MUSLIM VILLA - QURAN ONLY

Category 6 => Miscellaneous topics - => Topic started by: Zainab_M on October 24, 2009, 02:41:56 pm



Title: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Zainab_M on October 24, 2009, 02:41:56 pm
Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children across North America paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go door to door collecting treats. The adults often decorate their houses with ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create “Jack-O-Lanterns.” Unfortunately, among the millions of North Americans indulging in this custom, many are also Muslims. This article will shed some light on the significance and origins of Hallow’een, and why Muslims should NOT participate in it.

Origins of the Hallow’een 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 Hallow’een. Samhain was the New Year’s day of the pagan Celts. It was also the 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 practice of leaving offerings of food and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revelers, 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 Hallow’een. 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 recognized as being evil. Devout Christians began rejecting this festival. They had discovered that the so-called gods, godesses, and other spiritual beings of the pagan religions, were diabolicaldeceptions. 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 malevolent 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.

The Islamic Perspective

Iman (faith) is the foundation of Islamic society, and tauheed (the belief in the existence and Oneness of Allah) is the essence of this Faith and the very core of Islam. The safeguarding of this iman, and of this pure tauheed, is the primary objective of all Islamic teachings and legislation. In order to keep the Muslim society  purified of all traces of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and remnants of error, a continuous war must be waged against all customs and practises which originate from societies’ ignorance of divine  guidance, and in the errors of idol worship.

Islam has strongly forbidden Muslims to follow the religious or social customs of the non-Muslims, and especially of the idol-worshippers or those who worship the devil.

From an Islamic standpoint, Halloween is one of the worst celebrations because of its origins and history. It is HARAM (forbidden), even if there may be some seemingly good or harmless elements in those practises, as evidenced by a statement from the Prophet (s.a.s.) “Every innovation (in our religion) is misguidance, even if the people regard it as something good” (ad-Daarimee).

Although it may be argued that the celebration of Halloween today has nothing to do with devil-worship, it is still forbidden for  Muslims to participate in it. If Muslims begin to take part in such  customs, it is a sure sign of weak iman and that we have either  forgotten, or outrightly rejected the mission of our Prophet (s.a.s.) who came to cleanse us from jahiliyyah customs, superstitions and  false practises.

Muslims are enjoined to neither imitate the behaviour and customs of the non-Muslims, nor to commit their indecencies.  Behaviour-imitation often affects the attitude of a Muslim and may create a feeling of sympathy towards the indecent modes of life. Islam seeks to cleanse the Muslim of all immoral conducts and habits, and thus paving the way for the Quran to be the correct and pure source for original Islamic thought and behaviour. A Muslim should be a model for others in faith and practice, behaviour and moral character, and not a blind imitator dependant on other nations and cultures.

Even if one decides to go along with the outward practises 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, send their  kids “trick-or-treating,” and they will try to justify it by saying  they are doing it merely to make their children happy. But what is  the duty of Muslim parents?  Is it to follow the wishes of their children without question, or to mould them within the correct  Islamic framework as outlined in the Qur’an?  Is it not the  responsibility of Muslim parents to impart correct Islamic training  and instruction to their children? How can this duty be performed if,  instead of instructing the children in Islam, parents allow and encourage their children to be taught the way of the unbelievers?  Allah exposes these types of people in the Qur’an: “We have sent them the Truth, but they indeed practise falsehood” (23:10).

Muslim parents must teach their children to refrain from practising falsehood, and not to imitate the non-Muslims in their customs and festivals. If the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they themselves will, insha Allah, abstain from Halloween and other non-Muslim celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines Day, etc. Islam is a pure religion with no need to accomodate any custom, practise or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does not distinguish between "secular and sacred.

What to do on Halloween

We have established, beyond doubt, that the celebration of Hallow’een is absolutely forbidden in Islam.  It is HARAM. 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. Most children are very  receptive when taught with sincerity, and especially when shown in  practice the joy of their own Islamic celebrations and traditions. In  this regard, teach them about the two Islamic festivals of Eid.  It must also be mentioned that, even 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 neighbours about our Islamic teachings. Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Halloween, and explain the reasons why. (Give them a copy of this flyer if needed.)  They may respect your wishes, and you could gain respect in the process.  

Finally and most importantly, we must remember that 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 practises, we risk the wrath of Allah as He himself warned us in the Qur’an: “Then let them beware who refuse the Messenger’s order lest some trial befall them, or a grevious punishment be afflicted upon them!” (24:63). This is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly.  And Allah knows best. May Allah guide us, help us to stay on the right path, and save us from all  deviations and innovations that will lead us into the fires of Hell.


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Ruhi_Rose on October 25, 2009, 02:06:26 pm
Very useful read.  I must send this around to all those Muslim parents with young kids who have given little apiritual / culture orientation to their children.  I don't know how any monotheistic believer with true devotion to Allah Almighty alone can be inclined to such celebrations even with a secular mindset, after knowing the origins of this tradition.

Thank u for putting this up sister.


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: muslima on October 22, 2013, 04:41:54 am
 salamem

 Thumbsup

Jazakallah khair for this very informative and persuasive post dear sis zeynab bunch of thanks but honestly in the matter of taking part in such un islamic celebrations i am completely disappointed from the most of our muslim sisters, i really feel so depressed when i see our muslim sisters how easily they are neglecting their most important duty , being a muslima i wonder how could they try to keep themselves away from very essential responsibility ? yesterday we were talking about buying decorations, gifts and any stuff belongs to halloween is also haram ? like buying stuff for non muslims friends ,colleagues, teacher's or for school activities etc, In school of children's one of sister teacher's ask everyone to bring stuff regarding halloween (schools here does not force any child or parents to buy these things ) anyways she don't have any thing at home so for the sake of her children's, she bought them stuffs for (son) vampire teeth and for her daughter witch hat ,witch stick and halloween spider web decoration for class..

well yes it is haram and of course it's a waste of money  also, and if income is halal then surely believer's would never like buy anything to please shaiytan from their halal income  ? isn't ? yeah  i can understand it's not easy to handle kids but if it's necessary parents should be little bit strict ,also apart from school projects keep telling them that why it's wrong to celebrate halloween and do something better for them instead of ending up on halloween fun party , it happens each year and Sadly whenever we raise this issue we get same reply from those born muslim brother and sisters who are full of congenital love and fellowship with non muslims and their culture and customs. Their reply's are  !

We live in this environment so it's nothing wrong with that ,we can not totally cut off our children those are study in schools here ,we can't put so much restrictions on our children's,if we take back everything makes childrens happy they would feel trapped and start to hate islam and today's helloween has nothing to do with devil-worship as u mention above correctly, it's just a fun for kids
 :-\

 
If u talk to today's so called modern and educated parents their ignorance will surprise u as it gave me plenty of shocks.

Q:  Tell us  something except the invalid logic of kids fun, what else make u feel forced to do ?
 
See how innocent our ummah is  ^:( how they defend their weak faith and distance from religion, Allah and Quran  :(  This  is another invalid excuse of participating in such kuffar practice !!

We are doing because Living in the same society ,we should respect each other's festivals,traditions, culture ,if we concentrate too much on minor things then our hatred behaviour will only increases distance and racism among muslim and no muslims so we should ignore it..

 ^:(
 

Q: Excuse me !! do they respect even ur ramadan ? do they ever wish u ramadan ?


I Am completely disagree with both answers, both point of views are not convancing at all from our sister's. Especially the issue with halloween is not the fact that it is a fun, it is the fact that it's a pagan ritual and could be undoubtedly defined as shirk and participating in a ritual associated with shaiytan worshippers is abominable and unislamic ,halloween is based on pagan traditions,isn't strong convincing evidence to not to follow pang tradition ?? u are doing it to make ur children happy ? is that reason enough to allow our children to take part in that has its roots in worship of shaiytan ? willingly buy them silly ,horrible costume and me-up to look like dead, ,ghosts , evil,witch and send ur kids (boy's & girls both ) to those stupid parties are usually begins after maghrib prayer's even in secondary school ?

 ques

Q :  My questions to those hard-working people of our ummah who's trying to be like a bridge between momin and kafir to strengthen the love and friendship.


U guys workin so hard to strengthen which relations ?
 
shaiytan and the believer ? Or the relationship of believers and disbelievers?

u doing it to make happy ? Who ? christian ? non muslims ?
 
But they will never be happy with believers and Allah has guaranteed himself to our prophet (pbuh)  ?

And the Jews will not be pleased with thee, nor will the Christians, till thou follow their creed. Say: Lo! the guidance of Allah (Himself) is Guidance. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then wouldst thou have from Allah no protecting guardian nor helper.2:120  
 
 
No matter how hard u try, internally this distance will always remain because of faith ,then why u guys ruining ur duniya and akhirah ? why participate in these celebrations without even understanding the history and the pagan connections? just because some of ur close good non muslim friends are doing it,U don't want to hurt them ? :-\  u love to buy them scary gifts, pumpkin pots, candles , small ugly horror tree  ? spider Webs ? Or because it’s just fun for ur kids ? Or for their schools ? i agree schools do insist to be there in so called fun filled parties but if u refuse them they don't say any harsh word on ur face neither they mind, they just talk behind u and it's not a big deal ? there is no need to put ur imaan /faith at risk for such hypocrites . Keep in mind just having fun justification opens the door to other bad things that will send the wrong message to children,we should not ignore any minor thing , small steps leads us to the big steps, as muslim parentes please Do not turn away from ur duties this is serious matter or worship and shirk and one not to be taken lightly.How unfortunate muslims are losing their own identity ,If we are not firm in establishing and holding to our values, then our children would melt in the non muslim culture completely and it will be difficult to differentiate between Muslim and non-Muslim children.Please think about it there are many ways to show ur respect and friendship to non muslims but please act as ambassadors for ur faith Not the follower of shaiytan.   
 
May Allaah guide us, help us to stay on the right path and save us from whisper of shaiytan and all deviations and innovations that will lead us into the Hellfire .May Allah give us good knowledge and take away the bad, and allow us to act upon the knowledge he's given..ameen


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Zainab_M on October 23, 2013, 06:58:11 am
Walaikum Salaam dear Sister Muslima.  Thanks for your nice and thoughtful input.

I think the most important reason for this problem among Muslim mothers who do not find anything wrong with their kids participating in such Haram celebrations is because they don't bother to study its origin and history.  Even if you tell them about it, they might brush it aside with the idea that at present Halloween is all about children having fun and not associated with its Haram historical links.  But still it cannot be condoned.  It always carries a risk factor. Downplaying the reality or accepting anything which has Haram or pagan origins can lead to the acceptance of many more Haram acts & cultures in future which might be still more serious as violations.  It sets the trend and is passed on from generation to generation.  This is how people gradually drift away from the truth altogether. 

Another reason for this is their desire to assimilate with the mainstream as immigrants.  It sometimes also involves a low self-esteem of their immigrant identity, and the concept of  "while in Rome do as the Romans do" is applied to get over that feeling.  But it's a very short sighted approach which ignores the possible pitfalls it can lead to in future when it might be too late to turn back.  Some Muslim immigrants suffer from such a deep inferiority complex that they even feel proud telling their relatives and friends that their kids participate in such festivals with the children of westerners.  May Allah guide them.

Also, with some parents it's action on the rebound, so to say, who get fed-up of extreme fanaticism of the mullahs which also consists of many un-Islamic practices and as a result, they go to the other extreme themselves.  Needless to say, both these segments are misguided.

I totally agree with Verse 2:120.  That's exactly what's happening today.  With the influx of immigration of Muslims to non-Muslim countries, Muslims are more than eager to adopt the culture and trends of non-Muslims.  And many of these festivals in the West have direct pagan roots.  I don't know how educated parents can ignore such matters.  The only reason I can cite is a weak iman and consequently a dismissive attitude concerning the Hereafter.  It's definitely worrisome as it can have far-reaching negative consequences with a steady decrease in Faith orientation among the future generations of Muslims.


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: muslima on October 23, 2013, 05:14:54 pm
Jazak Allah sis thank u very much for ur time and appreciation  :)

Hmmm correct i agree with ur very important point u mention i didn't focused on that situation of muslim immigrants is more worst.. Yeah sis this is a major problem of our muslim sisters both immigrants and those who born here ,their leisure activities , busy schedule has left no time to read Noble Quran and study history belongs to any celebration, both just talk about issue's but don't even bother to read emails if we send them , they have very sick excuse !! life is very short and full of stress so why few seasonal cheering up celebrations of others burden u please live and let the people live plus both type of sister's has adopt this simple formula at first place !!

 لا علمی بڑی نعمت ہے  !! /La ilimi bari nemat hai / ignorance is a blessing to them their  lack of knowledge results them fake happiness and they feel so much comfort as is the peace of life , i really felt so hurt when she were telling us so proudly that she bought such stuff , our sister's have nothing to do with it As muslim mother's their carelessness and ignorance is ruining a whole generation ,moving with time ideology has made them blind ,they are intellectually in dankness and their Hearts are sealed ,they are most poorest people  and restless souls of this world and will be the loser in hereafter.. :(

 


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Ruhi_Rose on October 23, 2013, 05:23:48 pm
You've put it very rightly Sister Zeynab.  These are the prime reasons why parents fall into misunderstandings, setting a future trend of merging Haram practices within Muslims families.  Sometimes it might stop as the children grow older but in most families it does set patterns to assimilate with Haram, resulting in drifting away from the Quran. 

Not to mention, Eid is not a Quranic celebration either, however it's not  directly connected with pagan culture as festivals like Halloween, Easter and even Christmas.  Therefore, initially if Eid helps to serve as a successful diversion from those confirmed Haram practices like Halloween etc., it should be utilized.  The fact that Eid is not mentioned in the Noble Quran can be explained to kids later when they grow up a bit more. 
 



Q: Excuse me !! do they respect even ur ramadan ? do they ever wish u ramadan ?


Very true Sister Muslima.  They don't care one bit for our important months such as Ramadan and Hajj.  Even if they try to find out something about it, it's only out of light hearted curiosity and often end up making fun of it.   The problem with them is that religion for them doesn't exist.  Everything is for fun, pleasure and socializing.  Hence, they also try to make light of any information they get about Ramadan or Hajj, not realizing that these are important methods of worship of Allah. 


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Zainab_M on October 23, 2013, 05:44:18 pm


Not to mention, Eid is not a Quranic celebration either, however it's not  directly connected with pagan culture as festivals like Halloween, Easter and even Christmas.  Therefore, initially if Eid helps to serve as a successful diversion from those confirmed Haram practices like Halloween etc., it should be utilized.  The fact that Eid is not mentioned in the Noble Quran can be explained to kids later when they grow up a bit more. 
 

Exactly Sister Ruhi.  I'm glad you added this point.  Eid is also by no means a Quranic information.  But as you rightly stated, at least it doesn't have a direct link with specific pagan history like those celebrations rife in the Western society at present.  Therefore, what you stated was precisely what I had in mind, to use Eid as a substitute to help young kids stay away from festivals which are distinctly connected with Haram concepts in history.  As these children grow up, their parents should work harder on gradually shifting their focus only on the Quranic information. 

Even when we were very young school-going kids aged 6, 7 or 8, we didn't clearly understand the difference between direct Quranic information and traditional information like Eid.  So we used to enjoy Eid.  Our parents didn't pressure us at that time.  But as we grew older, our parents began explaining to us the importance of staying within the Quranic bounds and it became much easier for us to rationalize such facts as we got older.  That's how guidance becomes complete when you reach adulthood of age 18 or 19. 


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Ruhi_Rose on October 23, 2013, 05:51:07 pm


Even when we were very young school-going kids aged 6, 7 or 8, we didn't clearly understand the difference between direct Quranic information and traditional information like Eid.  So we used to enjoy Eid.  Our parents didn't pressure us at that time.  But as we grew older, our parents began explaining to us the importance of staying within the Quranic bounds and it became much easier for us to rationalize such facts as we got older.  That's how guidance becomes complete when you reach adulthood of age 18 or 19. 

Very true Sis.  This is what I meant, and this is exactly how my husband and I have been trying to teach our kids.  My older son who is 10 plus already understands many aspects of the significance of Quranic information over traditional ones.  The younger one who is 7 is still in the process of understanding and is doing well, Mash'Allah.  And we'll have to conduct our teachings the same way when our daughter grows a bit older, Insh'Allah.  She's just a toddler now.


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Zainab_M on October 23, 2013, 05:53:23 pm
Right on sis.  You and your husband are handling it very correctly.  Alhumdulilah.  Allah bless.


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: muslima on October 24, 2013, 09:20:23 am


Even when we were very young school-going kids aged 6, 7 or 8, we didn't clearly understand the difference between direct Quranic information and traditional information like Eid.  So we used to enjoy Eid.  Our parents didn't pressure us at that time.  But as we grew older, our parents began explaining to us the importance of staying within the Quranic bounds and it became much easier for us to rationalize such facts as we got older.  That's how guidance becomes complete when you reach adulthood of age 18 or 19. 

Very true Sis.  This is what I meant, and this is exactly how my husband and I have been trying to teach our kids.  My older son who is 10 plus already understands many aspects of the significance of Quranic information over traditional ones.  The younger one who is 7 is still in the process of understanding and is doing well, Mash'Allah.  And we'll have to conduct our teachings the same way when our daughter grows a bit older, Insh'Allah.  She's just a toddler now.




 Thumbsup Thumbsup Thumbsup
 rdht


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Heba E. Husseyn on October 24, 2013, 09:39:15 pm
Very informative thread.  I would suggest that all Muslim families with young kids should read this.  Thanks to all sisters.   Allah bless all of you.


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: N. Truth Seeker on November 03, 2014, 11:19:28 am
Very informative.  All lukewarm so-called Muslims must read this.  Halloween is 100% Haram.  It should be called Haramoween  :D


Title: Re: Halloween - Halal or Haram?
Post by: Zainab_M on November 03, 2014, 12:50:52 pm
LOL ,, right brother TS ... that's the appropriate word for it.