Despite the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) declaring St. Valentine’s Day celebrations unlawful to Muslims, many young people from different religious backgrounds said they would mark the day by sharing some love and caring with others. “Young people can identify with St. Valentine’s Day. We see cards, pictures of hearts, chocolates and pink and red flowers as symbols of love,” Nadia, 21, told ucanews.com. Valentine’s Day, according to the Muslim girl, is a good time to show love and care for others. “It can promote solidarity and harmony among people from different religious backgrounds,” she said. Dedi Yulianto, a Muslim university student, agreed. Valentine’s Day is a time when people can show love, especially to those facing violence or who are victims of violence, he said. “Valentine’s Day is not merely a ritual. It’s a chance to build friendships,” he added. To Maria Angelina, 18, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. “Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration of love between boyfriends and girlfriends. It’s for husbands and wives, parents and children, and grandparents and grandchildren,” said the Catholic girl. Earlier, MUI’s Chairman Amidhan called Valentine’s Day unlawful to Muslims as it is “a ritual of a certain religion.” Related report Religions in Malaysia deplore Valentine’s Day IJ13275.1641
