How Four Major Religions See Valentine’s Day

Religions and Valentine’s Day

There are several religions in this word. Yet, four have been widely known as major religions because of their age and followers. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for centuries, and it has been viewed in various ways by different cultures and religions. Here’s a brief overview of how 4 major religions view this day:

Christianity

This religion is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and is estimated to have 2.3 billion followers as of 2021. Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE and is based on the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah (savior) prophesied in the Old Testament.

Valentine’s Day has its roots in Christianity, and is associated with the feast of Saint Valentine, a priest who lived in the 3rd century and was known for his acts of kindness and compassion. According to legend, Saint Valentine performed secret marriages for Christian couples who were forbidden to wed by the Roman authorities. The day has since become associated with love and romance, and many Christians see it as an opportunity to express their love for one another and to celebrate their relationships. Some churches may hold special services or events to mark the holiday, and many Christians exchange gifts, cards, and chocolates with their loved ones.

Old Testament:

There are many references to love between husband and wife in the Old Testament. Whether through commandments, wisdom literature, or prophetic writings, the Old Testament emphasizes the importance of love, respect, and faithfulness in marriage. There are many references to love between husband and wife. Here are a few random examples from 39 books of the Old Testament:

Genesis 2:24 – it states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse highlights the close bond between husband and wife and the importance of leaving one’s family to start a new family with one’s spouse.
Exodus 20:14 – it states, “You shall not commit adultery.” This commandment highlights the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the sanctity of the bond between husband and wife.
Leviticus 19:18 – it states, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” This verse highlights the importance of love and compassion not only within marriage, but also in all relationships.
Numbers 30:13 – it states, “Every vow and every binding oath to afflict herself, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.” This verse highlights the importance of communication and mutual respect between husband and wife in decision-making.
Deuteronomy 24:5 – it states, “When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.” This verse highlights the importance of spending time with one’s spouse and cherishing the early years of marriage.

Adultery is widely discouraged in the Old Testament, and the importance of marriage as a sacred bond is emphasized. Here are a few references to these themes in each of the 39 books of the Old Testament:

Leviticus 18:20 – it states, “You shall not lie sexually with your neighbor’s wife and so make yourself unclean with her.” This verse underscores the seriousness of adultery and its potential consequences.
Deuteronomy 5:18 – it states, “You shall not commit adultery.” This commandment reinforces the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the sanctity of the bond between husband and wife.
Proverbs 5:18-19 – it states, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” This verse highlights the importance of cherishing and delighting in one’s spouse.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 – it states, “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.” This verse emphasizes the importance of enjoying one’s spouse and cherishing the gift of marriage.
Hosea 2:19-20 – it states, “And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.” This verse highlights the spiritual aspect of marriage, with God as the bridegroom and his people as the bride.

New Testament:

It does not specifically mention Valentine’s Day. However, there are several passages that address themes related to love, marriage, and relationships that are often associated with Valentine’s Day, such as:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” This passage highlights the qualities of love and its importance in relationships.
Ephesians 5:25-33: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” This passage emphasizes the role of love in marriage and the importance of the husband’s love for his wife.
1 John 4:8: “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse highlights the centrality of love in the Christian faith and its connection to God.

Islam

This religion is based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad and is estimated to have 1.8 billion followers as of 2021. Islam emerged in the 7th century CE and is based on the belief in one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is the final prophet in a line of Abrahamic prophets that includes Moses and Jesus.

Valentine’s Day is not a recognized holiday in Islam, and its celebration is generally discouraged and mark as Haram (forbidden). Many Muslims believe that the focus on material gifts and physical displays of affection among non-married couples goes against the principles of modesty. Yet, emphasis on the same is placed on married men and women in Islam, regardless of Valentine’s Day. Muslims do place a strong emphasis on expressing love and affection for one another (as a Husband and Wife), and on maintaining strong relationships. Many Muslims choose to celebrate the bond they share with their loved ones in other ways, such as through acts of kindness and compassion, or by spending time together. Here are a few relevant references:

Quran:

Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3), Verse 92: “Never will you attain righteousness until you give of that which you love.” This verse highlights the importance of giving to others, including expressing love and affection for those close to us.
Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Verse 152: “And do good to others as Allah has done good to you.” This verse encourages Muslims to be kind and compassionate towards others, including loved ones.

Hadith:

Sahih Bukhari (Book of Marriage), Hadith 80: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.'” This hadith highlights the importance of treating one’s spouse with kindness and respect, and the value of good conduct in relationships.
Sahih Bukhari (Book of Manners), Hadith 603: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘The most beloved of people to Allah is he who brings the most benefit to people.'” This hadith emphasizes the importance of doing good for others, including loved ones, and the rewards that come from spreading kindness and compassion.

Hinduism

This religion is based on a complex set of beliefs, practices, and scriptures and is estimated to have 1.2 billion followers as of 2021. Hinduism has roots that go back more than 3,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization and encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices, including the worship of multiple gods and the belief in reincarnation and karma.

From a Hindu religious perspective, Valentine’s Day is not a widely recognized or celebrated holiday. Hinduism places a strong emphasis on the value of relationships, and on expressing love and affection for one another through acts of kindness and compassion. However, Hinduism does not have a specific holiday dedicated to love and romance like Valentine’s Day. The celebration of the holiday is a personal choice, and some Hindus may choose to mark the occasion in their own way, while others may choose not to participate in the holiday at all.

Valentine’s Day is a relatively modern holiday and is NOT specifically mentioned in the Vedas, which are ancient Hindu scriptures. However, the Vedas do contain references to relationships between husbands and wives that can be relevant to the theme of Valentine’s Day. Here are a few references from each of the four Vedas of Shruti:

Rigveda:

Book 8, Hymn 18: This hymn is a prayer for a long and happy marriage, and includes a request for the couple to live together in harmony and love.

Yajurveda:

Chapter 31, Verse 18: This verse describes a virtuous wife as one who is devoted and loving to her husband, and is an important reference in Hindu marriage and relationship scriptures.

Samaveda:

Book 3, Hymn 12: This hymn praises the power of love and affection between a husband and wife, and speaks of the importance of mutual respect and support in a relationship.

Atharvaveda:

Book 20, Hymn 127: This hymn is a prayer for a long and happy married life, and asks for the couple to be blessed with love, happiness, and harmony in their relationship.

Judaism

It is based on the belief in one God and the obedience to the laws and commandments set forth in the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud. Judaism is estimated to have around 14 million followers as of 2021, with the majority of its followers residing in Israel and the United States. Its roots go back to more than 3,000 years to the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The Hebrew Bible, which includes the Torah, is considered the foundational text of Judaism, and the Talmud, which is a collection of oral laws and commentaries, is also highly regarded.

Valentine’s Day is not a recognized holiday in Judaism, and its celebration is not widespread within the Jewish community. Some Jews may choose to celebrate the holiday in their own way, but it is generally not considered a major event. Judaism does not have a specific equivalent to the Christian feast of Saint Valentine, and the holiday has not been adopted into Jewish tradition in the same way.

In the Jewish tradition, the relationship between husband and wife is considered sacred, and is a central theme in the Torah. Here are some references from each book of the Torah that highlight the importance of husband and wife love:

Genesis (Bereishit in Hebrew):

Genesis 29:20. This verse says, “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.” This verse shows the depth of Jacob’s love for Rachel and how it made the time he spent serving for her seem like a brief moment. This passage highlights the idea that true love has the power to make even the most difficult circumstances bearable.

Exodus (Shemot in Hebrew):

Exodus 21:10-11 says, “If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights. And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money.” This verse emphasizes the importance of treating a wife with respect and providing for her needs, which is an important aspect of a loving relationship between husband and wife.

Numbers (Bamidbar in Hebrew):

Numbers 5:11-31 describes the procedure for the Sotah, a test for a woman who is suspected of infidelity. The verses emphasize the importance of trust and faithfulness in the relationship between husband and wife.

Deuteronomy (Devarim in Hebrew):

Deuteronomy 24:5 – As stated above

Leviticus (Vayikra in Hebrew):

Leviticus 19:18 – Already wrote it above

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day is not mentioned anywhere in any four above-mentioned religions. Saint Valentine was historically associated with performing marriages, and this is the ONLY reason why this DAY has come to be associated with romantic love between MARRIED COUPLES.

However, it is also important to note that this day has evolved over time and has come to be associated with a wider range of relationships beyond just romantic married couples but to love between friends, family members, and loved ones of all kinds.

It is also Widely celebrated among Unmarried Couples which is NOT permitted by any religion.