Valentine's Day is coming, but not all that is halal is advisable

[dragonxx]

Salam everyone.

Leaving aside what inspired this post, I figured it may be of benefit I share my thoughts regarding this. I am hoping, at least, there will be increased self-awareness and foresight for those who choose to partake in these seemingly innocent celebrations. I will try to be concise.

 

Best to start with this video link (arabic only): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXIJiiGS46c, which in summary explains that apparently the opinion of Sayed Sistani is that ultimately it's halal to celebrate Valentine's Day so long as forbidden acts are not involved. Couldn't really find any other sources of fatwas.

 

 

I don't disagree with this premise on a fundamental level, however not all halal acts are necessarily advisable (by 'acts' here, I'm more referring to excitement, planning, decorating, celebrating, i.e. making it a thing of significance, as opposed to a minor playful interactions).

I will highlight only 3 reasons for brevity why muslims should avoid V-day acts:

1. V-day is religious in its origin and anti-Islamic in (popular) practice
It's apparently a non-islamic religious celebration at its root. That alone should be sufficient enough that it should not be prioritized in an Islamic household. But to explain further, propagating religious (and Western culture) celebrations, which in common day is often associated with impermissible expressions of love and establishment of forbidden-type relationships is problematic in my view. 

2. Don't underestimate what I call generational dilution
These types of practices are what lead to the dilution and even alteration of one's religion in generations to come, which you may have to answer for on Judgement day. An example of this can be highlighted by visiting parts of Syria for instance (my prayers with all muslim brothers/sisters suffering from the earthquakes); there exist families with Shia names and roots directly from Ahlulbayt ((عليه السلام)) yet they are the most staunch of Salafis. Why? Schools are teaching one thing, and families are planning Valentine's Day --> generational dilution (and eventual loss) of Shia knowledge, practices, beliefs. 

I highlight generational above to illustrate this takes time to happen. You may not appreciate that, right now, there is any ill effect towards your religion, let alone your children from celebrating Valentine's Day under the guise of love. But understand your foresight and self-awareness are limited. As V-day celebration is engrained in you, it imprints onto your children, and by the time they're old they may be taking up Christmas/other non-Islamic holidays. Perhaps a century later the great grand-children are visiting churches, singing Christmas carols, or getting baptized. Think that's extreme? Ask the Salafi named AbdulHussein son of AbdulHassan.

3. Islam is a way of life, so let us get that sorted first
Still halal though, right? Can't tell your family to not be excited, planning weeks and weeks ahead to celebrate something halal.
Well, at this point, let us discuss more reasons about why not Valentine's Day celebrations AFTER we are knowledgeable and whole-heartedly practicing Islamic celebrations first. Not just Eid el-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, but also Eid al-Mubahila and Eid al-Ghadeer. Also the birth of each of the illustrious members of Ahlulbayt ((عليه السلام)) who have suffered endlessly for us to live in free expression of the true Islamic faith. The day Imam Ali ((عليه السلام)) and Sayeda Fatemia ((عليه السلام)) were married (there's your Shianetine day). Educational activities for children (and adults...). Baked goods. Flowers. Expressions of love. Remembrance.
Once excitement for our religion and culture is imprinted into the family structure, then let us "get excited" and discuss partaking in celebrations that come from other religions and certain cultures that in modern day practice are contrary to the spirit of Islam.

The leader of a household has a duty to ensure true Islam propagates for decades to come, not just selfishly think about oneself and immediate family. Re: Imam Hussein ((عليه السلام)).

If despite this, for some of you Valentine's Day is a 'sentimental' or 'family' tradition "necessary" to enjoy, beware the slippery slope so you may at least educate those who come after you regarding actually important celebrations, like the unparalleled significance of Eid al-Ghadeer for instance.