Top 9 Countries Where Valentine's Day Is Banned That You Might Want to Know

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have imposed a ban on Valentine's Day, though it's not strictly enforced. Specifically, any items related to the holiday, such as flowers, chocolates, gifts, and even anything red, are banned from being sold. In a 2008 interview, Sheikh Khaled Al-Dossari, an expert in Islamic studies, stated: 'As Muslims, we should not celebrate a non-Islamic holiday, especially one that could promote immoral relationships between unmarried men and women.'

Ironically, this ban has created a profitable opportunity for shop owners willing to risk breaking the law. For instance, a red rose that normally costs around $1.30 could go for as much as $8 on Valentine's Day, as only a few stores dare to sell items symbolizing love.

The black market for Valentine's Day-related items has flourished as a result. While the profits can be substantial, shop owners engaging in the underground trade face severe penalties if caught by the authorities.

In many provinces of Indonesia, a ban on Valentine's Day has been enforced due to concerns that it could encourage promiscuity. In addition, local mosques and schools are tasked with educating citizens about the holiday and explaining why it should not be celebrated by Muslims.

Islamic clerics have instructed couples and even single individuals not to exchange cards, roses, or engage in any overly public displays of affection on this day. Despite this, many young people in Indonesia have protested the ban, organizing celebrations and even demonstrations in defiance of the prohibition.

Although the Indian government has not officially banned Valentine's Day, many politicians are concerned that the 'Western wave' could have a significant influence on India's cultural values.

The leader of the right-wing Sri Rama Sena party in India has stated that they will organize protests outside bars, clubs, and schools planning to celebrate Valentine's Day. He argues that imitating Western culture in this way will corrupt India's youth.

The authorities in Uzbekistan have issued an unofficial ban on romantic activities related to the celebration of Valentine's Day, February 14th. According to local media, this Central Asian nation has declared the cancellation of concerts and all Valentine's Day-related events across the country.

In Saudi Arabia, those wishing to celebrate love on February 14th have resorted to the black market to buy roses at exorbitant prices. While for many, Valentine's Day is a chance to celebrate love, it is not welcomed everywhere, with some countries even banning its observance.

In 2019, Pakistan enforced a ban on Valentine's Day celebrations. The Associated Press of Pakistan reported on February 12th that the Supreme Court of Islamic Law prohibited any Valentine's Day festivities in government offices and public spaces.

The court's ruling was first issued in 2017, following a petition by Abdul Waheed Khan, a Pakistani citizen, who argued that Valentine's Day was an imported European tradition that contradicted Islamic teachings. Khan claimed the holiday promoted immoral behavior and spread inappropriate images.

However, not all Pakistanis oppose Valentine's Day. Over 60% of the population is under 30, and many young people embrace the holiday with heart-shaped decorations, flowers, and chocolates. Salman Mahmod, a local florist, told Reuters: 'I don't see anything wrong for a Muslim in selling flowers and making a little extra money while giving others the opportunity to celebrate something.'

Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on everything related to Valentine's Day, including warning shop owners who sell Valentine-themed gifts and goods. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, the country's religious enforcement agency, supported by the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, is taking measures to combat the growing presence of Valentine's Day celebrations.

This includes a prohibition on items such as flowers, gifts, chocolates, and even anything colored red.

However, the ban has created a lucrative opportunity for shop owners who dare to break the law. A red rose, which normally costs about 1.3 USD, can be sold for up to 8 USD on Valentine's Day, as very few stores are willing to sell these love-symbolizing products. Despite the high profits, shopkeepers risk heavy fines if caught by authorities.

In 2011, the government of Iran declared Valentine's Day to be illegal. Media reports from that year stated that symbols associated with Valentine's Day, such as heart shapes, red roses, or any related imagery, were banned. The law also prohibited the printing and production of any items related to the holiday, including posters, flyers, cards, gifts, or any promotional activities linked to the celebration.

With 70% of Iran's population under the age of 30, Valentine's Day has become increasingly popular. This growing trend has created a promising market for businesses dealing in gifts and greeting cards for the occasion.

The ban on Valentine's Day reflects Tehran's hardline stance, aiming to curb the spread of Western culture in the Islamic republic. Islamic law also strictly forbids couples from engaging in any physical closeness, which further justifies the government's decision to outlaw the holiday.

Similar to other Islamic nations, authorities in Malaysia are concerned that celebrating Valentine's Day could foster rebellious attitudes, particularly encouraging premarital sexual relations, which is viewed as a violation of Islamic law.

Since 2005, the Malaysian government has officially banned all activities related to Valentine's Day, with law enforcement taking action against those who defy the ban. In 2012, police raided budget hotels and arrested couples caught being affectionate—a crime that could lead to imprisonment under local laws.

The Valentine's Day ban is not uniformly enforced across Russia but only in certain regions. In 2011, the authorities in the Belgorod region of Russia implemented a Valentine's Day ban.

Officials in the region justified the ban as a measure to protect the "spiritual security" of the people. One Russian citizen argued that Valentine's Day is merely an unhealthy foreign trend that has infiltrated their country.