While we are waiting for Christmas to come, it seems impossible to ignore Halloween in the meantime. It is full of fun and excitement which is why it is so popular among many people around the world. But, have you ever thought about why you are celebrating this day? Or, as a Muslim is it compatible with your Islamic values? Let’s find out.  

What is the history of Halloween? 

The Pagan Roots of Halloween

Halloween which is held on 31st of October annually marked “the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter” [1] for the pagan Celts of Samhain. They also believed that on this day “spirits from other worlds (such as the souls of the dead) were able to visit earth…and roam about” [2].

Therefore, they would wear some costumes and light bonfires to keep the ghosts away. They would also worship their idols and pagan Gods on this celebration. 

The Christian Version

Just the same as Celtics who worshipped their pagan Gods on this day, the Christians who entered the British Isles, tried to adopt this celebration with their tradition and replaced the pagan Gods with their Saints. So, Halloween turned into the day on which the Christian saints were commemorated, and became the All Saints Day. However, “the customs of Samhain survived anyway, and eventually became intertwined with the Christian holiday” [2]. 

A Satanic Holiday

In 1966, Anton LaVey who founded the false cult of “Satanism” declared Halloween to be one of its official holidays. Besides, the inappropriate and sometimes horrifying costumes that are used on this celebration include signs or symbols that are identified with Satanism.

However, since Halloween has been practiced long before this association was made, we cannot accuse anyone who is celebrating Halloween of being a Satanic. But, it is necessary to be aware of the ones who are taking advantage of this celebration for their ends.         

What Should We Do as Muslims?

Islam Respects Traditions, not Superstitions
 
As we have seen above, Halloween roots back to the rites and rituals of ancient pagans of Celtic origin and then continued to be celebrated by Christians along with some adaptations. While nowadays no one thinks about the reason for this celebration or the rituals practiced on it anymore (such as trick-or-treat, wearing scary costumes, etc.), they still represent the superstitions in which Celtic pagans believed.

As Muslims, if we want to find out about Islam’s attitude toward Halloween, we should look at Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUHHP) way of reacting to such traditional celebrations. At the time of the emergence of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUHHP) respected most of the traditions and all monotheistic religions that existed at that time. However, he tried to reject the superstitions that had no rationale behind them and were based on false beliefs. So, he decided to wipe away the superstitious traditions that were practiced by pre-Islamic Arabs through informing them of their falsehood. 

Is Islam against Having Fun?

Of course not. However, there are three points that we should observe when we are having fun: 

1. It does not harm one’s self and others, physically or mentally. 

Many reports reveal the dangers that threaten people, especially children, on the Halloween’s eve; these include car accidents which have a high rate on this night [4]. As Dr. Rebecca Parker, chairwoman of the American College of Emergency Physicians' board of directors, puts, “ This is a time when we see an increase of kids being hit and killed by cars” [5].

Also, according to the tradition of this day, people would wear scary costumes to send the ghosts coming from the other world away. But, as a person who lives in the twentieth century, we know that such a belief is entirely superstitious and irrational. So, what is the use of scaring other people and our children with a weird and sometimes disgusting look? Doesn't it result in a psychologically adverse effect?

2. Our Islamic Duties are not Ignored 

As Muslims, we should always be observant of our actions, even if we are having fun. It is essential to keep in mind that our activities, whatever they are, do not prevent us from what Allah has commanded (prayer (Salat), fasting (Sawm), etc.). Nor do they invite us toward committing what He has forbidden (e.g., drinking alcohol, dancing, participating in inappropriate parties, observing modesty, etc.)

3. It is not an aimless pleasure [3].

Islam always recommends us to be aware of what we are doing and think about our intention before any action. Even when we are having fun, there should be something behind it that makes it worthwhile. When enumerating the characteristics of a faithful person in Quran, Allah also mentions those who avoid vain actions (23:3); i.e., those activities that have no use for us and would only waste our time.

4. We Won’t look like atheists or those who are against God in doing them.

As mentioned above, Halloween roots back to Celtic pagan’s worship of their idols and many Gods. It can be argued that today we don’t celebrate Halloween with the intention of worshiping idols or performing a Satanic holiday. The rituals are still the same and still represent the Celtic culture and tradition – as we said Christians had a very limited influence upon Halloween and the way it is celebrated- which was polytheistic. 

A Muslim’s life should mirror his beliefs in every aspect. So, if an action even in appearance, represents what is against Islam or far from its teachings, then it should be avoided by Muslims. 

So, if you are a Muslim and wonder what to do on Halloween’s eve, make sure that you know enough about the reasons behind this celebration. And make sure it has no danger toward yourself or others, you do not commit any action against Islamic laws (e.g., drinking alcohol, wearing immodest clothes, etc.), you don’t waste your time in doing them, and you won’t contradict your belief in Islam through looking like an atheist. 

References:

1. History of Halloween
2. Halloween in Islam
3. muslim have fun 
4. biggest danger on Halloween
5. Halloween deadliest day 

1.  Aim of Imam Hussain (AS)’s Revolution

The aim of my revolution is to reform the society and revive the true teachings of Islam

(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.243)

2. Being Free-spirited

If you don’t believe in any religion, at least be free-spirited and honest in your actions  

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 45, P. 51)

3. Revolt against Tyranny

I never revolted in vain, as a rebel or as a tyrant; rather, I rose seeking reformation for the nation of Islam

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 329)

4. Patience in the Journey toward What Is Right

On the Day of Ashura, he addressed his companions: 

“Be patient, you noble ones. Death is only a bridge which takes you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces”.

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 297)

5. Peacemaking and Preventing from War 

O’ people! Listen to my words and don’t hasten to start a war, so that I clarify the reason behind my revolution 

(al-Shaykh al-Mufid, al-Irshad, p.253)

6. Being a Just Leader

On the night of Ashura, he gathered his followers in his tent, put out the light and said:

“Beware that I give you permission to leave this place; there is no obligation on you anymore, and you can all leave.”
However, not even one of them left his side….  

 (al-Shaykh al-Mufid, al-Irshad, p. 250)

7. Being a Steadfast Seeker 

joBe steadfast and firm in the way toward what is right, even if your journey is full of pain and challenges.   

(Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 28)

8. Preserving Human Dignity

Death with dignity is better than a life of abasement. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 192)

9. Being Courageous 

By God, I will never surrender to my enemies like a humiliated person and never pledge allegiance to them like slaves

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 45, P. 7)

10. Martyrdom for What is Right

To me, death for the sake of what is right, is nothing but happiness, and living under tyrants nothing but living in a hell 

(Tuhaf-al- Uqoul, P. 245)

11. Importance of Praying

The most incapable person is the one who can’t pray.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.81, p.257)

12. Generosity 

The most generous person is the one who gives to those who do not expect his help.

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.30)

13. Competing in Good Deeds 

Try to compete with one another in good deeds and hurry to seize the opportunities, and forget the good deeds that you haven’t hastened to do.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.57, p.121)

14. Being Religious 

People are slaves of this world. Religion is just what they say. They use it as long as it provides them with their living. When they are tested, there remain only a few true religious ones.

(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.245)

15. Worshiping Allah

If you worship Allah the way He deserves to be worshipped, He will fulfill all your wishes, and bless you much more than what you deserve.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 68, p.184)

16. Helping Others

God will help the person who cares about other people’s needs, both in this world and the hereafter.

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.121)

17. Having Faith in Allah
 
O’ Allah! What has gained the one who has not found You, and what has lost the one who has found You?

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.95, p.226)

18. Don’t be an Oppressor

Avoid oppressing the one who does not have any supporter against you, other than the Almighty God. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 118)

19. Allah’s Bounties 

When Allah chooses to favor someone, makes him/her the source of satisfying other people's needs. 

(Bihar al-Anwar, vol.74, p.205.)

20. Beware of Your Own Sins

Beware! Do not be among those who are concerned about the sins of others while neglectful of their own sins. 

(al-Kafi, vol.8, p.49, Hadith #9)

21. A True Friend 

One who reveals your faults to you like a mirror is your true friend, and one who flatters you and covers up your faults is your enemy. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 128)

22. Satisfying People, while Disobeying Allah

Whoever seeks the satisfaction of people through disobedience of Allah; Then Allah subjects him to people. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 126)

23. Follow the Truth

Wisdom will not be gained, unless through following the right path. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 127)

24. Say Good Things

Say what you like to be said about you, in the absence of your fellow believer. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 127)

25. Don’t Commit What is Wrong 

Avoid doing things that would make you apologize; since a believer won’t commit a wrong action that would make him/her sorry. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 120)

26. Actions should be done for Allah

If you lead your actions through committing sins and disobeying Allah, your intentions won’t be fulfilled and will be caught in what you fear most. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 120)

27. Kindness and Faithfulness 

Kindness elevates human beings, and faithfulness is the sign of decency.

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 122)

28. Extremism and Abject People

Extremism is like going down in a swamp, and keeping company with abject and corrupt ones will bring evil and misery for you. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.30)

29. Knowledge
 
Seeking knowledge will lead you toward wisdom and elevation. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 128)

30. Visiting Relatives

Visiting relatives and keeping in touch with them will bring you a longer and more substantial life. 

(Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Oyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.44)

31. The Most Generous 

The most generous person is the one who forgives while in power. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.29)

32. Maintaining Family Ties

The best way of maintaining family ties is through visiting the ones who have cut ties with you and haven’t visited you for a while. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.29)

33. Helping Your Fellow in Religion 

Whoever helps his/her fellow in religion for the sake of Allah, He will compensate for him/her and eliminate the hardships from his/her life. Also, whoever relieves a believer’s grief, Allah will free him/her of his/her pains and sufferings in this world and the other world. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 121)

34. Trusting Others

Only trust those who believe in Allah and are afraid of His questioning on the Day of Judgement. 

(Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Jameh al- Akhbar, p.97)

35. Paying the Debts 

While on his way to Karbala, Imam Hussain (AS) said: “I cannot have whoever owes a debt in my company. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) used to say: ‘whoever dies while owing to other people, his/her good deeds will be void in the hereafter.’”

(Kalimat al-Imam al-Hussain (AS) (Words of Imam Hussain), p.417)

36. People’s Praise and Blame 

Gain people’s praise with your efforts and successes, and do not expose yourself to people’s blames through laziness and lethargy. 

(Kashf al-ghumma, vol.2, p.29)

 37. Gaining Experience 

Long and numerous experiences strengthens your mind. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 75, P. 128)

38. A Scholar’s Sign
 
One of the signs of a scholar is criticizing his/her own words and thoughts and being aware of different viewpoints. 

(Bihar-al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 119)

39. Beware of What You Say 

Do not say something which would undermine your self-worth.  

(Muhammad Baqer al-Majlisi, Jala’a al-Oyoun, vol.2, p.205)

40. Physical Health  

Observe your physical health in your lifetime. 

(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.239)