E

very religion must have teachings that promote love and caring. Valentine’s Day is one such tradition in the Christian community. Islam also has similar teachings, calling upon Muslims not to forget to utter Bismillahirohmanirohim — In the name of Allah the Benevolent and the Merciful — before doing something.

Therefore, Muslims must be able to apply this philosophy to other people, regardless of the differences in our daily lives and not just as mere lip service.

Muslims must live this tradition of expressing love to the followers of different religions without declaring them sesat (heretical), haram (forbidden), or un-Islamic.

If they can do so, they will live peacefully and harmoniously in multicultural environments such as Indonesia.

Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate it.

Achmad Baihaqi
Kediri