- Sep 6, 2000
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Only somewhere like Saudi Arabia would you find government agencies with names like "The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Evil" and "The Higher Committee for Scientific Research and the Issuing of Fatwas"
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RIYADH, 14 February ? The authorities have barred shops from selling red roses, teddy bears and greeting cards in celebration of Valentine?s Day today.
The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Evil has given shops all over the Kingdom three days to clear red-colored gifts normally used to mark the day in which lovers celebrate their love for one another.
The action is based on a religious ruling, which states that Muslims can only celebrate two feasts ? Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid Al-Adha, which marks the culmination of the Haj.
The Higher Committee for Scientific Research and the Issuing of Fatwas said Muslims are prohibited from celebrating or supporting Valentine?s Day or other holidays contravening Islam.
Valentine?s Day, named after a Christian patron saint for lovers and celebrated on Feb. 14, has become a popular informal holiday in Asian countries. Sales of roses, chocolates and greetings cards surge as couples and suitors express their affection with presents.
However, the commission?s head in Riyadh, Othman Al-Othman, said the authority had warned shops, hotels, restaurants and public parks a long time ago not to stage any special activities on Valentine?s Day.
A joint committee has been formed by the Riyadh governorate, the commission, police and the public prosecutor to conduct round-the-clock patrols to impose the ban, Othman said.
Story link
RIYADH, 14 February ? The authorities have barred shops from selling red roses, teddy bears and greeting cards in celebration of Valentine?s Day today.
The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Evil has given shops all over the Kingdom three days to clear red-colored gifts normally used to mark the day in which lovers celebrate their love for one another.
The action is based on a religious ruling, which states that Muslims can only celebrate two feasts ? Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid Al-Adha, which marks the culmination of the Haj.
The Higher Committee for Scientific Research and the Issuing of Fatwas said Muslims are prohibited from celebrating or supporting Valentine?s Day or other holidays contravening Islam.
Valentine?s Day, named after a Christian patron saint for lovers and celebrated on Feb. 14, has become a popular informal holiday in Asian countries. Sales of roses, chocolates and greetings cards surge as couples and suitors express their affection with presents.
However, the commission?s head in Riyadh, Othman Al-Othman, said the authority had warned shops, hotels, restaurants and public parks a long time ago not to stage any special activities on Valentine?s Day.
A joint committee has been formed by the Riyadh governorate, the commission, police and the public prosecutor to conduct round-the-clock patrols to impose the ban, Othman said.
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