Vanity of Valentine’s Day
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.
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.
Author: Unknown
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za ?
