Muslims Forbidden from participating in Valentine's Day Celebration

Most of us fantasize the idea of giving and recieving gifts on a Valentine's day, though majority may agree that this shouldn't be only on any particular day, people have their arguments to support the idea of celebration.

One must understand that Islam is not against Love or the ways to show love, but to inculcate the habit of celebrating love on a particular day, and indulging in practices unapproved by the ALmighty, is what is opposed.

This article will help us understand and improve our outlook towards such celebration, InshaAllah.

MUSLIMS FORBIDDEN FROM PARTICIPATING IN VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATION

SOME people celebrate Yawm al-Hubb – Valentine’s Day – on February 14 [the second month of the Christian Gregorian calendar] every year by exchanging red roses as gifts. They also dress up in red clothing, and congratulate one another (on this occasion). Some sweet shops produce special sweets – red in colour – and draw hearts upon them. Some shops advertise their goods which are specially related to this day.What is the Islamic view [concerning the following]:

1. Celebrating this day?

2. Buying from these shops on this day?

3. Selling – by shop-owners who are not celebrating – the things which are used as gifts, to those who are celebrating?

May Allah reward you with all good!

The ruling

The clear evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah – and this is agreed upon by consensus (Ijmaa’) of the early generations of the Muslim Ummah – indicates that there are only two Eids in Islam (days of celebration): Eid al-Fitr (after the fast of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (after the standing at Arafah for pilgrimage).Every other Eid – whether it is connected to a person, group, incident or any other occasion – is an innovated Eid. It is not permissible for the Muslim people to participate in it, approve of it, make any show of happiness on its occasion, or assist in it in any way – since this will be transgressing the bounds of Allah.. and whoever transgresses the bounds of Allah, he has wronged his own self. [at-Talaaq 65:1]

If we add to this fabricated Eid the fact that it is one of the Eids of the disbelievers, it is sin upon sin. This is because it is Tashabbuh (imitation) of the disbelievers, and a type of Muwaalaat (loyalty) to them. And Allah has prohibited the believers from imitation of them and having love or loyalty for them in His Mighty Book (Al-Qur’an). It is also confirmed from the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) that he said: Whoever imitates a people is one of them.

Eid al-Hubb (Valentine’s Day) comes under the category of what has been mentioned here, since it is one of the pagan Christian holidays. Hence it is not permissible for any Muslim, who believes in Allah and the Last Day, to participate in it, approve of it, or congratulate (anyone on that occasion). On the contrary, it is obligatory to abandon it and stay far away from it – in response to Allah and His Messenger, and to distance oneself from the anger of Allah and His punishment.

Additionally, it is forbidden for a Muslim to assist or help in this Eid, or any other of the forbidden/illegal celebrations in any way whatsoever – whether by food or drink, selling or buying, production, gift-giving, correspondence, announcements, etc. All of these things are considered as co-operating in sin and transgression and disobedience of Allah and His Messenger. Allah, the Glorious and Most High, says: ... and co-operate with one another in righteousness and piety, and do not co-operate in sin and transgression. And fear Allah! Verily Allah is severe in punishment. [al-Maa’idah 5:2]

Likewise, it is obligatory for every Muslim to adhere strictly to the Qur’an and Sunnah in every situation – especially in times of temptations and corruption. It is incumbent that he/she understand, be aware and be cautioned from falling into the deviations of those whom Allah is angry with (Jews) and those who are astray (Christians) and the immoral people who have no fear of punishment – nor hope of reward – from Allah, and who give no attention at all to Islam.

It is necessary for the Muslim to flee to Allah, the Most High, seeking His Hidaayah (Guidance) and Thabaat (Firmness) upon the Path. Verily, there is no Guide except Allah, and no One Who can Grant Firmness except Him. And the success is from Allah!

May the praise of Allah – among the assembly of angels – and security from all harm and evil be granted to our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.Aameen