[Straits Times] THE Dumai chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Riau says the celebration of Valentine's Day is haram (forbidden for Mohammedans).'From its origins, it is recognised that the Valentine's Day is a holiday of non-Mohammedans in Rome, Italy. Therefore, Valentine's Day celebrations are forbidden for Mohammedans,' MUI Dumai chairman Rozai Akbar told Antara in Dumai on Thursday.
He added that Valentine's Day celebrations went against Islamic teachings because the celebration was akin to encouraging young people to build relationships outside marriage.
'What will happen if Valentine's Day becomes part of Islam culture? This was one of the considerations in deciding to forbid the celebration for Mohammedans,' he said.
The MUI has called upon all Mohammedan parents to explain to their children that Valentine's Day is something they must not celebrate.
'It would be better to educate them and give them religious teachings so that Valentine's Day celebrations will not become a tradition among Mohammedans youths,' he said.