No love lost between Egypt's Salafis and Valentine's Day

Love might be in the air across the MENA region today [2]but if it were up to the Salafis of Egypt, Cupid would be banned.  On 14 February, the most romantic day of the year, [3] loved-up Egyptians have been busy picking out the perfect present to show their other-halves just how much they care but it seems some of their more conservative countrymen aren't feeling the love.  According to state-run news website, Ahram Gate, [4]two of Egypt's conservative Islamist parties have hit out at Valentine's Day for being sacrilegious.  Spokesman for the Al-Watan party [5], Ahmad Badei, told the site that the romantic holiday is about "vice", claiming that it goes against the traditions of Islam and Christianity.  Egypt's ultra-orthodox Nour Party [6]soon joined in the hate fest, with their spokesman, Abdullah Badran, passing on the message that it shouldn't be celebrated by Muslims.   But unfortunately for these Salafi-Scrooges, couples across the country are still embracing the romance and heading out tonight to enjoy a bit of couple time.   Do you agree that Valentine's Day goes against religion? Or should Egypt's Salafis lighten up? Share your comments with us below! 

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