From an Islamic perspective, concerns about celebrating Valentine's Day primarily stem from its origins, religious implications, and cultural practices that may contradict Islamic beliefs and values. Here are some reasons why celebrating Valentine's Day may be considered problematic from an Islamic standpoint:
1. Pagan Origins: Valentine's Day has roots in ancient pagan rituals and Roman fertility festivals, such as Lupercalia, which were later Christianized by the Catholic Church. Some Muslims may view participating in such celebrations as endorsing or perpetuating non-Islamic customs and beliefs.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "later Muslims would follow the ways of the disbelievers to the extent that when they enter the hole of lizard, Muslims would like to enter it with them."
There are many lizard holes Muslims are entering today with the Kuffar and its very unfortunate. The Valentine's Day celebration is one of them. Muslim must protect themselves and their households against this annual virus.
2. Religious Significance: Valentine's Day is associated with the commemoration of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr, and is often marked by expressions of romantic love and affection. Muslims believe in maintaining the purity and sanctity of religious observances and may avoid participating in rituals or festivities with religious connotations outside of Islam.
3. Immodesty and Un-Islamic Behavior: The commercialization of Valentine's Day often promotes practices and behaviors that contradict Islamic teachings on modesty, chastity, and ethical conduct. This may include immodest attire, inappropriate behavior, and the normalization of premarital relationships and promiscuity.
Part of what spreads love among us is to exchange gifts time from time, not on annual basis. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encourage us to exchange gifts that we would love ourselves. Do we do this as we are expected to be doing? We have our own ways as Muslims, we should not follow the ways of kuffar. The Sunnah is our path, let's stick to it.
4. Innovation (Bid'ah): Introducing or participating in new religious practices or celebrations not sanctioned by Islam is considered an innovation (bid'ah) and is discouraged in Islamic teachings. Muslims are encouraged to adhere to the practices and rituals prescribed by the Quran and Sunnah and to avoid innovations that deviate from authentic Islamic teachings.
5. Focus on Materialism and Consumerism: Valentine's Day is often associated with lavish gifts, extravagant gestures, and consumerism. Islam encourages moderation, simplicity, and contentment with what is lawful and beneficial, rather than excessive spending or materialism for the sake of societal expectations or trends.
6. Distraction from Spiritual Priorities: Celebrating Valentine's Day may detract from the spiritual focus and priorities of Muslims, particularly during the month of Ramadan or other times of religious significance. Engaging in worldly pursuits and distractions may divert attention away from worship, self-reflection, and spiritual growth.
While individual interpretations and practices may vary among Muslims, many choose to abstain from celebrating Valentine's Day due to these concerns and strive to uphold Islamic principles of modesty, piety, and adherence to religious teachings. Instead, Muslims may emphasize expressions of love, kindness, and compassion within the framework of Islamic ethics and values throughout the year, rather than on a specific secular holiday with questionable origins and practices.