Singapore Muslims asked to skip Valentine

Singapore Muslims asked to skip Valentine

SINGAPORE (AP): Singapore Muslims have been advised by their religious leaders not to celebrate Valentine's Day on Sunday because of its non-Islamic origins despite the modern commercialization of dining out and buying flowers, presents, candy or card for one's sweetheart.

"While we are asked to respect other religions, we should not imitate them," Murat Mohammed Aris, manger of the office of Singapore's mufti, told The Straits Times in an interview published Saturday.

He warned that young Muslim couples who go out for Valentine's Day may get caught up in the romantic mood and risk overstepping the bounds of Islamic morality. That was especially so for unmarried couples, who are required under Islam to have a third party with them, he said.

"We had Muslims calling us to ask if they can celebrate Valentine's Day, as well as feedback from a few parents saying that their children are celebrating it," Murat told the Times. "So we thought that we might as well clear up the confusion."