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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'an 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:
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...and whoever transgresses the bounds of Allaah, he has wronged his own
self, [Soorah at-Talaaq, Aayah 1]
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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.
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'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:
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... 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]
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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.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh;
Deputy Head: Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh Bakar ibn 'Abdullaah Abu Zayd
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Fatwa
No. 21203
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Qur'an Translation
Nasheeds, Recitations & Lectures
