Muslims should not celebrate Valentine’s Day-Indonesian cleric

An Indonesian cleric on Friday said Muslims should not celebrate Valentine’s Day because it glorifies promiscuity.

The Head of Education at the semi-official Indonesian Council of Muslim Scholars, Anwar Abbas, said the sale of condoms in bags of chocolates gift raised concerns.

“Valentine’s Day is not compatible with our nation’s culture and religious tenets. This culture will destroy the morality of the young generation,” Mr. Abbas warned.

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

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

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

Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a holiday observed on February 14 each year.