Law of Celebrating Valentine's Day in Islam
The law of celebrating Valentine's Day in Islam is Haram! For what?
Valentine's Day falls on February 14. The whole world, especially Western countries, celebrate this special day every year.
Also known as Valentine's Day, everyone, especially couples, gives each other various gifts. Some examples are chocolate, flowers and dolls.
In other words, Valentine's Day is a time to show affection to others. However, Islam prohibits its followers from participating in the celebration.
The law of Valentine's Day in Islam is haram. However, what is the reason for the ban? Referring to the pages of Rumaysho, Almanhaj and many others, here detikSumut presents you a comprehensive review!
Reasons to celebrate Valentine's Day Haram in Islam
Regarding the law on the celebration of Valentine's Day, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa confirming its ban. Listed in the MUI Fatwa number 3 of 2017, it is explained that Muslims are forbidden to celebrate it because Valentine's Day
- Not included in the Islamic tradition;
- It is feared that this will lead young Muslims to promiscuity (sex outside marriage); And
- Potentially bad.
From these three reasons, it can be seen that in the Islamic view, there are a number of damages contained in the celebration of Valentine's Day. Below is a full explanation on this.
A. Not including Islamic teachings
Detikers may already know that Valentine's Day is one of the celebrations of Christianity. This day is a tribute to a Christian figure, Saint Valentine, who died fighting for his beliefs, according to one version of the story.
From there, detikers may find out that celebrating Valentine's Day is haram as it is not an Islamic teaching. Performing a celebratory or worshipful activity for which there are no guidelines could fall under heresy or something made up.
Moreover, if a Muslim participates in the celebration of Valentine's Day, then he is tasyabuh or looks like a non-believer. Rasulullah SAW warned his people not to imitate the actions of unbelievers. This is stated in the hadith which means :
"He who resembles a people is that he belongs to them." (Reported by Abu Dawud).
Why can't Muslims imitate the activities of infidels? This is of course because of the possibility that what they do will be classified as immoral acts. Such actions are certainly not appreciated by Allah SWT and may attract His wrath.
B. Adultery and free association
The activities of celebrating Valentine's Day are not just about exchanging gifts or giving chocolate. More than that, the Valentine's Day celebration isn't even "not afdal yet" nor does it end with the two of us in the room.
All kinds of extramarital affairs, including adultery. This act alone is strictly forbidden in Islam. In fact, even the approach of adultery is already prohibited. The word of Allah SWT in Surah Al-Isra' verse 32 which means :
Meaning: "And do not approach adultery; (adultery) is truly an abomination, and a bad way." (QS. Al-Isra' : 32).
From there, we understand of course why Valentine's Day is prohibited. Unfortunately, most people who celebrate Valentine's Day are young people who are unmarried.
C. Potential to bring harm
The damage of Valentine's Day doesn't just lie in promiscuity and extramarital sex. Buying various types of gifts or other less important things is classified as a waste of money. Such an attitude is known as tabzir.
It is forbidden for a Muslim to make tabzir. The reason is that Allah SWT does not like people like that. In fact, He refers to wasteful people as "satan's brothers". This is stated in Surah Al-Isra verses 26-27 which reads as follows :
Meaning: "And give their rights to close relatives, also to the poor and people on the way; and do not squander (your wealth) extravagantly." (QS. Al-Isra' : 26).
Meaning: "Indeed those who spend money are brothers of the devil and the devil is very disobedient to his Lord." (QS. Al-Isra' : 27).
Conclusion
So, based on the above explanation, according to the MUI fatwa, there are three reasons why it is illegal to celebrate Valentine's Day in Islam, among others because it is not taught in Islam, contains damage such as gratuitous sex and has the potential to bring harm.
Thus, it is clear that it is not proper for a Muslim to celebrate it. Enough Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations for us.
Besides that, you don't have to wait every February 14th, detikers can also show affection to your partner outside of this date. But remember, you have to be with a halal partner, okay!
