United in opposition to Valentine’s Day

Barelvi, Deobandi clerics urge people to abstain from V-Day celebrations, Bajrang Dal to carry out vigil on the day

LUCKNOW: While Valentine’s Day gives people an occasion to celebrate love for their near and dear ones, it also provides an opportunity to various outfits and self-styled culture cops to unite against this celebration.

While Bajrang Dal is known to oppose the ‘day of love’ with their members punishing couples at public places in the past, the chief cleric of Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat – the largest shrine of Barelvi sect of Sunni Muslims – recently appealed to youngsters not to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“There is no place for events like Valentine’s Day or Rose Day in Islam. Youngsters should abstain from celebrating these,” read the statement issued by Ahsan Raza Qadri, chief cleric.

He cautioned that these events signal towards the westernization of Indian society and urged people to take care of their elders, family members and neighbours on the day. “One must celebrate Roti (Chapati) Day or Cloth Day instead, and ensure that no one goes hungry that day or everyone in the society has clothes to cover their body,” suggested Qadri.

Though the dargah has opposed Valentine’s Day in the past, it is the first time that the chief cleric has issued a statement to the press.

Clerics of Darul Uloom Deoband also echoed similar views.

“Because activities like Valentine’s Day are not allowed in Shariyat (Islamic law), we are not in favour of observing such events,” said Ashraf Usmani, spokesperson of Darul Uloom Deoband. Bajrang Dal members, like previous years, have announced vigil on Valentine’s Day. “Our members will visit parks and other public places and peacefully ensure that young people, especially girls of our community are not taken advantage of in the name of Valentine’s Day celebration,” said Diwakar Pandit, an office-bearer of the Bajrang Dal in Uttar Pradesh.