Jacaylbaro Posted February 12, 2007 The History of Valentine's Day Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacaylbaro Posted February 12, 2007 As regards the Islamic stance on this festival, Dr. Su`ad Ibrahim Salih, professor of Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) at Al-Azhar University, states the following: Indeed, Islam is the religion of altruism, true love, and cooperation on that which is good and righteous. We implore Allah Almighty to gather us together under the umbrella of His All-encompassing Mercy, and to unite us together as one man. Allah Almighty says: (The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy.) (Al-Hujurat 49: 10) Focusing more on the question in point, I can say that there are forms of expressing love that are religiously acceptable, while there are others that are not religiously acceptable. Among the forms of love that are religiously acceptable are those that include the love for Prophets and Messengers. It stands to reason that the love for Allah, and His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) should have the top priority over all other forms of love. Islam does recognize happy occasions that bring people closer to one another, and add spice to their lives. However, Islam goes against blindly imitating the West regarding a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day. Hence, commemorating that special day known as the Valentine’s Day is an innovation or bid`ah that has no religious backing. Every innovation of that kind is rejected, as far as Islam is concerned. Islam requires all Muslims to love one another all over the whole year, and reducing the whole year to a single day is totally rejected. Hence, we Muslims ought not to follow in the footsteps of such innovations and superstitions that are common in what is known as the Valentine’s Day. No doubt that there are many irreligious practices that occur on that day, and those practices are capable of dissuading people from the true meanings of love and altruism to the extent that the celebration is reduced to a moral decline. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms DD Posted February 12, 2007 Salaam It is consumerism gone mad! Valentine's Day ('singles awareness day') has nothing to do with real love, it's just an excuse to spend more money on a load of tacky rubbish that rots your teeth, is over packaged and is probably destined to end up in some landfill site somewhere. Why do we need a specific day to celebrate love? I was discussing this with my hubby about whether it was a true and warm expression of romantic love or merely a capitalist plot to maximise consumerism? You can guess that he agreed with moi. Valentine's Day, one of the most miserable holidays ever devised by man. People complain about the commercialization of Christmas, and they should, but St. Valentine's Day is worse. It was never corrupted by consumerism, it was invented by it. It is also a day that brings out the bitterness of single people everywhere. Happy Valentine's Day for those who actually enjoy it but to all the more sensible people who realize it is a useless excuse for consumerism - bravo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Valenteenah. Posted February 12, 2007 Valentines, the pink and fluffy day, where couples snog endlessly on the commute home. Urg. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strawberry_Xu Posted February 12, 2007 ^^.....or look bored and miserable in restaurants everywhere Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pujah Posted February 12, 2007 Happy Valentines Day to Pujaa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cynical lady Posted February 12, 2007 its an excuse to shop now y wouldnt u bee happy abt that i ask? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pucca Posted February 12, 2007 Originally posted by Pujaa: Happy Valentines Day to Pujaa To Pujaa?? and to think you'd agreed to be my cyber v-day pal...*sniff* its alright..i'll live. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedSea Posted February 12, 2007 Jacayl...remember what happened to those who tried to celebrte Valantines day in Borama, well watch yourself son. You could be behind bars for giving flowers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pujah Posted February 12, 2007 ^^LOL ...I planned on writtin Pucca dee. not sure what happened :confused: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pucca Posted February 12, 2007 ^sure you did...how you confuse "pucca" for "pujaa" is beyond me.. i'm hurting lady...you'll have to come up with quite an apology to be forgiven for this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baluug Posted February 12, 2007 Originally posted by Mujaahid: Red Sea: Jacayl...remember what happened to those who tried to celebrte Valantines day in Borama, well watch yourself son. You could be behind bars for giving flowers. LOL He's right, man....Don't go getting yourself in trouble now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted February 12, 2007 Originally posted by Mujaahid: Red Sea: Jacayl...remember what happened to those who tried to celebrte Valantines day in Borama, well watch yourself son. You could be behind bars for giving flowers. loool, is ilaali ninyo. No holding hands in the street! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
