Bismillah

Do Muslims celebrate Valentine’s Day?

‘So will you, won’t you, would you be my Valentine’ he asks…

“Erm, let me check…” she says…

“Sorry” she utters, “but no… please don’t cry, I hate to be a heartbreaker…but that’s just not how I roll.”

Feel sorry for the guy? Or the girl?

Perhaps you’ve been in the position of the one pursued…or the one rejected.

Either way, you have your opinions and experiences, but let’s try and understand things from each other’s perspectives.

If you’re wondering whether or not Muslims celebrate Valentine’s day, you’re in the right place. There’s not a great deal of positive press on Islam and Muslims, partly due to our own shortcomings, partly due to misrepresentations and misreporting in mainstream media. It’s high time to reveal the TRUTH. Please read this objectively and share it with your friends 🙂

 WHAT IS VALENTINE’S DAY?

In a nutshell, Valentine’s Day was a Roman, Pagan tradition, which was Christianized and associated with Saint Valentine who was killed for a cause he believed in, namely marriage in lieu of celibacy, as one legend suggests. Today, it has come to be known as the festival of “love” (whatever that means!), and has become heavily commercialised. It’s a day where “romantic love” or “lust” is glorified and advocated, as are casual relationships, pre-marital relationships and extra-marital affairs. It can be argued that it is a day where people indulge in their desires.

Do Muslims celebrate Valentine’s Day? 

Drawing from the above, Valentine’s Day is a festival unfound in the authentic Islamic texts. Particularly due to the nature of the festival, Valentine’s Day contradicts some of the main principles of Islam. Other world religions such as Christianity an Judaism denounce relationships outside of marriage, but many followers of these religions have adopted liberal and secular values instead.

On the contrary, followers of Islam understand that the primary purpose in life is to worship Allah (The One True God) alone, with sincerity and with an unrivalled love. Acts of worship in Islam are only acceptable if they are done solely for Allah, and in accordance to the ‘Sunnah’ or teachings of the final prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace).

In Islam, we have the concept of ‘Halal’ (permitted) and ‘Haram’ (forbidden), which are ultimately derived from the Islamic sources of legislation, namely The Qur’an and The Sunnah.These laws are still valid from the time they were revealed and thus, we don’t change certain principles as time goes on. Islam governs everything we do, from worship, to food laws, to dress code, to interactions with others and relationships.

Valentine’s day, as mentioned above, encourages fornication & adultery among other forbidden deviances regarding carnal desires. Fornication and adultery are among the major sins in Islam, since Islam teaches that people’s honour and lineages are to be protected. As Muslims we must maintain God-conciousness in our lives and avoid wronging or oppressing ourselves and others. We have to resist our long-term Enemy, the Satan, and fight his insinuations to worship our desires.

What relationships are allowed in Islam?

Islam recognises a man’s natural inclination to need a woman and vice versa, but there are legislated guidelines to adhere to in this respect. Essentially, the only permissible outlet to satisfy the natural desires in man, would be through the institution of marriage. Marriage is highly regarded in Islam, and many factors have to be considered before initialising this great contract. Islamic tradition advises people to choose their spouse for their children, that is, choose someone who would be a good father/mother for your future children (since children are a usual consequence of relationships).

Relationships in Islam, are ultimately formed to achieve the primary purpose, to worship Allah. Marriage entails rights and responsibilities, and as Muslims we don’t do the short term flings, it’s all about the long haul. We believe in accountability, that we will be questioned in the afterlife about what we have done, so we take these things seriously. A relationship is something you commit to for life, not for your own convenience until you find something ‘better’.

So please don’t be offended if a Muslim turns you down if you ever pop them the question, it’s likely the response is standard for everyone that comes their way seeking a casual relationship. Please try to understand and respect that, and you need not take it personally. Feel honoured that they had the courage to be genuine and honest.

What to do if someone asks you out, as a Muslim?

It’s simple, if someone asks you out on a date or whatever, as a Muslim, remember

T-R-U-T-H.

Taqwa of Allah, have God-conciousness and don’t be tempted.

Respectfully reject

foster Understanding

by Teaching them the basics of Islam with evidence,

and be Honest, just let them know what Islam’s stance is on the matter.

And Muslim men and women, ponder over these beautiful ayat in the Qur’an…

May Allah guide us all to the straight path, perfect our belief and worship of Him, allow us to follow the sunnah, and protect us from fornication, adultery, major sins and may Allah save us from the enemy Satan. Allah make us the true believers with the ten characteristics at the beginning of Surah Muminoon that cause us to inherit jannat al firdaus. Wasallallahu ala nabiyyina Muhammad, wa ‘alaa Aalihi wa saHbihi aj’maeen. Amin

Until next time, keep smiling 🙂

Thurrock Muslims 

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