Advice Against Halloween

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children across North America dress up in costumes, paint their faces, and go from door to door in order to collect treats (candies etc.). People often decorate their businesses and houses with ghostly figures, tombs, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create 'Jack-O-Lanterns.' Unfortunately, among the millions of North Americans partaking in this custom, many are Muslims.

Muslims are enjoined to neither imitate the behavior and customs of the non-Muslims, nor to commit their indecencies. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam issued a stern warning,

Whoever imitates a people is one of them.

[Abu Dawood]

A Muslim should be a model for others in faith and practice, behavior and moral character, and not a blind imitator of other cultures. 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.

Muslim parents must teach their children to refrain from practicing falsehood and to not imitate the non-Muslims in their customs and festivals. If the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they themselves will, if Allah wills, abstain from Halloween and other non-Muslim celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines Day, etc.

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:

The Final Hour will not come until my followers imitate the deeds of the previous nations and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit (inch by inch).

[Bukhari]

Islam is a pure religion and has no need to accommodate any custom, practice or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does not distinguish between 'secular' and 'sacred'; the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) must rule every aspect of our lives.

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. Most children are very receptive when taught with sincerity, and especially when shown in practice the joy of their own Islamic celebrations and traditions. We must teach them about the two Islamic festivals of 'Id' ('Id Al-Fitr and 'Id Al-Adha – the fast-breaking festival at the end of Ramadan and the Sacrifice festival).

Muslims who stay home and give out treats to those who come to their door are still participating in this festival. In order to avoid this, leave the front lights off and do not open the door. Educate your neighbors about our Islamic teachings. Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Halloween, and explain the reasons why. You will find that they will respect your wishes, and you will gain respect in the process.

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

A person who calls another to guidance will be rewarded, as will the one who accepts the message.

[At-Tirmithi]

Remember, we are fully accountable to Allah for all of our actions and deeds. If, after knowing the truth, we do not cease our un-Islamic practices, we risk the Wrath of Allah Who warns us in the Qur'an,

فَلْيَحْذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِۦٓ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٦٣ ...

...So let those beware who dissent from the Prophet's order, lest fitnah strike them or a painful punishment. (63)

[Quran An-Nur 24:63]

May Allah guide us on the straight path and save us from all deviations and innovations that will incur His wrath and lead us into the Hellfire. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam