Cupid must be doing overtime today as in many countries around the world couples are getting ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day on 14th of February.
However, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia said that Valentine’s Day celebration of romantic love was “not suitable” for Muslims and they have stepped up a campaign to stop Muslims celebrating Valentine’s Day – labeling it a “trap” that could encourage immoral behavior.
Cupid must be very upset and probably thinking of new ideas with his bow in his hand how he can still make his ‘love’ tipped arrow reach as many people as possible even in countries where it is forbidden to celebrate the day of love.
But his job is not easy as several Malaysian states are planning to carry out checks on hotels to stop young couples having premarital contact. Not all Malaysian Muslims agree with the campaign, with some saying Valentine’s Day is harmless.
Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz, head of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), which oversees the country’s Islamic policies, told state media, “In reality, as well as historically, the celebration of Valentine’s Day is synonymous with vice activities.” He continued “Islam would reject anything, even from the Eastern culture, if it contravenes the Islamic teachings.”
Here, on one point, I would agree with Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz criticising Valentines Day, as this day has become a massive commercialised day which in fact does contradict with the values of Islam and many other religions. The notion of love unfortunately has been hijacked and misused by the capitalist system in which everything is commoditised for sale.
That doesn’t mean of course Valentine’s Day should be demonised or not allowed to celebrate, in opposite love should be praised and not celebrated only one day but all year round as natural as possible.
All this consumption of cards and other related things has negative impact on our lives. We can see that only by looking at Central Bedfordshire Council as the recycling bosses have urged couples to ditch Valentine cards this year, because of their environmental impact.
The Council suggests people should send each other decidedly “e-cards”.
This is again one of these contradictory comments by the Municipal Council. Why can they just not agree with the local shops in their area in advance to reduce the sale of Valentines cards? Or replace something else in place of the cards? Well, I know that money has to come in and they can’t stop the ‘spending circle’. It is not good for the economy.
You just can’t offer everything on a plate to the consumer and patronise them on how they should behave.
I think to celebrate Valentine’s Day; the best way is to express your love with words!
And for you dear Cupid!
Take a day off and observe how the homo sapien is behaving on that day. It might give you an idea what’s gone wrong over the years by the commercialization and packaging of ‘love’.
And do not be upset, it is still wonderful watching you in the delightful old paintings as a conscious and passionate ‘love child’.
Copyright Semra Eren Nijhar – All rights reserved
Semra Eren-Nijhar 