Muslim, 54) 

Fourthly:

Love in Islam is more general and more comprehensive; it is not restricted only to one kind of love, that between a man and a woman. There are many more kinds of love. There is the love of Allaah, love of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them), love for good and righteous people, love and support for the religion, love of martyrdom for the sake of Allaah. There are many kinds of love. It is a dangerous mistake to restrict this broad meaning to this one kind of love. 

Fifthly:

What these people think, that love before marriage is a good thing, is wrong, as has been proven in studies and by real-life experience. In a study conducted by the University of Cairo, on what they called “love marriage” and “traditional marriage”, the following was stated: 

In marriages which came after a love story, 88% of cases ended in failure, i.e., the success rate was not more than 12%. But in cases of what the study calls traditional marriage, 70% were successful. In other words, the success rate in marriages described as traditional was six times more than those described as “love marriages”. (Risaalah ila Mu’minah, p. 255). 

Now let us look at the state of affairs in western societies where Valentine’s Day is celebrated, and ask, what is the state of marriage relationships in those societies, and do these celebrations have any positive effect on interactions between husbands and wives?  

Their own studies and statistics show the following: 

1-     In an American study done in 1407 AH/1987 CE, it states that 79% of men beat their womenfolk, especially if they are married…! (al-Qabas newspaper, 15/2/1988).

2-     A study carried out by the National American Office for Mental Health states the following:

-         17% of women who go to emergency rooms are victims of beatings by their husbands or boyfriends.

-         83% of those who have previously been admitted to hospital at least once for treatment of injuries, were admitted as a result of beating.

The study added that there are more women who do not go to hospital for treatment, but deal with their injuries at home.

3-     In a report of the Central American Agency for Examination [FPT] it states that every 18 seconds there is a woman who is beaten by her husband somewhere in America.

4-     American Time magazine stated that around 4,000 wives out of approximately 6 million who are beaten die as a result of that beating.

5-     In a German study it said that no less that 100,000 women annually are exposed to acts of physical or psychological abuse on the part of their husbands or the men they live with. The real figure may exceed one million.

6-     In France, approximately 2 million women face beatings.

7-     In Britain, in an opinion poll in which 7,000 women took part, 28% of them said that they had been subjected to attacks by their husbands and boyfriends. 

So how can we believe that Valentine’s Day is of any benefit to married couples? The truth is that it is a call for more permissiveness and immorality, and the forming of forbidden relationships. 

The husband who sincerely loves his wife does not need this holiday to remind him of his love. He expresses his love for his wife at all times and on all occasions. 

The Muslim’s attitude towards Valentine’s Day 

From the above discussion, the Muslim’s attitude towards this holiday should be clear: 

(1)     He should not celebrate it, or join others in their celebrations of it, or attend their celebrations, because of the evidence quoted above which shows that it is forbidden to celebrate the festivals of the kuffaar. 

Al-Haafiz al-Dhahabi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival, which belongs only to them, then the Muslim should not join them in that, just as he does not join them in their religion or their direction of prayer.” (Tashabbuh al-Khasees bi Ahl al-Khamees, al-Hikmah magazine, 4/193). 

Because one of the basic principles of the pious predecessors was al-walaa’ wa’l-baraa’ (loyalty and friendship vs. disavowal and enmity), it is obligatory for everyone who says Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Muhammad Rasool Allaah to follow this principle. So he should love the believers and he should hate the disbelievers, oppose them, and be different from them. He should know that that will bring immeasurable benefits, just as imitating them causes far greater harm. In addition to that, when the Muslims imitate them it makes the kuffaar happy and fills their hearts with joy, and it leads the Muslims to love the kuffaar in their hearts. If any Muslim girl who celebrates this holiday because she sees Margaret or Hilary or whoever doing so, this undoubtedly reflects the fact that she is following them and approves of their behaviour. But Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Awliyaa’ (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Awliyaa’ of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Awliyaa’), then surely, he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers and unjust)”[al-Maa’idah 5:51] 

One of the bad effects of imitating them is that this makes it look as if there are more of them, as if they have more supporters and followers. How can it be appropriate for a Muslim who recites in every rak’ah, “Guide us to the Straight Way, The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray” [al-Faatihah 1:6-7 – interpretation of the meaning], to ask Allaah for guidance to the Straight Path of the believers and to keep him away from the path of those who have earned His anger and of those who went astray, then go and follow their path by choice and willingly?  

Statistics indicate that Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas in popularity. So it is clear that the Feast of Love is one of the festivals of the Christians and that it is second only to the festival of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. So it is not permissible for Muslims to join in the celebrations of this date, because we are commanded to differ from them in their religion, customs and other things that belong exclusively to them, as is stated in the Qur’aan and Sunnah and scholarly consensus. 

(2)     He should not help the kuffaar in their celebrations, because it is one of the rituals of kufr, so helping them and approving of what they do is helping them to manifest kufr and make it prevail, and approving of it. The Muslim’s religion does not allow him to approve of kufr or help others to manifest it and make it prevail. Hence Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “It is not permissible for the Muslims to imitate them in anything that is specifically part of their festivals, whether it is food, clothing, bathing, lighting fires, or changing a custom of daily life or worship… To sum up, they should not do any of the specific rituals of their (the kuffaar’s) festival on that day; rather the day of their festival should be just another ordinary day for the Muslim.” (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/329) 

(3)     He should not help any Muslims who celebrate it. Rather it is obligatory to denounce them, because for the Muslims to celebrate the festivals of the kuffaar is an evil action which must be denounced. Shaykh al-Islam (Ibn Taymiyah) said: “Just as we should not imitate them in their festivals, so too we should not help a Muslim to do that; rather he should be told not to do that.” (al-Iqtidaa’, 2/519-520) 

Based on what Ibn Taymiyah said, it is not permissible for Muslim businessmen to deal in gifts for Valentine’s Day, whether they are particular kinds of clothes, red roses, or whatever. Similarly, it is not permissible for the one who is given a gift on this occasion to accept it, because by accepting it, he is showing approval of this holiday. 

One of the daa’iyahs said: we went to a flower shop in one of the Muslim countries and we were shocked to find it completely prepared for this occasion, with red carpets at the entrance, red placards and red decorations. We were met by one of the people who worked there, and we asked him why they had done so much to decorate the place for this occasion. He said that these preparations had begun early, and that there had been very many orders… Then he told us that he had been amazed by that, because he was a new Muslim who had left Christianity. He had known about that before he became Muslim, so how come his customers were Muslims and not Christians?! 

Other shops ran out of red roses, which were being sold at high prices. When one of the female daa’iyahs entered upon the female students who were gathered in the lecture hall, she was dismayed to find them all carrying something red. One had a red rose, another had a red scarf, or a red handkerchief, or a red bag, or red socks… 

Alas for the Muslim girls! 

Among the things that have been seen among the Muslims on this holiday: 

1-     All the female students agreeing with their friends to tie a red ribbon on the right wrist.

2-     Wearing something red (a blouse, hair clip, shoes…). This reached such an extent last year that when we entered the classroom we found most of the students wearing it, as if it was a uniform.

3-     Red balloons on which are written the words “I love you”. They usually bring these out at the end of the school day, in an area far from where the teachers can see them.

4-     Writing names and hearts on their hands, or just initials.

5-     Red roses are widespread on this day. 

Groups of girls entered their lecture rooms on February 14, each of them wearing something red, with red heart-shaped stickers on their faces, wearing red make-up. They started to exchange red-coloured gifts and kiss one another warmly. This happened in more than one university in the Muslim world, even in an Islamic university. In other words they were celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day.

 On that day, secondary schools (high schools) were astonished by the large numbers of female students who brought red roses of the finest quality, coloured their faces with red cosmetics, wore red earrings, and started to exchange gifts and warm greetings, in celebration of this day. 

Al-Mawsoo’ah al-‘Arabiyyah (the Arabic Encyclopaedia) says that there are special customs for Valentine’s Day, such as printing love poems on cards to be given to relatives and those whom one loves. Some of them draw funny pictures on these cards, and the most common phrase written on them is “be my Valentine”. Parties are often held during the day, where they dance in their fashion. The Europeans still celebrate this holiday. In Britain, sales of flowers reached 22 million pounds. More chocolate is consumed on this day, and companies offer free messages on their Web sites to advertise those sites.

 Valentine’s Day has come to a number of Arab and Muslim countries, and has even reached the heartland of Islam (the Arabian Peninsula). It has reached societies which we had thought far removed from this insanity. In Riyadh the price of roses has risen in a crazy manner, so that a single rose costs 36 riyals (10 dollars), whereas before this day it cost 5 riyals. Gift shops and card shops compete in designing cards and gifts for this occasion, and some families hang up red roses in the windows of their homes on this day.  

In some of the Gulf countries, shopping centres and hotels have organized special celebrations of Valentine’s Day. Most of the stores and business places are covered with red. One of the finest Gulf hotels was full of balloons and dolls. Following the customs of the Feast of Love and the pagan myths, the restaurant put on a dramatic production with “Cupid”, the idol of love in the Roman myths, nearly naked and carrying a bow and arrow. He and his cohorts were looking to select “Mr. & Mrs. Valentine” from among the people present. 

Less expensive restaurants also celebrated this day in their own way. Some stores replaced their regular plates with heart-shaped plates, used red tablecloths and linens, and put a red rose on each table for the man to present to his beloved. 

The latest Valentine’s Day craze was started by the owner of a gift-shop in Kuwait. He imports (live) French rabbits which are small and have red eyes. He puts a necktie around the neck of each rabbit, and puts it in a small box to be given as a gift! 

We must oppose these things by all possible means. The responsibility rests with us all. 

(4)     We should not accept congratulations on Valentine’s Day, because it is not a holiday or an Eid for the Muslims. If the Muslim is congratulated on this occasion, he should not return the congratulations. Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “With regard to congratulating others with the congratulations used by the kuffaar on such occasions, it is haraam by scholarly consensus, such as congratulating them on the occasion of their festivals or fasts, wishing them a blessed festival, etc. Even if the one who says this is free of kufr, it is still haraam. It is like congratulating someone for prostrating to the cross. It is even worse with Allaah and more hated by Him than congratulating someone for drinking alcohol, or committing murder or adultery, etc. Many of those who have no respect for religion do that, and they do not realize the abhorrence of their actions. Whoever congratulates a person for sin, innovation (bid’ah) or kufr exposes himself to the hatred and wrath of Allaah.” (Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/441-442) 

(5)     We must explain the true nature of this holiday and other festivals of the kuffaar to those Muslims who have been deceived by them, and explain to them that it is essential for the Muslim to be distinguished by his religion and to protect his belief (‘aqeedah) from anything that may damage it. This should be done out of sincerity towards the ummah and in fulfilment of the command to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. 

Fatwas of Muslim scholars concerning Valentine’s Day 
The Fatwa of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) 

Question:

In recent times the celebration of Valentine’s Day has become widespread, especially among female students. This is one of the Christian holidays. They wear all red clothes, including their shoes, and they exchange red flowers… We hope that you can tell us the ruling on celebrating such holidays. What do you advise the Muslims to do with regard to such things? May Allaah keep you and take care of you.

 He replied: 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day is not permitted for several reasons: 

1 – It is an innovated celebration which has no basis in sharee’ah.

2 – It calls for people to keep their hearts and minds busy with these foolish things that go against the guidance of the pious predecessors (may Allaah be pleased with them), so it is not permitted on this day to do any of the customs associated with that holiday, whether that be connected to food, drink, clothing, exchanging gifts or anything else. The Muslim should be proud of his religion and not be so weak of character that he follows everyone who makes a noise. I ask Allaah to protect the Muslims from all temptations, visible and invisible, and to take care of us and give us strength. And Allaah knows best. 

The Fatwa of Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Jibreen concerning celebrating this day 

He was asked: the celebration of the so-called Feast of Love (Valentine’s Day) has become widespread among our boys and girls. This (Valentine) is the name of a saint who is venerated by the Christians, and this day is celebrated every year on February 14. They exchange gifts and red roses, and they wear red clothes. What is the ruling on celebrating this day, or exchanging gifts on this day? May Allaah reward you with good.

 He answered:

 Firstly, it is not permissible to celebrate such innovated festivals, because this is a newly-invented innovation (bid’ah) which has no basis in sharee’ah. So it is included in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) which is not part of it, will have it rejected” – i.e., it will be thrown back upon the one who innovated it.

 Secondly, this involves imitating and resembling the kuffaar in venerating that which they venerate and respecting their festivals and holidays, and imitating them in some of their religious practices. In the hadeeth it says, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”

 Thirdly, the things that result from that, such as partying, idle play, singing, music, insolence, impertinence, unveiling, wanton display, mixing of men and women, and the appearance of women before non-mahrams, etc., are all things which are haraam, or are means which lead to immorality. So it should not be justified as an excuse for relaxation and entertainment, or claims that they will not overstep the mark, because that is not right. The one who  cares about himself should keep away from sin and all that leads to it.

 On this basis, it is not permissible to sell these gifts and roses, if one knows that the purchaser will celebrate these holidays, give them as gifts or otherwise use them to honour these days, so that the vendor will not be sharing in the guilt of the one who does this innovated action. And Allaah knows best. 

The Fatwa of the Standing Committee 

The Standing Committee was also asked a question about this holiday:

Some people celebrate the fourteenth day of February of each Christian year as the Day of Love (Valentine’s Day), where they exchange gifts of red roses and wear red clothes, and congratulate one another. Some the bakeries make sweets that are red in colour, with hearts drawn on them, and some stores have advertisements for their products that are especially for this day. What is your opinion?

 The Committee replied:

It is haraam for the Muslim to help with this festival or any other haraam celebration in any way, be it food, drink, buying, selling, manufacturing, corresponding, advertising or in any other way, because all of that constitutes helping one another in sin, transgression and disobedience towards Allaah and His Messenger, and Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“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 Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment”[al-Maa’idah 5:2]  

So the Muslim must adhere to the Qur’aan and Sunnah in all his affairs, especially at times of fitan (temptation and tribulation) and when corruption is widespread. He should be smart and be careful to avoid falling into the misguidance of those who have earned the anger of Allaah and of those who went astray, and of the evildoers who hope not for reward from Allaah and do not show any respect towards Islam. The Muslim should seek refuge with Allaah and ask for His guidance and for help to adhere steadfastly to it, because none can guide except Allaah and none can make us remain steadfast except Him. And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace. 

Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyah wa’l-Iftaa’ 

Finally, we offer our brothers the following advice: 

1 – They should urge the khateebs of the mosques to tell the people and warn them. They should explain this matter to the imaam of the mosque and tell him when this day is approaching. They should give him a copy of the fatwas of the Standing Committee and of Shaykh Muhamamd ibn Saalih ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah forgive him). Every person should make the effort to contact the imaam of his mosque and tell him about this. Certainly there are imaams of mosques among the brothers so perhaps the responsibility of telling them about this will be discharged when they read this article.

 2 – Every teacher should explain the reality of this holiday and warn his or her students about it. They will be answerable before Allaah tomorrow. They should explain that it is haraam by quoting the Fatwaa of the Standing Committee. All that should begin a week beforehand in order to be of any benefit.

 3 – Those who go around and check on people and the headquarters of organizations should be notified of any shops which are selling gifts for this day or which put up pictures showing what the gift is or how it is wrapped. 

4 – Each person should make his family members aware of this. Whoever has sisters in school or brothers should tell them and warn them about this matter, because many people are unaware of this holiday and what it means. 

We ask Allaah to protect the Muslims from the harm of temptations and from the evil of their own selves and the plots of their enemies, for He is the All-hearing Who answers prayers. May Allaah send blessings upon His slave and Messenger Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.

Reference : http://islamqa.com/en/ref/books/83