TEMPO.CO, Banda Aceh – The Banda Aceh administration has declared Valentine’s Day as haram—forbidden under Islamic teachings—and begun to disseminate the announcement beginning Thursday morning, February 12, 2015.
Banda Aceh Mayor Illiza Saadudin Djamal said the city’s youths were barred from celebrating Valentine’s Day on the grounds that the traditionally romantic occasion, which was often celebrated in vulgar fashion through casual mingling between different sexes, was against the Islamic culture.
“I ask the young generation, and all Muslims in Banda Aceh, to refrain from celebrating Valentine’s Day by any means, as it is in contradiction of the Sharia Law,” Illiza said on Thursday.
Banda Aceh administration spokesman Marwan said the call was part of the government’s commitment to fully implementing Sharia Law in the city. “Also to prevent Valentine’s Day celebrations from taking place in Banda Aceh,” he said.
The city’s Education, Youths and Sports Agency in tandem the Religious Affairs Ministry Banda Aceh chapter would communicate the prohibition by handing out circulars to schools. Khatib (preachers) will also announce the mayor’s call at mosques in Friday prayers tomorrow.
ADI WARSIDI
