Saudi cleric say celebrations of Valentine's Day are positive social event
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RIYADH - Saudi cleric and researcher Ahmed Qassem al-Ghamdi has said that the celebration of Valentine's Day is a positive social event that is not related to religion, Al Arabiya English has reported.
Ghamdi, the former Director General of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Mecca, told Al Arabiya that the celebration of Mother's Day, Teacher's Day, National Day, birthdays or celebrating marriage anniversaries are occasions that strengthen human bonds. “It is a humane and a social matter and congratulating people for it is not against Sharia,” he said.
He added that kind speech is required among people, whether they are Muslims, Jews and Christians. It is important to visit and congratulate and exchange gifts with them and encourage positive behavior in communication between people.
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"God Almighty instilled compassion in people, and Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) was kind to his Jewish neighbor and he accepted gifts from non-Muslims, and the holy Quran advises: 'And speak kindly to people'," he added.
Such social occasions and holidays are in alignment with the teachings of Islam. They are occasions that stimulate sentiments and develop positive communication and bonds of love between relatives, spouses, children, parents and mothers.
Ghamdi said: "It is an act of kindness to share greetings on western national and social holidays, including Valentine's Day, exchange red roses with others, as long as it is towards peaceful people who do not share animosity or are being at war with Muslims.”
