Halloween is a popular holiday celebrated around the world on the 31st of October. Children usually dress up in different costumes of witches, goblins, heroes, etc.
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And do trick-and-treating around the neighborhood while the adults enjoy the Halloween party. Halloween celebrations are so widespread that Muslims ask whether Halloween is haram in Islam.
Why Halloween Haram?
Most Islamic scholars agree that Halloween is haram in Islam from a religious point of view. Based on the history and origin of Halloween, we know that Halloween is a pagan and Christian cultural tradition that originated from Samhain Night. This celebration marks the beginning of winter and the first day of the New Year among the Celtics in the British Isles.
Most scholars rule out that we should not participate in other religious and cultural practices.
Can Muslims Celebrate Halloween?
No, it is haram.
Almost all Halloween traditions are based either on ancient pagan culture or Christianity. From an Islamic point of view, if a Muslim participates in it, it may become a form of idolatry or Shirk. Therefore Muslims are not allowed to take part in Halloween celebrations. And it is a sin for Muslims to celebrate festivals rooted in Satan’s worship.
References:
- Quran 5:104
- Quran 12:5
Is It Haram To Give Out Candy on Halloween?
Yes, trick or treats are haram. Even just giving out candy is still considered haram.
The Trick or Treat tradition is an integral part of Halloween celebrations. In this tradition, children will knock on the neighbor’s door and ask for candy or chocolate while saying, ‘Trick or Treat!‘
In ancient Celtic festivals, people dressed their children as evil spirits to protect them from spirits that would harm their children. On the other hand, the tradition of going door to door and asking for sweets came from poor pagans who asked for something to eat on holiday.
In Islam, there is a suggestion that giving is better than receiving, so begging is discouraged, and trick or treats encourage begging. That is one of the reasons scholars consider tricks or treats a haram Halloween practice.
So Muslims are prohibited from participating in this tradition, even if only giving candy on Halloween celebrations.
Is Dressing Up For Halloween Haram?
Yes, it is. it is not permissible (haram) to dress up for Halloween.
In the Quran, Allah says Muslims should not allow traditions and costumes from other religions to enter Islam. [Quran 57:16].
Although a small number of Muslims think that Halloween, celebrated today, is very different from before and is just for fun and has nothing to do with religion, the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam has forbidden us to follow the customs of other people.
References:
- Sahih Abu Dawud : 4031
Is It Haram To Go To A Halloween Party?
Yes, it is haram to participate in other believe’s events, in this case including going to a Halloween party.
When the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam came to Madina, the city’s residents celebrated two holidays, Nairuz and Mihrajan. The celebrations of Nairuz and Mihrajan, which the people of Madina celebrate, the contents are just playing and eating.
There was no ritual element, just like the Halloween celebration today. However, the Prophet still forbade it, as the celebrations were celebrations of the disbelievers. Allah gave the two best holidays in exchange: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
For this reason, participating in the celebration of infidels, even if it’s just for fun, without following their religious rituals, is a forbidden act because it includes contributing to the success of their event. So it can be concluded that going to a Halloween party is forbidden for Muslims, and all of us should focus on celebrating two Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
References:
- Imam Ahmad No. 11595, 13058, 13210.
- ‘Aun Al-Ma’bud Syarh Sunan Abi Daud, Syarah hadis No. 3512.
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