Why Most Islamic Scholars Say Valentine’s Day Is Haram or Bid‘ah
Modern and classical scholars from various schools have issued clear rulings:
Major Arguments Against Celebrating Valentine’s Day
🔸Imitation of Non-Muslims (Tashabbuh)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«Whoever imitates a people is one of them.»
(Abu Dawud 4031, Ahmad — Sahih)
Celebrating a festival that has clear pagan and Christian roots falls under prohibited imitation.
🔸Bid‘ah (Religious Innovation)
Adding a special religious or semi-religious day of love that has no basis in the Quran or Sunnah is a form of bid‘ah.
🔸Promotion of Haram Relationships
Valentine’s Day culture normalizes and glamorizes:
-
- Boyfriend/girlfriend relationships
- Premarital romance
- Secret dating
- Physical intimacy before nikah
All of these are major sins in Islam.
🔸Wastefulness and Extravagance
Massive spending on unnecessary gifts, flowers, and dinners contradicts Islamic teachings on moderation.
🔸Objectification & Sexualization
Modern Valentine’s celebrations often include sexually suggestive advertisements, lingerie promotions, and immodest behavior — all forbidden in Islam.
Prominent Fatwas & Scholarly Positions
- Shaykh Ibn Baz (former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia): Prohibited — imitation of disbelievers + no basis in Shari‘ah.
- Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen: Considered it haram due to tashabbuh and bid‘ah.
- Permanent Committee for Fatwa (Saudi Arabia): Forbidden — it is an innovated festival with pagan roots.
- Al-Azhar (Egypt): Generally discouraged; love should be expressed within Islamic limits without imitating non-Muslim festivals.
- Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah: Not permissible to celebrate religious holidays of other faiths.
What Does Islam Actually Teach About Love & Romance?
Islam is not against love — it is the most beautiful and pure form of love that Islam promotes.
Beautiful Islamic Teachings About Love
Love between spouses is a sign of Allah.
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy…” (Quran 30:21)
Best men treat their wives best.
«The best of you are those who are best to their wives…»
(Tirmidhi 3895 — Sahih)
Romance is encouraged inside marriage.
The Prophet ﷺ used to:
-
- Race with Aisha (ra)
- Call her lovingly by nicknames.
- Kiss her and drink from the same spot she drank.
- Express affection openly
But Islam places romance only in one place: Marriage.
Everything before nikah must follow strict rules:
- Lowering the gaze (Quran 24:30–31)
- No khalwa (being alone together)
- No touching
- No secret dating
- No boyfriend/girlfriend culture
Can Muslims Celebrate Valentine’s Day “Just as a Day of Love”?
Many Muslims say: “We only celebrate love with our spouse — no haram involved.”
Scholars’ Answer
Even if you avoid the haram parts, the day itself carries the legacy of pagan and Christian imitation. Most scholars say it is still better to avoid it completely and express love on any normal day, not on a day that belongs to another tradition.
Final Islamic Ruling Summary (2026)
| Celebrating Valentine’s Day with haram acts (dating, free-mixing, etc.) |
Haram
|
Major sins involved |
| Celebrating only with spouse + no haram acts |
Prohibited / Disliked
|
Tashabbuh + bid‘ah (majority view) |
| Expressing love to spouse on February 14 without mentioning Valentine’s |
Permissible
|
Because it’s just normal love — not tied to the festival |
| Ignoring the day completely |
Safest & Best
|
Avoids all doubt |
What Should Muslims Do?
Islam gives you 365 days a year to show love, care, kindness, and romance to your spouse, family, and friends — without needing a special imported day.
Instead of February 14, choose:
- Any normal Friday
- Your wedding anniversary
- After Jummah prayer
- Any day Allah blesses you with