A debate arises over the permissibility of celebrating Valentine’s Day during this time of the year.
Most people believe that it is prohibited to celebrate this Day because of these three reasons;
- Firstly, they believe that according to Islamic law, there is no basis to celebrate this Day.
- Secondly, they say that it is a celebration of romantic love in passion.
- Lastly, it fills the heart with matters which are prohibited according to proper Islamic guidance.
Let us look at the historical background of Valentine’s Day before diving deeper into the issue.
The general story is that it was originally a pagan celebration, but legends vary on the Day’s origins. However, the most famous story revolves around the Roman prince called valentine, who was martyred during Emperor Claudius 2.
For reasons over which there is a difference of opinion, all the marriages and engagements were banned by Rome’s emperor. Valentine defied the emperor and married couples in secret for the defense of the divine union.
Valentine was arrested after his actions were discovered and were put to death on the 14th of February. Legends say that a farewell note was left by valentine for the jailer’s daughter. She was his friend before the execution. The letter said, “From your Valentine“. Eventually, the 14th of February became a day to celebrate love exchange love poems, messages, and gifts.
Love in Islam
Islam is the religion of love, righteousness, mercy, and maintaining relations. Islam encourages all kinds of love. One of the most essential duties for Muslims is to become the ambassador of Islam by showing its beauty with their manners, actions, and words.
Marital Love
When we speak of love, the first thing which appears to mind is love between a man and woman.
Islam promotes it within the holiness of marriage rather than prohibiting this kind of love. The foundation of marriage is love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and respect is found in the Qur’an and is stated as;
Perhaps nowhere is this more summarized than in love between Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his wife, Khadijah. He loved her deeply despite the age difference, and she loved him despite his poverty.
She loved him because he was filled with Nobel manners, trustworthiness, perfect character, humanity, and loyalty and was also graceful. He loved her beauty of nature, nobility, understanding, and believing in him. Their love was so great that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) continued to love Khadijah until the day he died.
It was reported that once Aisha asked him, was Khadija the only woman worthy of this love? After that, he replied that she was the only one who believed in me while no one else did. She accepted Islam while people display me, and she was the only one who helped and comforted me when none could help me.
Love for Others
Islam promotes us to spread affection in love for each other at all times. It was narrated by Anas Ibn Malik that once there was a man with Prophet and some other man passed by them, then the companion said that he really loves him.
Then the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that, tell him about it. He went towards the man and said, I really love you. The man replied that I love you as much as you love me.
Muslims are encouraged to treat everyone with kindness and purity, including non-muslims. God does not prohibit us from keeping good ties with non-Muslims. You can treat them kindly and exchange gifts with them.
Permissibility of celebrating Valentine’s Day
Many Muslims ask this question that is it permissible to celebrate Valentine’s Day? The answer given by Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta is down below:
Such kinds of celebrations have become social occasions. Therefore, there is not a proper objection given to participating in them, But a Muslim should not do anything which denies the teachings of Islam.
According to Islamic law, it is lawful if you specify a day renewing love between spouses. However, this occasion should be called Day of Love instead of feast.
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