Saudi Muslim may celebrate Valentine's Day

riyad - A prominent Saudi sheik believes that celebrating Valentine's Day does not conflict with Islamic teachings. He thereby renounces the strict religious policy in the kingdom. Sheikh Ahmad al-Ghamdi, former head of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Immorality in the Mecca region, said Thursday in an interview with Arab News that Muslims can focus love on February 14 with confidence.

'Valentine's Day does not go against the Islamic religious rules because it is a worldly social event just like the celebration of the national holiday or Mother's Day', al-Ghamdi says. The impetus for Saudi Arabia to sail a more moderate course was given by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He has allowed the religious reins to celebrate so far that women can now drive a car.