Q: Please advise on the new "galentines" trend, it is valentines but for friends. It has become a trend amongst the Muslim youth.
A: All these new trends and customs are linked to the kuffaar culture and have nothing to do with Islam. It is not permissible for a believer to adopt the kuffaar trends and customs as he will be emulating them and supporting them in their culture and lifestyle.
In his Mubaarak Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) has prohibited the Muslims from emulating the kuffaar in their trends and customs. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
The one who emulates a people will be counted from amongst them (in the sight of Allah Ta’ala).
A believer should understand that Islam is a complete and perfect religion that has enriched the Muslims with the best lifestyle and culture. Hence, there is no need for a believer to search for any goodness out of Islam.
For a believer to leave the Islamic culture and adopt the kuffaar culture is tantamount to showing disrespect and ingratitude to Islam.
Similarly, this is a sign of one suffering from an inferiority complex, where he considers the kuffaar culture to be superior to his culture.
Apart from this, these types of trends and customs lead one to getting involved in many sins through Muslim boys and girls mixing freely without observing pardah or going to places that are not conducive to the laws of Shariah.
Hence, it is not permissible for Muslims to celebrate "galentine's day" or to participate in it in any way.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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