In most of the Muslim world, Valentine's Day is as big of a holiday as in any Western country.
But in Saudi Arabia, there is a ban on Valentine's Day. Although enforcement is difficult, religious police raid stores selling Valentine-related gifts, creating a booming black market for red roses. Many Saudis shop for Valentine's day weeks in advance to avoid the raids.
According to the Wahabbi sect of Islam, the only true love is love of God, making the focus of Valentine's Day misplaced. It certainly doesn't help either that Valentine's Day is named after a Christian saint. Wahabbi authorities also frown upon other secular holidays such as Mothers' Day and birthdays, although people are rarely ever punished for celebrating them.
But in Saudi Arabia, there is a ban on Valentine's Day. Although enforcement is difficult, religious police raid stores selling Valentine-related gifts, creating a booming black market for red roses. Many Saudis shop for Valentine's day weeks in advance to avoid the raids.
According to the Wahabbi sect of Islam, the only true love is love of God, making the focus of Valentine's Day misplaced. It certainly doesn't help either that Valentine's Day is named after a Christian saint. Wahabbi authorities also frown upon other secular holidays such as Mothers' Day and birthdays, although people are rarely ever punished for celebrating them.
