CELEBRATION OF VALENTINE DAY IN THE LIGHT OF

ISLAMIC LAW AND ETHICS

SURAJU, Saheed Badmus
Department of Islamic Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

Abstract
One of the most wonderful feelings in the life of man is the feeling of love which
cannot be quantified and measured by anything and expressed by words. It is
naturally built and fortified to an extent that it cannot be cheated, betrayed and
removed. This had made people to fashion out different kinds of celebrations in
showing their love for the celebrity. Valentine Day celebration is one of such notable
ways among the people, especially the Muslim youths, who consider it though
erroneously, as permissible by Islam. Thus, this paper examines the origin and the
historical background of this festival so as to bring out the position of Islam on it.
Findings show that the youths have universally taken this day as a special day with
series of atrocities such as sexual harassment, drinking, killing, stealing, indecent
dressing are perpetrated within themselves in the society. The paper reveals that the
celebration is against both the Islamic and societal ethics. The paper concludes by
recommending that the government, religious bodies and stakeholders should
enlighten the youth and that the Muslims should uphold the pristine teachings of
Islam.

Introduction
Islam is not just only a religion but also a way of life that has left nothing un-
discussed as confirmed by Q6:38 which says: “..We have neglected nothing in the
Book…”1. This means that, it is a complete religion, way of life and code of conduct
that does not need to imitate, copy and follow any other ways of life because of its
completeness and perfection according to Q5:3 which says:
….This day, I have perfected your religion for you completed
My Favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your
religion… 2

Thus, no other ways of life or code of conduct should be incorporated into it

except what is approved or does not go against the texts of the Qur’ān and Hadīth as

1
well as its fundamental principles. Muslims had been forewarned long ago by the
Prophet against the incorporation of others ways of life into the religion of Islam.
This has been recorded by Imam Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abi Sa cid
Al-Khudri that:
You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you,
span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a
Lizard’s hole, you would follow them. We said: “O Messenger of
Allah (do you mean) the Jews and Christian?” He said: “Who
else”.3

From the above quoted Hadīth, it can be deduced that it is not allowed to
imitate the Kuffār (disbelievers) in anyway and especially in matters which Allah has
made forbidden. It should however be noted that this disapproval of imitating the
disbelievers is in the acts of worship as well as those things that make them unique
such as innovated festivals like birthday celebration, Mother’s Day Celebration etc. 4
Among the popular festivals of the people of the Book which the majority of the
Muslim youths, especially the students from secondary level to tertiary institutions,
have blindly followed and imitated is the celebration of Valentine Day. It is celebrated
worldwide by people regardless of faith and race to the extent that it is regarded as the
most celebrated festival after Christmas5 as well as the second most popular Card-
Sending holiday after Christmas.6
This paper therefore explores the above with a view to showing the correct
Islamic position or perspective on same. In order to achieve its objective, the paper
has been divided into eight sections; introduction, the meaning and origin of Valentine
Day, historical background of Valentine Day, mode of its celebration, position of
Islam on its celebration, ethical implication of its celebration, conclusion and
recommendation.

Meaning and Origin of Valentine Day

The Valentine Day is seen as a day observed in honour of Saint Valentine for
the exchange of tokens of affection 7. According to Macmillan Dictionary 2013, it is
usually observed on February 14, a day on which people give cards and small presents
to the person who they love.8 Etymologically, the word is a derivative of Valentine
which is a male given name from a latin word “valentinus” meaning “Strong,
powerful, mighty” while the word “day” refers to (means) a period of twenty-four
hours as a unit of time reckoned from one midnight to the next. However, the Latin

2
word “Valentinus” is now being used as an English word to mean, according to
American Heritage Dictionary (2000)9, a sentimental or humorous greeting card sent
to a sweetheart, friend or family member on Saint Valentine’s Day. It is also used for a
chosen person especially as one’s sweetheart on Saint Valentine’s Day. It can also be
referred to as a gift expressing love or affection, sent often anonymously, to one’s
sweetheart or satirically to a friend on Saint Valentine’s Day10.
Valentine’s Day, therefore, implies a celebration day in honour of Saint
Valentine for the exchange of gifts and greeting cards as a sign of love and affection
between lovers. It is either the day of Festival of Love or the day of the Feast of Saint
Valentine11. It is also known as the day of romantic love or the day of celebration of
love and affection as well as the day of Martyrs of love.
Originally, it is regarded as a festival day of the Pagan Romans during their
Paganism Era before the advent of Christianity. 12 It was officially known as the
festival of Lupercalia or the festival of sexual licence which was held in honour of
Lupercus, the god of fertility and husbandry, protector of herds and corp 13, annually
on 15th of February. Its celebration continued even after the Romans became
Christians but later the name, day, and the purpose were changed, however, the
motive are still maintained.

Historical Background of Valentine’s Day Celebration

There are different legendary accounts on the origin and the celebration of
love between lovers on Valentine’s Day. One of these accounts is linked with the
ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia14 while the other three are connected with a
man by name Valentine who, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia 15, was one of the
three early Christian Saints bearing this name and amazingly all were martyred on
14th February16 The first of these legends is Lupercalia. Lupercalia Festival, which
connotes an expression of “Spiritual Love”, is a pagan festival of the ancient Romans.
It is celebrated in honour of Lupercus as a god who protects the entire Rome from
roving bands of wolves which usually devour both livestock and human beings17.
Thus goats and dogs are sacrificed for Lupercus on the assumption that it has power
to cure women of infertility. The festival is celebrated in the mid-February of every
year.18
In addition, in the eve of this festival i.e. 14th of February, names of matured
girls are usually written on a small piece of paper and placed (it) on a table for (the)

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matured boys to pick at random. The young man and the girl whose names are picked
automatically become (together as) couples or sexual partners (companion) for the
rest of the year.19 Later, the festival was replaced by Pope Gelasius I at the end of 5th
century (496 CE) with St. Valentine’s Day. He was said to be the one that
Christianized it. He consequently declared 14th February as the day in honour of one
of his church’s Saints who was murdered in 270CE for his Christian beliefs.20
Moreover, the name Valentine was said to have belonged to three different
Saints of the Christians. One of these Valentines was said to be a Roman while the
second was an Italian, but information about the third Valentine is not known except
that he was martyred along with his companions in Africa. 21 Surprisingly, the three of
them were said to have been martyred on the 14th of February.22
Yet one other legend which is popular among some scholars says that this day
is connected with Saint Valentine, a Priest of Rome23, who lived around 270 CE and
was imprisoned because of his disobedience to the Roman Emperor Claudius II. The
latter had (who), in the third century C.E, decreed that the armies should not get
married so as to enhance discipline among the soldiers.24 Saint Valentine, realizing the
injustice of this marriage ban, secretly united many young lovers together as couples
but was later apprehended, imprisoned and executed on February 14th in the year 270
CE.25
Thus, in remembering his love and quest for justice for young lovers who were
Christians, the day was chosen for celebration to commemorate the anniversary of
Saint Valentine’s death, the lover of young Christian Roman lovers.
According to another history, Saint Valentine was recorded to have fallen in
love with the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, who was blind and the sight was
miraculously restored by Saint Valentine. And that before his execution, he sent her,
according to Ansgar (1986:59)26, the first “Valentine” card written by himself and
signed “Your Valentine” which is an expression that is widely used today with an
addition of “From” making it “From Your Valentine”.27
Another legend recorded that, Saint Valentine was murdered because of his
refusal to renounce his Christianity for paganism when he was asked by Roman
Emperor Claudius II. Thus, he was executed on agape i.e. Christian love instead of
romantic love recorded by other legend.28
From the above historical accounts, it can be said that the celebration of
Valentine Day is based and connected with either of the following or all:
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 a- Pagan Roman Festival originally known as Lupercalia which connoted
Festival of Spiritual Love or Sexual Licence.
b- Commemoration of the anniversary of Saint Valentine’s Death as a
Lover and the Lover of young Roman’s lovers
c- Commemoration of the anniversary of Saint Valentine’s Death as a
Martyr of his Christian faith.
Moreover, after the 5th century of the historical account, this Festival
continued to evolve century by century until 14th century when Ansgar (1986)29
claimed that this Festival was first associated with love through the poem composed
by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) who was one of the English Poet and most
important figure in English Literature. This means that initially there was no romantic
connection with this festival until Chaucer’s Poetry which he composed in honour of
the engagement between England Richard II and Anne of Bohemia in 1381. In his
poem entitled “The Parliament of Fowls”, he linked this engagement with the mating
of birds and Saint Valentine day together 30. The poem, according to Catholic
Encyclopedia, reads thus:
For this was sent on Saint Valentine Day when every fowl
cometh there to choose his mate.31

Thus, the celebration became a romantic festival through which lovers give
each other different kinds of gift, greeting and love cards as a way of showing their
love and affection. In 1850s, Esther A. Howland, a graduate and native of Worcester
became the “Mother of Valentine” as a result of her Mass Production of invented
Valentine greeting cards.32 However, in 1969, the Catholic Church had this Valentine
Day, an important day in their church calendar, removed from the church calendar as a
result of it becoming more romantic.

Mode of Celebrating Valentine Day

At the early period of Valentine’s Day Celebration, it was celebrated by
writing of letters. Later, it graduated to the giving of gifts, greeting and love cards,
giving of red roses which are expression of love and heart designed objects as well as
exchanging of words of love.
In the contemporary world, it has become a booming commercial festival for
the selling of cards, red dresses and roses. The youth have extended it to holding of
parties where various kinds of Alcoholic drinks, smoking and other drugs are taken.

5
Even, this day marks the day of loosing many ladies’ virginity all in the name of
showing love on the day of love. Also, the youths exhibit different kinds of immoral
dressing and behaviours, all of which are regarded by them as socialization,
modernization and civilization. The female especially students will tie red ribbon on
their right wrist, putting on red dresses and draw hearts on which names are written.

Islamic Position on Valentine’s Day Celebration

Festival is among the religious activities that are divinely established. Its
purpose is for worship which serves as a connection between man and the Supreme
Being, Who is to be shown one’s humility, respect and gratitude because of His
superiority and power. This is why festivals in Islam are legislated by the Law-Giver-
Allah and then His Messenger. Ibn Taymiyyah (1998) said:
Festivals are part of laws, clear way and religious ceremonies of
which Allah says: “To each among you We have prescribed a
law and clear way” (5:48). “For every nation We have ordained
religious ceremonies which they must follow” (22:67)…33

From the above quotation, it can be deduced that each religion has its own
ceremonies that make it unique from other religion and that it is compulsory for each
to follow its ordained ceremonies. However in case of dispute over these ceremonies-
Mansak-which is translated by Ibn Abbas as festival 34, the Muslims should not divert
their attention from following the clear and straight path. 35 This means that there will
be various kinds of disputable festivals but the Muslims should hold unto their
festivals as mentioned by the Qur’ān and Sunnah. This can further be buttressed by
the tradition of the Prophet which says:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon
him) came to Madinah and the people had two days when they
would play and have fun. He said: “what are these two days?”.
They said: “we used to play and have fun on these days during
Jahiliyyah. The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah has given you
something better than them, the day of ‘Adhā and the day of
Fitr.36

The above quoted Hadith shows and explains the religious festivals of the
Muslims as a nation which Allah is referring to in Q22:34. It has not been recorded
that the Prophet (S.A.W) and his Companions celebrated any other festival apart from
these two or that they joined the pagan, Jews and the Christians in celebrating their
festivals. Thus, it is incumbent on the believers to stand by their religious festivals
which make them unique.

6
 With regards to the celebration of Valentine’s Day which is either a pagan
Roman Festival or Christian lover’s festivals, the Muslims have been forbidden to
celebrate or participate in festival with either the pagan or Jews and the Christians. 37
According to Sirajud-Dīn (2011:23)38 this prohibition is because the festival is among
their religious actions which are unique and it is the symbol of their religion. The
prohibition is based on the following proofs.
(a) Allah says in Q 25:72 that
And those who do not bear witness to falsehood (az-Zūr) and
if they pass by some evil play or talk (al-Laghw), they pass
by it with dignity.39

The word “az-Zūr” in the above verse, according to Ibn Sirrīn, Tawus, Ad-
Dahak and others, means the pagan festivals. 40 In addition, Sirajud-Dīn (2011:23)
quoted ibn Sirin to have said that “az-Zūr” means the Christians festival41. From the
above, it means that Allah forbids Muslims from witnessing both the pagan and
Christians festivals talk less of participating in them.
(b) The Prophet (S.A.W) said about cīdu ‘l-‘Adhā on the authority of cĀisha
that: “Every nation has its own ‘id (Festival) and this is our ‘Id”42.
This means that every nation should stick to its festivals.
(c) It is the consensus of the Islamic Scholars, as recorded by Ibn Taymiyyah
(1998)43 and Ibn Qayyim (1983)44, it is forbidden for the Muslims to
celebrate any festival of the polytheists, Jews and the Christians.
Sheikh Al-Munajid quote Al-Hafiz adh-Dhahabi as saying that:
If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival which
belongs only to them, then the Muslim should not join them in that
just as he does not join them in their religion or direction of
prayer.45

Moreover, cUmar bin al-Khattab is reported to have said on this issue that:
Do not enter upon the polytheists in their churches on their
feast days, for indeed, the wrath of Allah is descending on
them.46

He also said that: “Avoid the enemies of Allah in their festivals”. Likewise,
‘Abdullahi bin ‘Amir said:
Whoever lives in the land of the non-Arabs (non-Muslims) and
celebrates their New Year and their festivals, and imitates them
until he dies in that state, will be gathered with them on the Day of
Resurrection.47

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 Imam Ibn Al-Baghdadi said: “It is not permitted to attend the festivals of the
Christians and Jews”.48 Imam Ahmad said: “The Muslims are to be prevented from
entering upon them in their synagogues and churches”. 49 In the submission of Ibn
Taymiyyah (1998), he says:
There is no difference between joining them in their festival and
joining them in their other rituals. Agreeing with the whole festival
is agreeing with kufr. Agreeing with some of their minor issues is
the same as agreeing with them in some of the branches of Kufr,
festivals are the most distinctive things by which religions are pole
apart, so whoever celebrates their festivals is agreeing with the
most distinctive rituals of Kufr.50

From the above quotations of the Islamic Scholars, it is crystal clear that none
of the scholars permits the celebration of any non-Islamic festivals into which
Valentine’s Day falls
(d) Analogically, the celebration of this festival is against the tenets of Islam
commands love between without limitation of place, people, sex or time. With this
celebration, it means the expression of love should only be on 14th February annually.
Thus, the remaining days of the year are free of love. It may even be because of this
specialty, that the whole world is filled with enmity between husbands and wives,
parents and children, leaders and the led as well as friends.
In Islam, Muslims are to show love to everyone at all times by giving out gifts,
visitation, exchanging the greeting of peace, feeding the needy and the poor,
reframing from harming one another and so on. It is therefore, not by the expression
of feelings or emotions alone but also through behaviors and attitudes. The Prophet
(S.A.W) was reported to have said on the authority of Anas bin Malik that;
None of you will believe until he loves for his brother what he loves
for himself51
The above quoted Hadith can be regarded as the Islamic golden rule like that
of the Philosophy which says: “Do unto others what you want to be done unto you”.
In another narration, the Prophet said:
By the One in whose hand is my soul you will not enter paradise
until you truly believe and you will not truly believe until you love
one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you
will love one another? Spread (the greeting of) Salam amongst
your selves.52

Moreover, love in Islam is for the sake of Allah and not for the sake of worldly
gain like in case of Valentine’s Day expressed because of passion. This because love

8
is part of faith in Islam as confirmed by the Prophet on the authority of Abdullahi Ibn
Abbas that:
Whoever loves for the sake Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives
for the sake of Allah, withholds for the sake of Allah has perfected
his faith.53
Love is the basis on which the Islamic community is built. Thus, limiting it to
a particular day or person will definitely endanger the Ummah and the religion.
In addition, the consensus of Islamic scholars has declared that greeting the
non-Muslims during their festivals’ celebration is forbidden according to Ibn Qayyim
Al-Jawziyyah (1983) who said that:
Congratulating the non-Muslims on the rituals that belong only to
them is Haram by consensus, as is congratulating them on their
festivals and feasts by saying: ‘a happy festival to you or may you
enjoy your festival’ and so on. If the one who says this has been
saved from disbelief, it is still forbidden. It is like congratulating
someone for prostrating to the cross, or even worse than that. It is as
great a sin as congratulating someone for drinking wine, or
murdering someone or having illicit sexual relations, and so on.
Many of those who have no respect for their religion fall into this
error, they do not realize the offensiveness of their actions. Whoever
congratulates a person for his disobedience or Bidcah (Innovation) or
his disbelieve exposes himself to the wrath and Anger of Allah. 54

Thus, greeting one another on valentine’s Day is a way of supporting and

accepting this pagan Roman as well as Christian festival. It is also forbidden to
exchange gifts on this day with the intention of celebrating Valentine’s Day, because
this is another way of imitating them in this festival and the Prophet (S.A.W) has said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them”.55
Finally, celebrating this festival as the day of Martyrs of love should be
ridiculous to a sincere Muslim who believes and follows one of the basic principles of
the pious predecessors which is al-walā’ wal-Barā’. This principle means that the
believers should be loved and the disbelievers be hated, opposed and different from.
How can Muslims be commemorating the death anniversary of a Christian Martyr and
neglecting the martyrdom of the Prophets’ Companions such as Mus cab bin cUmayr,
Summayyah, cUmar bin al-Khaṭṭāb, Zubair bn Al-cAwwām, Sacd bin Mucādh,
Hanṭalah and so on.
In line with the above submissions from the Qur’ān, sunnah, ijmā’ (consensus
of the Islamic Scholars) and analogical deduction, Valentine’s Day celebration is alien
to Islam and the Muslims. Thus, it should not only be shunned but should also be
exposed to other Muslims as an unconcerned festival.

9
Ethical implication of Valentine’s Day Celebration
A meticulous examination of Valentine’s Day celebration reveals bad habits
and conducts exhibited youths involved. This shows the ungodly nature of the
celebration. It legalizes free sexual relation between two opposite sexes who are not
legally joined together may resort to unwanted pregnancy leading to abortion, drop-
out of school system or giving birth to bastard children in the society.
The giving of gift is expected to bring love peace, rest of mind, trust and
reliance. Meanwhile, the valentine’s gift may later lead to hatred, chaos, distrust and
dishonest due to the contemporary use of it to win the sexual attention of the ladies.
Another ethical implication of this is the exposure of the youths to
drunkenness and various kinds of smoking which are regarded as forbidden by Islam.
Also, the female youths are exposed to series of immoral dressing which can lead to
sexual assault or embarrassment. Similarly, it brings about wasting of money, time
and resources which Islam has warned against by declaring those who waste resources
as the companions of Shaytān according to Q17;27. On a final note, the rate at which
this celebration is corrupting both individual and the society is very high as classes,
streets and houses are filled with red color while the beer parlors and restaurant are
full of youths at night.

Conclusion
From the discussion so far, we have been able to establish the meaning and
origin of Valentine’s Day. The historical trends of Valentine’s Day and its modes of
celebration in both the ancient and contemporary era were equally discussed. The
position of Islam, in line with the Qur’ān, Sunnah, consensus of the Islamic Scholars
and the analogical deduction, has been discussed as well as the ethical implication of
this celebration.
It is on the basis of this that we suggest that the management of schools-
secondary and tertiary institutions-, teachers, lecturers and parents as well as religious
bodies should enlighten the populace especially the students on the negative effects of
this celebration on their health, moral and academic performance. Religiously, the
Muslims should be dedicated to their religion by upholding the pristine teachings of
Islam and abstaining from imitating the non-Muslims in any of their activities
especially the ritual activities like festivals. Also there should not be any form of

10
assistance on this celebration by any Muslim either for the Christians or ignorant
Muslims as this shows one’s acceptance of the festival. Efforts should be made by
various higher institutions especially the Islamic colleges and Universities to enact
laws that will prevent students from dressing in red, organizing and attending parties
as well as taking the day as special day than other days within and outside the school
premises.

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12
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55. Recorded by Abu Dawud,

14