Neighbor News
Valentine’s Day
Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special ones to celebrate Valentine's Day
Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special ones to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5th century, but has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia. Having a particular Valentine's Day is a very old tradition, thought to have originated from a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February - officially the start of their spring. Later on, the church wanted to turn this festival into a Christian celebration and decided to use it to remember St. Valentine. Gradually, St.Valentine's name started to be used by people to express their feelings to those they loved.
As Ahmadi Muslims, we learn about love from God. We love Him first and most. Through this love, Islam encourages strong bonds of love, community, and brotherhood and sisterhood among all, even people around us who we do not know so well. We have been inspired by the loving ways of the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him), whose loving heart encompassed all. He showed us even to love people who have hurt and offended us. This applies at all times and in all circumstances, not just on one particular day. Indeed, Islam encourages us to express our emotions and love at all times, as the Prophet (pbuh) said, "If a man loves his brother, let him tell him that he loves him."
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said, "By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you truly believe, and you will not truly believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam (Islamic greeting) amongst yourselves."
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As a 9 year old Ahmadi Muslim girl I would like to say we should show our gratitude to our loved ones like parents, brothers and sisters and friends and always be thankful for them but we should do it in ways that we earn pleasure of God as true love is through Him. Giving gifts has also been encouraged in Islam, but once again, not restricted to just one day.
By Duria Imran
