Imitating the Nations

The Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) informed us that this Muslim nation will certainly follow the ways and habits of the Jews, Christians, Romans and Persians.

In his guidance he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) ordered us to be different to them in affairs of religion, custom and habits since resemblance in behaviour leads to resemblance in the hearts and this eventually leads to resemblance in creed, doctrine and thought.

Valentines Day

From the affairs in which Muslims around the world have started to adopt the practices found with non-Muslims in recent times is what is known as Valentine’s Day, celebrated on 14th February of each year.

Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn was asked about the celebration of Valentine’s Day, particularly by female students, wherein red clothing is worn and roses are exchanged.

The Shaykh replied:^[2]

Valentine's Day in the Arab World

An article ran in the Arabic Weekly on 18 February 2018 and cites arguments by "senior officials" in some of the Arab countries.

From those arguments are:

• — That Valentine's Day is not forbidden under Islamic law “as long as it does not transgress morality.”
• — That “the notion of love is much broader than the feelings between men and women. On that day (Valentine’s) it is acceptable to express love to your children, your friends or your parents.”
• — That “it is a positive social event and congratulating people for it is not against sharia (Islamic law)...It is an act of kindness to share greetings on Western, national and social holidays, including Valentine’s Day. Exchange red roses with others, as long as it is towards peaceful people who do not share animosity or are being at war with Muslims.”

Assuming that these ascriptions are true and accurate:

First: One must make a distinction between "senior officials" and the Scholars who are scholars of religion, who are upon istiqamah (uprightness), who make clear the lawful and unlawful, so that these affairs are not wrongly attributed to the Scholars of the Sunnah, or lest it be thought that they approve of these affairs.

Second: The argument of not transgressing morality, then the roots of Valentine’s Day are anything but immorality and its modern day practice, it invites to immorality through ardent desire, infatuation and illicit advances and relationships, and even if it does not occur at the beginning, it is something that develops over time. This is what is found in the lands of disbelief.

Third: The argument of love being broader than just the feelings between men and women, then in that case what is the need for a day that restricts it to just that, when love can be expressed every day to one’s family and offspring. Thus, this is nothing but trivialisation of this type of love which is what is found with the people of disbelief wherein they specify a day for the mother, or the father, or the spouse, or for black people or for this and that. Muslims are not in need of these trivialities, because anything that is true and praiseworthy is already accommodated and perfected for them through the Sharīʿah, inclusive of love of parents, spouses and children and fulfilment of their rights and the rights of others.

Fourth: The argument that one can participate and congratulate non-Muslims in their festivals to create good will and good relationships, particularly among those who do not show animosity towards Muslims. While we know that Islām permits kindness and benevolence to non-Muslims who do not show animosity to Muslims, this cannot be extended to include things that the Sharīʿah has prohibited elsewhere, which includes imitating the non-Muslims in their festivals and celebrations, especially when they have origins in paganism or religion in general.

Sources:

Footnotes