KOTA KINABALU: The National Fatwa Council of Malaysia need to clarify its fatwa issued six years ago that “the spirit of Valentine celebration is associated with elements of Christianity and vice activities that are prohibited in Islam.”
PBS secretary general Datuk Henrynus Amin, in a statement yesterday, said this was necessary since the fatwa may have touched on the sensitivities of the Christian community.
“It is an established fact that the Valentine Day celebration is a secular event with no religious significance to the Christian community.
“Thus to associate the Valentine Day celebration with Christianity and vice activities is an insult to all Christians in Malaysia,” Henrynus said.
He added Bible-believing Christians observed the teaching of Jesus Christ very seriously that even the mere thoughts of involving in vice activities is considered a deadly sin.
There is also the need to correct the popular misconception that western culture is synonymous to Christianity, he said.
While the fatwa on Valentine Day celebration may have been intended for the Muslim community only, he said the premise by which the fatwa was issued must be corrected.