Many people celebrate Valentine'sDay, which falls on the fourteenthof
February every year; they do soby exchanging red rosesand gifts.They
also dress up in red clothingand congratulate one another on this
occasion. Certain bakeries and confectioners produce special sweets
for the occasion which are red in color and have heartsupon them.
Othershops advertise goods that are sold exclusively for this event.
The questions that therefore arise are: What are the Islamic rulings regarding:
1) Celebrating this day?
2) Buying from the shops that have these special items which are sold
for this event?
3) Shop owners who are not celebrating this event selling items that
can be used as gifts bythose who are celebrating it?
The ruling
The Standing Committee for Scholarly Research and Legal Rulings
studied this matter thoroughly and ruled as follows:
"The clear evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, and this is agreed upon
by consensus of the early Muslim generations, confirms that there are
only two 'Eeds(days of celebration) in Islam: 'Eed al-Fitr(after the
fast ofRamadhaan) and 'Eed al-Adh-haa(after the standing at 'Arafah
for pilgrimage).
Every other 'Eed, whether related to a person, group, incident or any
other occasion, is an innovated 'Eed . It is not permissible for
Muslims to participate in it, approve of it, make any show of
happiness on its occasion, or assist others to do so, in any way; to
do so wouldbe to transgress the bounds of Allaah Who Says what means:
"…And whoever transgresses the limits of Allaah has certainly wronged
himself… " [Quran: 65:1]
If we add to this that the fabricated 'Eedin question is in fact one
of the 'Eedsof the disbelievers, then it becomes a case of sin piled
upon sin. This is because its celebration entails imitation of the
disbelievers and thereby showing them a form of loyalty. In the Quran,
Allaah has emphatically prohibited the believers from imitating,
loving or being loyal to the disbelievers, in any way. It is also
confirmed from the Prophet that he said: "Whoever imitates a people is
one of them."
Valentine's Day comes under the category of what has been mentioned
here, since it is a pagan and polytheistic holiday. Hence it is not
permissible for anyMuslim who claims to believe in Allaah and the Last
Day to participate in it, approve of it, or congratulate anyone on its
occasion. Moreover, it is obligatory to abandon it and distance
oneself from it in response to the command of Allaah and His Messenger
so that one may thereby be distanced from the anger of Allaah and His
punishment.
Additionally, it is forbidden for a Muslim to assist or helpin this
'Eed , or any other forbidden or illicit celebration, in any way
whatsoever, whether by eating or drinking, selling or buying,
production, gift-giving, correspondence, announcements, or any other
means. All of these things are considered cooperating in sin and
transgression and disobedience to Allaah and His Messenger . Allaah
the Glorious and Most High Says whatmeans: "…And cooperate in
righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and
transgression. And fear Allaah; Indeed Allaah is severe in penalty."
[Quran: 5:2]
Also, it is obligatory for every Muslim to adhere strictly to the
Quran and Sunnah in every situation and at all times, especially in
times of temptation and corruption. It is incumbent that he or she
understand, be aware and be cautioned from falling into the deviations
of those whom Allaah is angry with (i.e., the Jews) and those who
areastray (i.e., the Christians) and other immoral people who have no
fear of punishment or hope ofreward from Allaah, and who give no
recognition at all to Islam.
It is necessary for the Muslim to flee to Allaah, the Most High,
seeking His firm guidance upon the true path. Indeed there is no Guide
except Allaah, and none can grant firmness except Him, and Success is
from Him.
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