Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

[Seminole]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

^ Agreed. Celebrating love is a good start.

[AnGeL_EyEs]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@hareem01

JazakAllah brother Crescent for sharing the info.

As regards the Islamic stance on this festival, Dr. Su`ad Ibrahim Salih, professor of Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) at Al-Azhar University, states the following:

Indeed, Islam is the religion of altruism, true love, and cooperation on that which is good and righteous. We implore Allah Almighty to gather us together under the umbrella of His All-encompassing Mercy, and to unite us together as one man. Allah Almighty says: The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy.(Al-Hujurat 49: 10)Focusing more on the question in point, I can say that there are forms of expressing love that are religiously acceptable, while there are others that are not religiously acceptable. Among the forms of love that are religiously acceptable are those that include the love for Prophets and Messengers. It stands to reason that the love for Allah, and His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) should have the top priority over all other forms of love.Islam does recognize happy occasions that bring people closer to one another, and add spice to their lives. However, Islam goes against blindly imitating the West regarding a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day. Hence, commemorating that special day known as the Valentine’s Day is an innovation or bid`ah that has no religious backing. Every innovation of that kind is rejected, as far as Islam is concerned. Islam requires all Muslims to love one another all over the whole year, and reducing the whole year to a single day is totally rejected.Hence, we Muslims ought not to follow in the footsteps of such innovations and superstitions that are common in what is known as the Valentine’s Day. No doubt that there are many irreligious practices that occur on that day, and those practices are capable of dissuading people from the true meanings of love and altruism to the extent that the celebration is reduced to a moral decline.http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503544946&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FFatwaEAskTheScholar

exactly…makes sense! JazakAllah!

question…some adults (and often kids) want to celebrate occasions such as V-day because it’s fun for them and many times people dont know how to show affection for their loved ones other then on this designated day …cant some families celebrate something similar to v-day…just on another day? say feb 15th for example and perhaps not call it v-day?

I mean if it takes one day a yr to show someone and express how much you love them (even if its not on v-day)…then cant someone do that?

[Seminole]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@hareem01

It stands to reason that the love for Allah, and His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) should have the top priority over all other forms of love.

If there's any bid'ah happening, it's this glorification of a Muhammad.

[quote]
However, Islam goes against blindly imitating the West regarding a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day. Hence, commemorating that special day known as the Valentine’s Day is an innovation or bid`ah that has no religious backing.
[/quote]
It's called culture. If Muslims decide to live in western culture, it is natural to be involved in their non-religious holidays. If you want to stick with Muslim culture, stay in a Muslim country. That's what this is about - culture, not religion. Why the obsession of protecting Muslim culture? The things that are religiously mandated - sure. But Muslims have developed a culture that confuses religion with culture.

[hareem01]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@AnGeL_EyEs

exactly...makes sense! JazakAllah!

question.....some adults (and often kids) want to celebrate occasions such as V-day because it's fun for them and many times people dont know how to show affection for their loved ones other then on this designated day ......cant some families celebrate something similar to v-day...just on another day? say feb 15th for example and perhaps not call it v-day?

I mean if it takes one day a yr to show someone and express how much you love them (even if its not on v-day)....then cant someone do that?

Sister AE
For me, fixing of a date for this purpose every year would be a bidah, I'd rather do a feast or something in my time.....also Prophet Muhammad(SAW) said*"Giving gifts will create strong love between you so try to do it in order to love each other and to develop strong relationship among you."*
There is no restriction for giving and reeiving presents in Islam on a certain date, you can do it whenever you have means and whenever you feel like doing it.

[AnGeL_EyEs]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@hareem01

Sister AE For me, fixing of a date for this purpose every year would be a bidah, I'd rather do a feast or something in my time.....also Prophet Muhammad(SAW) said*"Giving gifts will create strong love between you so try to do it in order to love each other and to develop strong relationship among you."* There is no restriction for giving and reeiving presents in Islam on a certain date, you can do it whenever you have means and whenever you feel like doing it.

thanks for that quote hareem...nvr knew that.

[ravage]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

i wish all my brothers and sisters in Islam a joyous St. Valentine's Day.

[Sara516]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

:hinna:

First of all…
I just don’t understand the logic some ppl have! Just b/c someone celebrates Valentines day how the hell do u ppl come to the conclusion that they must not celebrate their love any other time except now? Waht kind of backward ass logic is that? “Oh if u do it today…u must not do it any toehr day, haraaaaaaam!” and second…if a married couple wants to celebrate v-day by giving each other gifts, or going out or wearing red, how is that anybody’s business? again, who is to say that they dont do it any other day, but they are choosing to do it on that day b/c they just feel like it?

And if theres an issue of unmarried couples celebrating V-day, wearing red clothes, and eating haram chocolates, well then Valentine’s day isnt really the biggest problem now is it

I get when ppl dont want to celebrate valentine’s day and really, they’re more than welcome to not celebrate it, and i’m sure they and their others are happier without it. but for those who are married and want to celebrate it, or for kids getting candy and cards in classroom parties, its just mind blowing… nobody bugs you if u don’t want to celebrate it so why shouldn’t we see that same courtesy?

Its funny how such a harmless little thing like Valentine’s day gets ppl constipated every year… Thank God Muslims haven’t discovered Mardi Gras.. :k:

[hareem01]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

I'm happier without celebrating it.

[Sara516]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

as long as u and your husband are happy with whatever arrangement you have thats fine… :k:

[Ma_Mooli]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@hareem01

Sister AE There is no restriction for giving and reeiving presents in Islam on a certain date, y*ou can do it whenever you have means and whenever you feel like doing it.*

exactly. And end of.

[hareem01]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

Thanks to brother Crescent for starting this thread....I never knew the history behind V-Day and the Islamic perspective....first time I saw someone celebrating it was in my college in Lahore, found it kinda fazool especially for college students.

[Faisal]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

I'll probably regret asking this (:)) and my better instinct is to stay out of this discussion, but anyway, here it is...

Sister hareem mentioned at least twice that it is bid'ah to celebrate Valentine Day. Keeping Valentine's Day out (its an inane Hallmark celebration anyway which just enriches card makers, florists and chocolate makers), my question is, isn't bid'ah kinda limited to religious acts? Like, you can't do three sajda's in namaz and expect to get more sawab.

For example, if someone drives a car (which was not driven in the days of early Islam), that is not considered bid'ah because riding a car or brushing your teeth has no religious connection, and the person is not expecting additional sawaab.

Unless someone expects to get additional sawaab, I doubt giving chocolates to your wife on any particular day, has anything to do with religion, so I am kinda curious on all this bid'ah angle in this discussion.

[USResident]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

I don’t think Valentines day has the same belief attached to it when it originated and that should be no grounds for our rejection. However I have countless other reasons to not celebrate it. To me at least, celebration is over some achievement. What is it that we achieve on Valentines day except a bunch of extravagance and unnecessary burden on people under the guise of love. In societies where people actively celebrate it and ones who are not able to actually get singled out or are made to feel bad by not being part of it. If it is about celebrating love then shame on the people who are celebrating for making certain other individuals feel that way. Celebrating love is hog wash which has no real connotation or meaning to it.

All these artifical ways of celebrating love mean nothing in the real sense. It exhibits peoples satisfaction through materialistic means. Islam is based on the concept of love for the sake of Allah not chocolates or gifts. Love each other because that is what you are supposed to do.

Gift giving should not be a burden on someone and equally a person should not be measured or looked down upon based on such events. If we truly are here for one another then there should be no conditionals such as specifically chosen days to express that love. If you like giving gifts do it whenver you have surplus money instead of raking it in for saving face on this one day.

[Seminole]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

^ I totally respect that point of view. It is your personal belief. I too believe love shouldn't be expressed on just one day. Or that we have to follow the capitalist materialism on days big business tells us to.

But for some, it is tradition. It's fun. It's a holiday. It's something to look forward too. An excuse to go out to dinner. Eat some chocolate. Break up the monotony of winter. Maybe it will rekindle some romance.

But surely just because it wasn't part of 7th century Arabian culture God forbids it.

[Moonshiner]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@Seminole

Or that we have to follow the capitalist materialism on days big business tells us to.

I've tried that excuse and it never works. :)

I always have to get something in addition to chocolate or else I'm sleeping on the couch.

[mercenary2k]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

Despite people like Crescent's best efforts, Valentine's Day is becoming more and more popular

Hotels are booked in Pakistan. Red Roses are completely sold out. Even in Arab countries the trend has reached epic proportions.

My parents celebrate Valentine's Day every year.

Don't know what is the harm in this.

But alas, Ignorance is bliss

[mercenary2k]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@hareem01

I'm happier without celebrating it.

good for you

but don't bash other Muslims from celebrating it and enjoying their lives

[mercenary2k]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@Faisal

I'll probably regret asking this (:)) and my better instinct is to stay out of this discussion, but anyway, here it is...

Sister hareem mentioned at least twice that it is bid'ah to celebrate Valentine Day. Keeping Valentine's Day out (its an inane Hallmark celebration anyway which just enriches card makers, florists and chocolate makers), my question is, isn't bid'ah kinda limited to religious acts? Like, you can't do three sajda's in namaz and expect to get more sawab.

For example, if someone drives a car (which was not driven in the days of early Islam), that is not considered bid'ah because riding a car or brushing your teeth has no religious connection, and the person is not expecting additional sawaab.

Unless someone expects to get additional sawaab, I doubt giving chocolates to your wife on any particular day, has anything to do with religion, so I am kinda curious on all this bid'ah angle in this discussion.

ooooh

very nice post Faisal

Nice logic

[mercenary2k]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

@Crescent_

**What is it and where did it come from?

**Consider Valentine’s Day, a day that after dying out a well deserved death in most of Europe (but surviving in Britain and United States) has suddenly started to emerge across a good swath of Muslim countries. Who was Valentine? Why is this day observed? Legends abound, as they do in all such cases, but this much is clear: Valentine’s Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th century BCE to honor the god Lupercus. The main attraction of this ritual was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men for “entertainment and pleasure”–until the next year’s lottery. Among other equally despicable practices associated with this day was the lashing of young women by two young men, clad only in a bit of goatskin and wielding goatskin thongs, who had been smeared with blood of sacrificial goats and dogs. A lash of the “sacred” thongs by these “holy men” was believed to make them better able to bear children.

As usual, Christianity tried, without success, to stop the evil celebration of Lupercalia. It first replaced the lottery of the names of women with a lottery of the names of the saints. The idea was that during the following year the young men would emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn. (The idea that you can preserve the appearance of a popular evil and yet somehow turn it to serve the purpose of virtue, has survived. Look at all those people who are still trying, helplessly, to use the formats of popular television entertainments to promote good. They might learn something from this bit of history. It failed miserably) Christianity ended up doing in Rome, and elsewhere, as the Romans did. The only success it had was in changing the name from Lupercalia to St. Valentine’s Day. It was done in CE 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honor of some Saint Valentine. There are as many as 50 different Valentines in Christian legends. Two of them are more famous, although their lives and characters are also shrouded in mystery. According to one legend, and the one more in line with the true nature of this celebration, St. Valentine was a “lovers’” saint, who had himself fallen in love with his jailer’s daughter.

Due to serious troubles that accompanied such lottery, French government banned the practice in 1776. In Italy, Austria, Hungry, and Germany also the ritual vanished over the years. Earlier, it had been banned in England during the 17th century when the Puritans were strong.

However in 1660 Charles II revived it. From there it also reached the New World, where enterprising Yankees spotted a good means of making money. Esther A. Howland, who produced one of the first commercial American Valentine’s Day cards called— what else— valentines, in the 1840s, sold $5,000 worth–when $5,000 was a lot of money–the first year. The valentine industry has been booming ever since.

The history of Valentine’s Day serves as a powerful lesson for Muslims. St. Valentine became a Saint trying to resist free sex. Even though there was an attempt to Christianize it, today St. Valentine’s day is gone back to its roots. No one even knows that the Church even tried to ban the St. Valentine’s Day. Rather, most people think of romance, cupid and his arrow, which are vestiges of pagan Rome.

**Pagan origins of Valentine’s Day
**The first information about this day is found in pre-Christian Rome, when pagans would celebrate the “Feast of the Wolf” on February 15, also known as the Feast of Lupercalius in honour of Februata Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, Roman god of nature.

On this day, young women would place their names in an urn, from which boys would randomly draw to discover their sexual companion for the day, the year, and sometimes the rest of their lives. These partners exchanged gifts as a sign of affection, and often married.

Christian Influence
When Christianity came onto the scene in Rome, it wanted to replace this feast with something more in line with its ethics and morality. A number of Christians decided to use February 14 for this purpose. This was when the Italian Bishop Valentine was executed by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for conducting secret marriages of military men in the year 270.

Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young, single men, who made up his military. Valentine defied Claudius and performed marriages for young couples in secret. When his actions were revealed, Claudius put him to death. Another version of the story says that Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

Valentine was arrested and sent to the prefect of Rome for this. He found that his attempts to make Valentine renounce his faith were useless, and so recommended he be beaten with clubs, and later beheaded. This took place on February 14, 270.

According to the Catholic encyclopaedia, there are at least three different Saint Valentines, all of whom are Christian martyrs of February 14. One of them is described as a priest from Rome (as mentioned above), another as bishop of Interamna (modern Terni), and the third from Africa.

It was in the year 496 that Pope Gelasius officially changed the February 15 Lupercalia festival to the February 14 St. Valentine’s Day to give Christian meaning to a pagan festival. The holiday become popular in the United States in the 1800’s during the Civil War.

As well, Pope Gelasius ordered a slight change in the lottery for young women that would take place during the pagan festival. Instead of the names of young women, the box would have the names of saints. Men and women were allowed to draw from the box, and the purpose of this was to copy the ways of the saint they had selected for the rest of the year.

Valentine’s Day Customs
A number of the customs connected to Valentine’s Day originate in the belief in England and France during the middle Ages, that on February 14, birds began to pair.

Fourteenth and 15th centuries’ French and English literatures make indirect references to the practice. Those who chose each other as husband and wife on Valentine’s Day apparently called each other their Valentines.

In terms of the Valentine’s greeting “Your Valentine” which today you find on a number of Valentine’s Day cards, the above-mentioned Roman priest Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself.

While he was in prison awaiting execution, he apparently fell in love with a young girl who would visit him. Before he died, he allegedly wrote her a letter, signed ‘From your Valentine,’ In terms of the virtually naked, arrow-shooting cupid character, which shoots people with its arrows to make them fall in love, this character is a vestige of Roman pagan times. Cupid was described as the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. You usually find Cupid’s picture on Valentine cards and other paraphernalia .

Islamic Perspective
We should avoid anything associated with pagan immoral practices - We do not need to honour or celebrate the death of a Christian “saint” - Islam does not encourage flirting or suggestions of romantic relationships before marriage - Love between families, friends and married people does not need to be celebrated on a day with such un-Islamic origins.

Question: In recent times, celebration of the Valentine Day has spread, particularly among female students. It is a Christian celebration, and it is (manifested) with fully red costumes, clothing and shoes, and exchange of red roses. What is the ruling on celebrating this holiday ?
Answer: Celebrating the Valentine Day is not permissible because:
Firstly, it is an innovated holiday that has no basis in the Sharee`ah.
Secondly, it calls to love and passion.
Thirdly, it calls to keeping one’s heart busy with nonsense matters which contradict the guidance of the righteous predecessors, may Allah be pleased with them.

So it is not permissible that anything from the signs of that holiday takes place on that day, whether it relates to eating, drinking, clothing, giving gifts, or other than that. It is incumbent upon the Muslim to be proud of his/her religion and that he/she does not blindly follow every crier. May Allah the Exalted protect Muslims from every trial, apparent and hidden, and that He give them protection and guidance. Ameen.

**Question

**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 Islaamic view [concerning the following]: Celebrating this day? Buying from these shops on this day? Selling - by shop-owners who are not celebrating - the things which are used as gifts, to those who are celebrating?

**
Response

**The clear evidence from the Qur.aan and Sunnah - and this is agreed upon by consensus (Ijmaa’) of the early generations of the Muslim Ummah - indicates that there are only two 'Eeds in Islaam (days of celebration): 'Eed al-Fitr (after the fast of Ramadhaan) and 'Eed al-Adhaa (after the standing at 'Arafah for pilgrimage).

Every other 'Eed - whether it is to do with a person, group, incident or any other occasion - is an innovated 'Eed. 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 Allaah: " …and whoever transgresses the bounds of Allaah, he has wronged his own self," [Soorah at-Talaaq, Aayah 1]

If we add to this fabricated 'Eed the fact that it is one of the 'Eeds 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 Allaah has prohibited the believers from imitation of them and having love or loyalty for them in His Mighty Book (Qur.aan). It is also confirmed from the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) that he said: " Whoever imitates a people is one of them."

'Eed al-Hubb (the celebration of 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 Allaah 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 Allaah and His Messenger, and to distance oneself from the anger of Allaah and His punishment.

Additionally, it is forbidden for a Muslim to assist or help in this Valentine’s Day, 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 Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah, 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 Allaah! Verily Allaah is severe in punishment,” [Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 2]

Likewise, it is obligatory for every Muslim to adhere strictly to the Qur’aan 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 Allaah is angry with and those who are astray and the immoral people who have no fear of punishment - nor hope of reward - from Allaah, and who give no attention at all to Islaam.

It is necessary for the Muslim to flee to Allaah, the Most High, seeking His Hidaayah (Guidance) and Thabaat (Firmness) upon the Path. Verily, there is no Guide except Allaah, and no One Who can Grant Firmness except Him.
Prepared by AL-Islaah Publications ( www.everymuslim.net ) from sources:

1. Al- Balagh
2. Fatwa-on-line
3. The Catholic Encyclopedia
4. Catholic Online Saints.
5. lovestories.com, the History Channel, and wilstar.com and the video Holiday Myths.
6. Soundvision.com
   Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

the source of this article is everymuslim.net :hehe:

[mercenary2k]

Re: Valentines day? - History and Islamic Perspective

Another Gem from everymuslim.net

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)

**So celebrating Valentine’s Day with your wife is considered Adultery **

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.

So is celebrating Birthdays based on the Pharoah of Egypt, but people go ahead and do it. It was initially condemned as he killed people on his birthdays and since that doesn’t happen any more, no one cares about it.

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?

What about Basant, Independence Day, Military Day, Pakistan Day? They are part of Pakistan’s national holidays. So we should not celebrate that?

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.”

What about gift giving during Eid, or during birthdays ?

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.

And who that all people who celebrate Valentine’s Day drink alcohol, do drugs, etc… My parents celebrate Valentine’s Day and neither of them drink alcohol or do drugs.

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

Conclusion is that this just a ridiculous article written by people who clearly have no solid understanding of Islam and only appeals to people like Cresent