Facebook Pixel

Do Muslims Celebrate Halloween?

by | Oct 10, 2020

Join Us Today

AlQuranClasses offers 1-on-1 classes at the comfort of your home under highly qualified Ustad and Ustadah. Our vision is to spread the light of the Quran among Muslims. Hurry up! Book your Free Trial of Quran Recitation with Tajweed Rules, Hifz Quran with Tarteel, and Quranic Duas.
AlQuranClasses offers a Quran Recitation course, Hifz Quran, and Quranic Duas. Book a Free Trial.
Start Free Trial

Halloween is fast approaching in the West, and children and families often ask, “ Can Muslims celebrate Halloween?”

Every year in October, the Halloween festivities tend to become more tempting for children. Shiny displays at stores are extensively decorated with Halloween-themed decorations and candies. Stuff from spooky costumes, witches’ masks, ghosts, skeletons, lanterns, and special edition candies fill the place. Besides, Halloween adventures and entertaining events are advertised.

The media frenzy and commercial propaganda make it harder for our little children to resist the allurement. Halloween is the second most profitable holiday after Christmas in the United States. In 2018, the US retail spending on Halloween was $ 9 billion, of which $ 2 billion was spent on costumes.

To understand why Muslims Shouldn’t celebrate Halloween, We must be mindful that there’s more to Halloween than innocent fun.

The origin of Halloween

Halloween originated more than 2000 years ago from the ancient Celtic pagans. They lived in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Cornwall, and Britain, also known as the Celtic nations. Halloween symbolizes the beginning of the ancient Celtic New Year.

On October 31st, Samhain, which means ‘Summer’s end,’ was an important festival celebrated by the Celtic people. They believed that this festival – the end of summer and the beginning of the cold season- honoured the Lord of the death.

The Celtics believed that the Lord of death called the dead spirits to visit the world on the eve of the Samhain Festival. The Celtics offered the dead spirits treats and gifts to please them. It was a pagan belief that if the wicked spirits were pleased with their offerings, they would leave the Celtics to live in peace. However, if they are dissatisfied with their gifts, they will cast their spell on them.

Is it Haram to celebrate Halloween?

After the Romans conquered Britain, and with the spread of Christianity, ‘Samhain’ was changed to ‘Hallowmas’ or ‘All Saints day’ or ‘All Souls day.’ It is observed on November 1st to honour all saints in heaven.

Today people celebrate Halloween in a way that is a hybrid of both celebrations, the Samhain and Hallowmas. By the time the corporate world has added its additions to turn it into a profitable commercial occasion.

Can Muslims Celebrate Halloween

Muslims do not believe that the dead or their ghosts come back to life, visit the Earth, or have any power over us. We don’t think we should fear their spell or wear costumes and light bonfires to keep the wicked spirits away.

We believe in the unity of God and His power. Halloween has no spiritual meaning, no matter how deep we dig. Its message is all about witches and satanic worship.

It is incredibly wrong to believe in supernatural things, even for fun.

Allah says in the Holy Quran 

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِاللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا كِرَامًا

And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or talk, die by it with dignity.

Al-Furqan 25:72

What do scholars say about Muslims that celebrate Halloween?

According to renowned Islamic scholars and Mufassireen like Ibn Kathir, the word “Falsehood” or “Zoor” (زور) in the above Ayah can be of different types. Even though the highest level of (زور) Falsehood is Kufr and Shirk, other situations that also fall under this category of falsehood are places where Shirk, Kufr, dancing, music, drinking, ba3`ck-biting, false accusations, and celebrations of Mushrikeen is taking place.

The above Ayah explains that Allah’s faithful servants should try and refrain from such gatherings, and if they happen to be there, they should leave the scene right away with dignity coming out clean and pure.

Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 

 مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ

Whoever imitates a people is one of them.

{Hasan Sahih (Al-Albani)} 

Finally, as Muslims and parents, we must understand the origin behind Western celebrations. We need to be mindful to teach our children that we respect others’ traditions without compromising our own beliefs, values, and faith.

 

Welcome Ramadan 2024: A Time for Reflection, Growth and Learning

Welcome Ramadan 2024: A Time for Reflection, Growth and Learning

Embrace Ramadan with AlQuran Classes’ special offer: 20% off online Quran courses taught by qualified Arab teachers. Enhance your spiritual journey with personalized learning in Quranic Arabic, Tafseer, and Tajweed. Join us in welcoming the holy month with reflection, growth, and the wisdom of the Quran. Start your journey today!

read more

Interested? Let’s Get Started

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications of our latest blogs

Share This