On Valentine’s Day — U-Jean

February 11, 2011

FEB 11 — Seriously, I’m wondering if Jakim knows how much of a laughing stock they are.

Salma Mokhtiar, the campaign director for Jakim’s anti-Valentine’s Day campaign, claims that “Muslims in this country no longer have any respect for the National Fatwa Council and we must remind them of the fatwa.”

So I sat thinking, how does one respect an institution that is so bent on “straightening up” Muslims and so often issues directives that make Muslims in this country a laughing stock.

So, the joke for the day (and yesterday) is how un-Islamic and how “un-Malay” V-Day is and that Muslims should refrain from celebrating it because it has roots in the martyrdom of St Valentine and that people commit “immoral acts” on V-Day.

Seriously???

Can you tell me who among us celebrates V-Day to commemorate St Valentine? I don’t know anyone in this part of the world who does. Do you?

As for “immoral acts”, people WILL do the horizontal mambo the whole year through! People don’t specifically choose Valentine’s Day to have sex! Well if it happens, then it happens...

If only Jakim knows the impact of their statements and campaigns towards Islam and Muslims. When I read about poorly-informed bans issued by the Islamic authorities in Malaysia, an unwilling thought comes to my mind, “I am so lucky to not be born as a Muslim, at least in Malaysia.”

And I am very sure that I am not the only one sharing this sentiment.

We want to believe that Islam is a kind and compassionate and a peace-loving religion, but it’s hard to when the Islamic decision-making body of this country represents the otherwise. They show no respect for individual choice, they show no respect for privacy, they show no tolerance for diversity, and they show no sign of intellectualism.

Instead of drawing people towards Islam, they are driving people away from Islam. So much for Jabatan “Kemajuan” Islam Malaysia...

Valentine’s is an over-commercialised and over-rated day that people celebrate to show appreciation towards their loved ones. Just like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Things are more pricey and they come in a gross shade of pink, but so what.

It’s the intention of showing love that I think really matter and at least it’s celebrated once a year for those who don’t have the privilege of celebrating love every day.

I think it’s about time that the Fatwa Council, Jakim, and others learn that issuing bans don’t work anymore.

Encourage children to bring their parents out for a nice family meal for V-Day. Or stay at home and prepare something for a family gathering.

Encourage people to call up loved ones whom they haven’t been in touch with for a while. Put money in a charity/ NGO of their choice.

Cherish your loved ones this Valentine’s and do it your way (legally). You can make that choice.

* U-Jean reads The Malaysian Insider.