As soon as the month of February arrives, people’s emotions for celebrating Valentine’s Day start to rise. They begin planning gifts, bouquets of flowers, red balloons, and red decorations for each other, considering it a means to please their beloved and attain their own happiness. In the Western world, such indecency is common, but even in the Eastern world, people are seen celebrating it. Today, we will discuss the true origins of Valentine’s Day and its Islamic ruling. First of all,

where did this tradition originate?

This story is linked to the martyrdom of a Roman priest, Valentine, which took place during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.

According to tradition, the emperor had banned marriages at that time. However, Valentine defied this order and began secretly performing weddings. As a result, he was imprisoned and sentenced to death on February 14.

Before his execution, he wrote a heartfelt letter to the jailer’s daughter and signed it with the words: “Your Valentine.”

Since then, exchanging love messages, gifts, and poetry has become a tradition to celebrate love.

Since then, poetry, flowers, and various gifts have been exchanged as a way to express love to one’s beloved.

What is the Islamic perspective on celebrating Valentine’s Day?

To understand this matter, it is important to know that there are two types of celebrations: one is religious, and the other is cultural or social. As for religious celebrations, Islam does not permit Muslims to celebrate the festivals of non-believers. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood: 4031)

Therefore, Muslims should remain true to their religion and culture and avoid practices or customs that go against Islamic teachings.

As for celebrating social and cultural festivals, they are permissible only within certain limits. If a festival contradicts any aspect of Islam, has no meaningful purpose or benefit, or causes harm to Muslims, then Islam does not permit celebrating such events. One such festival is Valentine’s Day, which is completely against the teachings of Islam.

The spread of immorality.

On this day, non-mahram women are given gifts, and love is expressed to them. All of this is immodesty. Regarding this, Allah Almighty says:

وَالَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
(Surah An-Nur: 19)

“Indeed, those who love that immorality should spread among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows, while you do not know.”

looking with lust.

One looks directly into the eyes of a desired non-mahram woman, which is the zina (fornication) of the eyes. Allah Almighty commands:

قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
(Surah An-Nur: 30)

Touching a non-mahram.

Touching a non-mahram woman is also prohibited, and on Valentine’s Day, this act becomes common. This, too, goes against Islamic teachings.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“If one of you were to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle, that would be better for him than touching a woman who is not permissible for him.”
(At-Tabarani – Classified as Sahih by Al-Albani)

Khalwah.

Being alone together (Khalwah)—On this day, men and women sit alone together to express their so-called love. First, expressing love in this manner is haram, and second, being alone with a non-mahram is also haram, as mentioned in the hadith:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not be alone with a non-mahram woman, for the third one present will be Shaytan.”
(Musnad Ahmad – Classified as Sahih by Al-Albani)

Does Islam oppose love?

Islam does not permit celebrating Valentine’s Day. This might raise the objection: Does Islam oppose love?

The answer is that Islam does not oppose love at all; rather, Islam teaches peace and love. However, Islam is against the immorality that takes place in the name of love. Islam does not forbid lawful love, nor does it prohibit marriage based on preference. On the contrary, Allah Almighty says in the Quran:

فَانْكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُمْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَى وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ

“Then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four…”
(Surah An-Nisa: 3)

Similarly, in another verse, Allah says:

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً

“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them, and He has placed between you love and mercy.”
(Surah Ar-Rum: 21)

This love is only possible through Nikah (marriage).

Is there a specific day for love in Islam?

Yes, Islam does have days dedicated to the expression of love, but it is not limited to just one day. In Islam, every day is a day to express lawful love, and it is not tied to a particular date. Islam teaches love throughout a person’s life, from birth to death, and emphasizes love in all aspects of a person’s journey.

Allah and rasol knows best