Issue No: 110
17th February 2012
24th Rabiul Awwal 1433 A.H
Salamun Alaykum,
Valentine’s Day:
People around the world especially in the European and American regions celebrate the 14th February as Valentine’s Day.
Originally this day was known as Saint Valentine’s Day.It was a celebration of several Christian saints (14 in all) named Valentinus; one of whom was buried on 14th February in Rome. Later this celebration was deleted from the Christian calendar of Saints by Pope Paul VI.
All the modern romantic connotations were added several centuries later by poets.Nowadays this day, simply called Valentine’s Day, has evolved to be a day which is commonly associated with affection, romance and love. The focus of this observance is on the opposite sex.
On the occasion of Valentine’s lovers express their affection for each other by presenting flowers, confectionery, greeting cards, invitation to meals in restaurants and other gifts. This has opened a huge market for the gifts industry and the advertising media who vigorously promote this occasion. Huge amount of money is spent by men and women to buy for their loved ones the ‘Valentine Paraphernalia’ widely done in red colour and heart shaped.
Do we celebrate Valentine’s?
With the dust settling down in the nation after the excitement of the celebrations of Valentine’s Day this is an appropriate question to pose for ourselves.
Whilst it is not the purpose of this Risalatul Jum’ah to issue any edicts on celebrating this day the following queries will serve as indicators to guide us towards a response to the above question:
- Is Valentine’s a celebration that draws us towards ibadah- serving our Creator Allah SWT?
- Does it honour and uphold our faith and belief as taught by the Holy Quran and Ahlul Bayt?
- Is the concept of Valentine’s as commonly known and practiced, observed as a tradition by the Ahlul Bayt?
- What is the view of Islam on the showing of affection to the na- mahram?
- Is the prophetic tradition of sharing and giving gifts restricted to a particular day such as the Valentine’s?
- Is the prophetic tradition of sharing and giving gifts only fulfilled by the purchase of the ‘Valentine’s paraphernalia'?
- Does one draw towards committing acts of israf?
Before we get tempted to list the Valentine’s on 14th February as a special day in our calendar is it not essential that we understand the history of this date? Should we allow ourselves to be drawn into practicing these traditions just because the world around us is doing so?
There is need for to make an informed decision for the best upbringing of our children as awladus salih and muminin.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat