Origins of the Halloween Festival [note]

  بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Origins of the Halloween Festival

The ancient Celtic (Irish/Scottish/Welsh) festival called Samhain is considered by most historians and scholars to be the predecessor of what is now Halloween. Samhain was the New Year's Day of the pagan Celts. It was also their Day of the Dead, a time when it was believed that the souls of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the 'Land of the Dead.' Many traditional beliefs and customs associated with Samhain continue to be practiced today on the 31st of October. Most notable of these customs are the practices of leaving offerings of food and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revellers, and the lighting of bonfires. Elements of this festival were incorporated into the Christian festival of All Hallow's Eve, or Hallow-Even, the night preceding All Saint's (Hallows') Day. It is the glossing of the name Hallow-Even that has given us the name of Halloween. Until recent times in some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night the dead walked amongst them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their midst. In preparation for this, bonfires were built to ward off these malevolent spirits.

By the 19th century, witches' pranks were replaced by children's tricks. The spirits of Samhain, once believed to be wild and powerful, were now recognised as being evil. Devout Christians began rejecting this festival. They had discovered that the so-called gods, goddesses, and other spiritual beings of the pagan religions, were in fact diabolical deceptions. The spiritual forces that people experienced during this festival were indeed real, but they were manifestations of the devil who misled people toward the worship of false idols. Thus, they rejected the customs associated with Halloween, including all representations of ghosts, vampires, and human skeletons - symbols of the dead - and of the devil and other wicked and evil creatures. It must also be noted that, to this day, many Satan-worshippers consider the evening of October 31st to be their most sacred. And many devout Christians today continue to distance themselves from this pagan festival.

Imaan (Faith) is the foundation of the Islamic society, and Tawheed (monotheism) is the essence of this faith and the very core of Islam.

On the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr who said: “Anyone who lived in the land of the infidels and celebrated their religious festivals and imitated them till he died in that state, will be raised among them on the Day of Judgment.” [Al-Sunan al-Kubra al-Bayhaqi (9/392) No. 18864]

Muslims should heed this warning and refrain from copying or imitating the Kuffaar (disbelievers) in their celebrations. Islam has strongly forbidden Muslims from following the religious or social customs of the non-Muslims, especially those of the idol-worshippers or those who worship the devil.

Hudhayfa bin al-Yaman (RA) relates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you must certainly command the good and forbid evil, or else a punishment from Him would soon be sent upon you, after which you would call upon Him yet your supplication (dua) would not be answered.” [Sunan Tirmidhi (4/468) No. 2169]

Holloween is one of the worst celebration due to its origion and history. It is Haram (forbidden) yo partake in such a practise, even if there may be some seeminglg god or harmless.

On the authority of Aisha (RA): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "He who innovates something in this matter of ours that is not of it will have it rejected." [al-Bukhari (2697) and Muslim (1718)]

Muslims are enjoyed to neither imitate the behaviour and customers of the disbeliever,, nor to commit their indecencies. Behaviour imitation will effect the attitude toward the indecent modes of life, Islam seek to cleanse the Muslim of all Immoral conducts and habits.

Even if one decides to go along with the outward practices of Halloween without acknowledging the deeper significance or historical background of this custom, he or she is still guilty of indulging in this pagan festival. Undoubtedly, even after hearing the truth, some Muslims will  still participate in Halloween and send their kids 'trick-or-treating'; they will try to justify it by saying they are doing it merely to make their children happy.

[المؤمنون][90][بَلْ أَتَيْنَاهُم بِالْحَقِّ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ]

[Al-Mu’minun 23|90] Rather, We have brought them the truth, and indeed they are liars. (Sahih International)

[Al-Muminoon (023)][90][Nay, but We have brought them the truth (Islamic Monotheism), and verily, they (disbelievers) are liars.]

Islam is a pure religion and has no need to accommodate any custom. Practise or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does not distinusih between 'secular' and 'sacred'; the sharee'ah (islamic law) must rule every aspect of our life.

We have established, beyond a doubt, that the celebration of Halloween is absolutely forbidden in Islam - it is Haraam. The question arises as to what to do on this night. Muslim parents must not send their kids out 'trick-or-treating' on Halloween night. Our children must be told why we do not celebrate Halloween.

We much be aware that we are fully accountable for our action and deed to Allah. If knowing the truth, we do not cease our un islamic prectice. We risk the wrath of Allah who warns us in the Qur'an Surah An Nur verse 63

[النور][63][لَا تَجْعَلُوا دُعَاء الرَّسُولِ بَيْنَكُمْ كَدُعَاء بَعْضِكُم بَعْضاً قَدْ يَعْلَمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ يَتَسَلَّلُونَ مِنكُمْ لِوَاذاً فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ]

So let those beware who dissent from the Prophet's order, lest fitnah strike them or a painful punishment. (24 An-Nur 24|63) Sahih International

Beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.](24 An-Nur 24|63)

Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Halloween, and explain the reasons why. (Give them a copy of this article if needed.) They will respect your wishes, and you will gain respect in the process.