Scary Evils of Halloween

Halloween is a confused festival with origins in the Celtics, paganism (Samhain) and Christianity. Partaking in halloween activities is forbidden for Muslims for a number of reasons:

» Humour and ridicule is used to confront the power of death - so basically a mockery of death is depicted on this evening. It is unlawful for Muslims to make mockery of death as it is held as a principle belief in Islam.

» Trick or treat is a forbidden practice as it involves begging for food or sweets. Children are encouraged to beg at people's doors. Begging for things in most forms is forbidden and only allowed under certain circumstances. Tricks are usually mischievous and the number of crimes/incidents on this night is relatively high.

» It is believed that evil spirits come out on this evening and the jack-o-lantern is lit up on doors and windows to protect against them. This has no basis in the Islamic faith.

» Dressing up like satans and vampires is an evil practice especially when the idea is to protect oneself from the fairies and evil spirits.

Hence emulating such pagan and evil practices is unlawful for Muslims even for the purposes of fun. On this evening, Muslims should teach their children the importance of the ta'awwudh i.e. seeking protection from the Satan when we say A'oodhu Billah, the importance of Ramadan when satans are locked away and the relevance of death. Children should also be taught that Allah Almighty sends the rewards of our good deeds to the those Muslims that passed away and that trick or treat entails no form of good.

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Munawwar Ateeq Ridawi
Birmingham, United Kingdom