Jakarta, February 14: A senior religious cleric has told Indonesia’s Muslims not to observe Valentine’s Day because the romantic holiday stems from another faith.
The chairman of the Indonesian Council of Clerics said on Saturday that there are many occasions for Muslims to express love and affection.
Amidhan, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, said celebrating Valentine’s Day would be the same as promoting faiths other than Islam.
Indonesia’s 200 million Muslims practice a moderate form of the faith. Attitudes toward Valentine’s Day vary in the Muslim world. Saudi Arabia strictly enforces a ban, while shops and restaurants in Dubai and Cairo decorate and offer promotions for couples celebrating.
Valentine’s Day celebrates a third-century Christian martyr.
-PTI