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]:
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?
(And) may Allaah reward you with all good!
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 coto 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 'Eed,
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 (Jews) and those
who
are astray (Christians) 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.
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations
upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his
companions.
