On the eve of Valentine's Day, different Muslim organisations and ulemas have come out strongly against its celebration. They have appealed to the Muslim youth, particularly, to keep away from rituals which are ‘unIslamic'. The Students' Islamic Organisation, City unit, has decided to observe February 14 as ‘Chastity Day'. It has decided to educate people, irrespective of the religion they belong to, on the dangers of blindly aping the West in matters which are totally alien to Indian culture and ethos.
Members of SIO plan to stand near educational institutions at Mehdipatnam, Dilsukhnagar, Afzalgunj and other places on Tuesday and display placards which say “chastity is priceless” and “Let's struggle for cultural independence. We will also distribute handbills explaining the Islamic position on haya (modesty),” said Syed Anas Razvi, city president, SIO.
The Muslim Girls' Association has also taken up counselling of youth on the pitfalls of imitating the West. During the last few days, groups of MGA members have visited various parks and educational institutions in Mehdipatnam and Khairatabad and advised boys and girls against engaging in festivities which are not Islamic in nature and origin. “Islam wants modesty to be adhered to at all costs even if the relationship is halal,” says Muftia Nazima Aziz.
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The All India Sunni Ulema Board held a meeting last Thursday wherein an appeal was made to ulemas to create awareness in the community on this issue. In several mosques like Jamia Masjid, Lalaguda, Masjide Islamia, Monda Market, Masjide Noor, Chandrayangutta, Masjide Teenposh, Red Hills the ulemas strongly denounced the practice of observing ‘youm-e-ashiqan' as it promoted ‘illicit relationship'. The message was also spread through the weekly ‘Ijtemas' organised every Sunday under the aegis of Jamiat-ul- Mominath, a girl's seminary, at Moghalpura.