Valentine’s doesn’t glitters

I am not a pagan
No. I am a Muslim woman. I know I am far from perfection of being a pure believer, but still, my faith is strong to some extent. Valentine is originally a pagan festivity called “Lupercalia” dated back from the Roman times. During the festivity which is celebrated then every 15th of February of the year offering sacrifices to their supposed god named “Lurks” marked the day to protect their cattle and alike from being killed by wolves. I believe in Islam, and such acts of asking for protection other than Allah is unfaithfulness to the first Pillar of Islam called “Shahada” – the declaration of believing to Oneness of Allah (s.a.w) that there is none worthy of worship but Him, and Prophet Muhammad is the Sealed Prophet.

Valentines = Love: It is NOT
I believe that love is a natural instinct. Each time we breathe every second of the day and years to come (insha’allah) is because of the unconditional love that Allah (or God as you call it) has endowed upon us. We live to love our family, neighbours, humanity, and all that we see or not. It came before us, before St. Valentine, or other martyrs, and it will also surpass this lifetime. Instilling love in us and sharing it to others everyday is faith.

All that glitters is NOT gold
So many Muslim youths doesn’t know the history of Valentine’s Day. We all hear and watched good words of love everywhere from prints to radio to television and even internet (youtube, facebook, others). These advertisements come with red and romantic materials when February 14 is approaching. Very dainty and sophisticated greeting cards, bunches of red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and talking “I love you” teddy bears are all up for grabs in the market at quite expensive prices. And there are more fancy gifts that are all impractical especially these days. Let’s all remember the real essence of love. And let us not forget to use our brain to know what the teaching of religion from what is just a mafia of capitalist world and concentrated marketing.

And YOU, does Valentine’s Day glitters to you?