Imam warns Muslims not to celebrate Valentine's Day

oge okonkwo

February 13, 2015 5:51 PM

Imam Abbas, head of education at the semi-official Indonesian Council of Muslim Scholars argued that Valentine's Day "is not compatible with our nation's culture and religious tenets."

An Indonesian cleric has said Muslims shouldn't celebrate Valentine's Day because it "glorifies promiscuity".

Islamic cleric, Anwar Abbas made the statement after the sale of gift chocolates raised concerns.

Imam Abbas, head of education at the semi-official Indonesian Council of Muslim Scholars argued that Valentine's Day "is not compatible with our nation's culture and religious tenets."

"This culture will destroy the morality of the young generation," he said.

He said the council was concerned about reports that some shops had been selling chocolate packaged together with condoms ahead of Valentine's Day.

The reports sparked outrage among conservative Muslims and prompted local authorities in Central Java to raid stores and confiscate the items, media reports said.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation, but Islamic observance is relatively moderate.

oge okonkwo