February has traditionally been a month of romance where couples declare their ‘undying’ love for one another with perhaps a dozen red roses, confectionery gifts and romantic gestures on Valentine’s Day.

The origins

Legend has it that the origin of this lover’s day (on the 14^th of February) goes back as early as 270 A.D. and started with a moral clash between the priest, St. Valentine and the Roman Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor understood that men without the attachments to children or lovers make better soldiers.  St. Valentine believed Claudius’s decree was unjust and he went against the Emperor’s law by conducting marriages ceremonies in secret. Emperor Claudius discovered the defiance of St. Valentine, he ordered the priest be imprisoned and then put to death.

During St. Valentine’s imprisonment, one of the prison guard had taken to him; he recognised that St. Valentine was a man of faith, sincere and devoted. The man with his family converted to Christianity. The prison guard had a daughter who was blind, St. Valentine performed a miracle that restored her sight. On the morning of his execution, St. Valentine was said to have sent the daughter a farewell message signed ‘From your Valentine’. This day has come to be known as ‘Valentine’s Day’.

Celebrating love

“Love is more easily experienced than defined, there are many variations of love like the love between a parent and a child, love for God and religion, romantic love and platonic love, and etc…  What can be said about love is that it is one of life’s greatest blessings and mystery. It is a powerful enough to make ‘men’ weak at their knees. Love is the commitment one person makes towards the object of their love and affection, to nurture and protect this powerful feeling that exists. Love then manifest itself through words, actions and an array of services that are pleasing to the beloved.”

It seems from the origins of Valentine’s Day, it was an occasion celebrating love, faith and sacrifice – which are all noble things. So the question is: ‘As Muslims should we celebrate this day that is meant for lovers?’

Islam is not against culture and living; Islam has a place for sentimental traditions if it is not contradictory to the foundations of its religious principles. Love, no doubt is something that should be celebrated.

“Love – love for God, love for oneself, love for people and all His creation should be fostered and celebrated.”

Islam does not prohibit people from celebrating the union of two people, but it needs to be regulated through the correct channels. It needs to be through the institute of marriage. It is not befitting a Muslim to engage in something that is devoid of the pleasure of Allah let alone that which draws His displeasure. It would be wrong for Muslims to engage in practices that can lead to promiscuity and sin. As for married couple, it is not unlawful for them to be loving and attentive towards one another; to be affectionate and indulge in a romantic meal, or ponder over the beauty of a dozen roses, or enjoy the bounty and delights that is in a box of chocolates. But remember, love is not just for 14^th of February, it is something that should be celebrated everyday. As one Arab poet said:

“Wear any kind of clothes,
I can’t love you anymore,
Some of your love has filled all of my heart,
If you want me to love you more,
Then bring me another heart.”

Going back to St. Valentine, he was a noble man who was put to the sword for addressing a wrong and changing it with his hands. Despite all of the consumerism and courtship games that is associated with Valentine’s Day, it is a day that commemorates a man that believed in love and in the sanctity of marriage. Should we then celebrate Valentine’s Day? I personally don’t celebrate the day, but I do take advantage of the offerings of the occasions. I buy my wife flowers, perfume and chocolates the day after the 14^th of February, oddly enough, they suddenly become very affordable on the day after.

“Fall in love with one another but ultimately fall in love with Allah, loving Allah and gaining the love of Allah is the most truest and purest form of love, so love but love God above all things.”