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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Feb 2009 : 12:05:10
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Wednesday, 4 February 2009
THE TRUTH ABOUT VALANTINES CELEBRATIONS
VALENTINE, THE PAGAN CELEBRATION… BY SHEIK BADRU JAFFAR
Several years ago I was listening to a brother castigating Muslim brethren who celebrate Valentine's Day and I thought to myself how many of us are caught up in the cultural web. Later the brother was seen carrying flowers on the 14th of February and this cemented the idea that our lives have been heavily influenced by western cultures.
Praise be to Allah, in His infinite mercy He has blessed us with Islam as our religion and He will not accept any other religion from anyone, as He says:
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”[Al-Imraan 85]
Prophet Muhamad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that groups of his Ummah would follow the enemies of Allah in some of their rituals and customs, as it says in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), who narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“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 Christians?” He said, “Who else?!” Bukhary
Imam Bukhary placed this hadeeth under the topic "Fortification (of one's self) with the Kitaab and Sunnah". In his fiqh the Imam is admonishing us to stick to the ways, culture and customs of the Quran and Sunnah. If we choose to follow alien cultures and religions we are bound to adversely affect our iman and akhlaq … after all isn’t celebrating a day such as Valentine's Day celebrating zinaa (adulter and fornication)!
What the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke of has indeed come to pass and has become widespread in recent times, Many of us follow un-Islamic customs, and more so when we imitate the West by celebrating their rituals and holidays. Many Muslim countries are grappling with the idea of changing the weekend from Saturday and Sunday as this is a western custom.
The matter has been compounded by the media whereby the rituals and customs of the non-Muslims are now transmitted with the glamorous adornment of sound and image. Many Muslims have been hoodwinked by this deception.
This article seeks to address this phenomenon in terms of its negative effects on the youth and Muslims in general.
The Story of the Festival of Love (Valentine’s Day)
The Festival of Love was one of the festivals of the Romans, when paganism was the prevalent practice in Rome, more than seventeen centuries ago. In the pagan Roman concept, Valentine's Day was an expression of “spiritual love”. When the Romans embraced Christianity, they continued to celebrate the day, but changed it from the pagan concept of “spiritual love” to another concept known as the “martyrs of love”, represented by Saint Valentine who had advocated love and peace, for which cause he was martyred, according to their claims. It was also called the Feast of Lovers, and Saint Valentine was considered to be the patron saint of lovers. The Pope designated the day of the death of Saint Valentine, February 14, 270 CE, as a festival of love.
Some of the activities that mark celebrating this day are:-
1 – Expressing joy and happiness on this occasion, preparing special meals, candle lit dinners and romantic events.
2 – Exchanging red roses, which are an expression of love, the “spiritual love” of the pagans or the “martyr of love” of the Christians. Hence it is known to them as the Feast of Lovers.
3 – The sending of greetings cards, sms messages, love letters. On some of these cards and messages have pictures of “Cupid”, who appears as a child with two wings, carrying a bow and arrows. This was the god of love of the pagan Romans – exalted be Allah far above their fabrications and their association of others with Him.
4 – Exchange of words of love and desire in the greeting cards and sms messages, in verse, prose and short phrases. Some of the cards contain the phrase “Be my Valentine”. This represents the Christian concept of this festival after it was adopted from the pagan concept.
5 – In many societies, parties are held during the day and in the evening, where there is mixing of men and women, and dancing. Many of them send gifts such as roses and boxes of chocolates to their wives, friends and those whom they love or whom they lust for.
6- Dressing up in red.
Anyone who looks at what is said above about the myths surrounding this pagan festival will clearly understand the following:
Firstly: That the origins of Valentine's Day lie in the pagan beliefs of the Romans, where it was an expression of the spiritual love of the idols which they used to worship instead of Allah. Whoever celebrates Valentine's Day is celebrating an occasion of shirk on which the idols are venerated. Allah says:
“Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the dhaalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers) there are no helpers” [Al-Maa’idah 72]
Imam Ibn Qayyim RA says:
"…as for congratulating the kuffaar on their celebrations, it is haram by consensus, e.g. congratulating them on their fast by saying blessed fast or we congratulate you on this occasion, if the one congratulating them escapes from kufr (disbelief), it still remains a prohibited act. It is of the same ruling as congratulating a non Muslim on prostrating to an idol, but it is more sinful in Allah's eyes, and more blameworthy than congratulating one on drinking alcohol, murder or committing adultery" Ahkaam Ahl-Dhimmah pg 205
It is therefore clearly not allowed to celebrate Valentine's Day, even for married couples.
Secondly: The connection between Saint Valentine and this festival has been questioned by many sources, and it is considered to be far from definite. Therefore, it is purely a pagan form of worship.
Thirdly: This festival was denounced by the Christian clergy in Italy, the bastion of Catholicism, because it was spreading bad attitudes and having an adverse effect on the minds of young men and women. Muslim youth alike should shun this festival as it promotes zinaa (sex outside marriage).
In Islam, the festivals that are to be celebrated by Muslims are clearly defined and well established. They are an essential part of our worship and culture. Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Festivals are part of the laws, clear way and religious ceremonies of which Allah says:
‘To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way.’[Al-Maa’idah 48]
‘For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow.’[Al-Hajj 67]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) referred to the fact that every nation has its own festivals when he said:
‘Every nation has its own Eid and this is our Eid.’ Bukhary & Muslim.
Valentine’s Day is surely a pagan celebration and Muslims have no share and no part in it. – “Every nation has its Eid,” – then each nation should be distinguished by its festivals. If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival, which belongs exclusively to them, then no Muslim should join in with them, just as he does not share their religion or their direction of prayer.
Celebrating un-Islamic holidays and rituals erodes our iman. Our shariah intends to create a difference and distinction between believers and non believers which in turn creates influence and loyalty to Allah. This loyalty gives rise to an influential society. Allah says:
'Thus We have made you true Muslims - real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Mohamad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his Sunnah (legal ways)-, a just (and the best) nation that you be witnesses over mankind' Albaqara 143
Participating in un-Islamic celebrations breeds love for the non-Muslims and their way of life, this goes further to entrench their beliefs in the larger society and for the participants to unwittingly imbibe it themselves. How can Muslims be right and they covet our way of life, they would ask.
'Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him (Believers), when they said to their people (Non believers); Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah; we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allah alone'. Mumtahinah 4
Imitating non believers even in small ways like congratulating them on their celebrations or giving them gifts is a precursor for adopting and participating in bigger acts of kufr. It is evident some Muslims attend mass during Christmas while others decorate their houses with the cross – may Allah guide us – and these despicable acts started from seemingly innocent congratulations sent to them on their festivities.
How many youth engage in zinaa on Valentine's Day? How many lives are messed up? And how many abortions follow up? This occasion only provides the non Muslims with a wide open door to our hearts and lives to plant seeds of kufr.
May Allah guide us against all forms of idol worship, Amin.
Sh. Badru Jaffar
Patron, Ashabaab Newsletter
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Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2009 : 12:36:37
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| Santafara sabari! Okay my flowers go only to my wife, anything wrong with that? Or I am missing the point? |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2009 : 20:04:42
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Valentines day has nothing to do with culture or religion and is pure commercialism!
They say when USA has flu UK cathes a cold...well about 10 years ago I was passing through Atlanta airport and everything was valentines.... RED, Love, hearts....etc...
Nothing to do with real love and all to do with making money!!!  
Never in UK I thought......
Now UK is just as bad!!!!  
There is nothing wrong with being romantic, sending a nice card with a lovely message, taking your partner somewhere nice, buying lovely roses.......
But it doesnt have to be over the top and it doesnt have to be on one day a year!!!! 
Love has nothing to do with commercialism.  |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2009 : 23:03:42
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quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
Santafara sabari! Okay my flowers go only to my wife, anything wrong with that? Or I am missing the point?
Kay, i am not an expert in ladies affairs, but i thought the sisters love surprises. this goes in all departments, if know what amean. give her flowers when she least expect it. mandingkoli koo, nin toch deyata yeeh, ika jato lesene. when you like the sound of tooch, it is better you grow bitter tomato.
bev, you cannot seprate valantines from saint Valentine, the catholic brothers here can attest to that, our missionary uncle jambo can clarify if you wish. it is just like trying to detach Bushism from buhda. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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tamsier
United Kingdom
557 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 07:40:54
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I am shocked and dissapointed. You could have chosen any other angle e.g morality, commercialism, etc, but you choose the religious angle. How predicatable. As we all know, it provides you ample opportunity to shove your religious dogma down our throats. Most people know it has pagan origins [perhaps not exactly how]as do several religious festivities. What is wrong with its pagan origins as long as the rationale is to show love and appreciation for your partner - [something you should be doing every day anyway]? You seem to be assuming that all Gambians are muslims. I find the content of your posting rather offensive. It is true that the majority of the Gambian population are muslim [even if some are only in name], but there are also christians and animists within the Gambian populous. Your arrogance is beyond my comprehension. There is nothing wrong with paganism, because it is in paganism that the so called great world religions take their great festivities. E.g: christmas, easter and in Senegambia: gamo [from the old serere word gamohou - an ancient divination festival], tobaski [ an ancient pagan serere hunting festival]. By your standards, that means you disagree with the senegambian muslims who borrow the words gamo and tobaski [both pagan in origin].
I hate valinetine because I believe it provides more opportunities for card manufacturers to rip off people. That does not mean I have to force my views upon them. You do not have to follow it. |
Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
Edited by - tamsier on 12 Feb 2009 07:43:20 |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 08:55:37
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tamsier
There is nothing wrong with people who acknowledge to view of other religious practises and distinguish why their own practises are different. Also, it is human rights to advocate about the religion to others. Actually your reaction is shocking and disappointing.
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diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 09:27:11
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santanfara, is this a rant against a commercial aspect of Valentines day, because, my muslim friends will wish me happy christmas.
As for the youth being corrupted by flowers and the aspect of Valentines, get a grip they are corrupted by other things.
As for the pagan aspects, many religions for traditions that have foundation in pagan/non religious beliefs.
there was lot in your posting, but remember this, they are free to refuse to buy.
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tamsier
United Kingdom
557 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 14:28:03
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Turk
'There is nothing wrong with people who acknowledge to view of other religious practises and distinguish why their own practises are different'.
Provided they are only viewing other people's religious practices as 'different' [to use your own words] and not use it as a platform to be offensive by: demonising other people's religion or expressing your religion is better than others which is what is happening here. As I always say, 'if you don't want to practice somebody else's religion, you don't have to but should still respect it, leave them alone and don't force your own religion on them. if you wish to be offensive expect the same in return. Take it as a man/woman and don't issue a fatwa'.
Also, it is human rights to advocate about the religion to others.
I believe you are making the same point as above and therefore refer you to my posting [above].
Actually your reaction is shocking and disappointing.
Why?
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Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 15:20:35
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Nothing at all changes here on Bantaba, all so predictable,and No I wont explain what I mean by that, just look at the postings here on this topic to see what I mean, Ah! |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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black orchid
United Kingdom
74 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 18:32:34
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| Santanfara, you have no more proof of your own religion's accuracy than does anyone else of their own. Do not speak of truth. Speak of your BELIEF. Because that is all that it is and ever will be. |
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Bodwick
United Kingdom
60 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 19:06:17
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Best thing about this thread is thats is now got Google ads by Interflora at the top and bottom of the page..
Red rose anyone?
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A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects.
-- Robert A. Heinlein The Notebooks of Lazarus Long |
Edited by - Bodwick on 12 Feb 2009 19:11:22 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 19:14:40
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| YES PLEASE! LOL! |
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mavaric
Turkmenistan
94 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 19:15:59
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| Religious fanatics will claim anything lol |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 19:52:11
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Sometimes, these secular folks (I am a liberal secular but not a radical secular) can be as annoying as religious fanatics.
Bodwick
Nice catch there! lol.
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diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 12 Feb 2009 20:06:15 |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2009 : 11:03:08
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Tam, nice to read you again. what you have been able to do is give courage to some who have read the piece days ago without saying any thing. that is the good that came of out the recent exchanges. other than that, many hide their true colours and pretend. thanks for your opinion. at least the Serere man is still brave, back to the roots.
as to the wolof copying the serere in with words like Gammo or tobaski. i don't see any problem with words being borrowed. in the Gammo what happens have nothing to do with serere festivals of devinations. in tobaski, what happen there also have nothing to do with serere customs. we mandinkas call tobaski as Ban-na meaning (rich) the occassion of sacrifice is for those who can afford it, meaning Ban-na. I am taking your word for Gammo to be a serere word. i will happily use a serere word any time Tamsier, so long as it serve my purpose. there is no problem with that. i think it is important we devorce a writer stating his believe clearly and differenicating it others. just like we can go on saying a certain country is democratic and country X is not. the article clearly highlighted what is Islamic custom and which is not. certainly if one is to analyse things african and advice blacks to be proud of those, some will still complain about that. similarly if someone is writing for the attention of his/her co-religious men and women, still others will complain. this is life. we are all fanatics with things we feel strongly about. so mave, you too are a fanatic of some things. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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tamsier
United Kingdom
557 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2009 : 00:29:20
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Nice to read you too as always, even if I disagree with some of your comments.
EID AL KABIR/EIDUL ADHA - arabic in origin. Eid in arabic means feast. Senegambians call it tobaski.
Tobaski was a kosh - a pagan fetish prize after a hunting competion festival. The serere lamans [pre-gelwar] will compete among themselves, whoever won the competion took the tobaski [fetish prize].
Mawlid/Mawlid an Naabiyy = arabic in origin. Mawlid means birth in arabic. The celebration of mohammad's birth.
Senegambians call it Gamo.
Gamo, from the serere word gamohou, translate - to find the lost heart. A divination festival by the saltigues to predict winter months. They still do this in pagan serere.
'Will happily use a serere word any time Tamsier, so long as it serve my purpose’.
No problem, I agree. But don't you also think that others should have the same right to celebrate valentine if it serves their purpose?
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Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
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