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.aan 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:
...and whoever transgresses the bounds of Allaah, he has wronged his own self, [Soorah at-Talaaq, Aayah 1]
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.
'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:
... 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]
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