Gaining popularity in my home country of "Islamic Republic of" Pakistan at a breakneck speed, this day is notorious for guys taking gals out on "dates", exchange of gifts, and similar stuff. The local media covers this day as if it were at par with Eid.
Programs on television promote this day to the maximum, and they encourage the youth to celebrate this Christian holiday with passion and love. Gals traditionally wear red (see Lady in Red - if you are into conspiracies), and the "hunks" wear whatever their favorite style-icon prefers (even if makes them look cheap and retarded). I won't be amazed to spot a few guys looking "Dabangg" tomorrow ;)
I confess my love for my mother daily, so do I really need a specific day, related to a Christian Saint, to tell my mother that I love her? Should I give red roses to my wife along with a card, showing her how much I love her, on this specific day? What if I love God (and I am a Muslim); should I wait for this Christian holiday to come around so that I can show my love to God? I don't think so.
In my opinion, this is a day cleverly crafted by card/gift companies like Hallmark to give an adrenaline shot to their sales. What's up next? Marry-me Day? Divorce Day?
Also, it's an anti-Islamic day, in my eyes atleast, which threatens to convert our world into a next-generation Babylon.
Instead of throwing money away on cards and gifts, I think we are better off giving it in charity and to needy and the orphans. There is so much suffering in the world right now, which we can curb down somewhat by our actions. A used blanket for a victim of an environment calamity seems to me the perfect gift this Valentine's Day.
I won't say its related to religion, but its just not part of our tradition. Same could be said about basant too then.
ReplyDeleteLook up the history of this day online if you can: it is called Saint Valentine's Day. Also, it has become a part of our tradition slowly - our next-generation will surely give it undue importance.
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day is the next Basant in the making.
i second your opinion on the topic at hand.. its sad to see our BRIGHT FUTURE... so engrossed in such useless events.. when its clearly against our societal norms, culture and religion!!
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