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As a Muslim living in Western society, there are times when you might sometimes feel confused about whether it is permissible to celebrate or partake in other religious festivals like Halloween or Christmas. There is no clear or direct guidance given on this matter in the Quran or Hadiths.
Let's talk about Halloween and what it represents. This is the time of year when people wear horror costumes hang together, and decorate their houses spooky stuff. Friends go on trick-or-treating and Halloween parties are common in the neighbourhood.
Being a Muslim, you might feel stuck between wanting to have fun with your friends and local community and staying true to your beliefs. Don’t worry you are not alone many Muslims have this question of whether it is okay to participate in Halloween activities or does it go against Islamic teachings.
To answer this question we have written this brief guide that explains everything on this matter. So be sure to read till the end and decide for yourself whether you want to participate in Halloween or not. Let's get started.
Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. November 1st marked the beginning of the new year for the Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mainly in northern France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Traditionally, this day marks the end of summer, the harvest, and the start of winter's dark, cold days. The Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead blurred on the night before the new year. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, which was believed to be the day when the ghosts of the dead people came back to earth.
As part of their rituals, the Druids, the Celtic priests, would build bonfires that honoured their deities, including the lord of the dead. During Samhain, Celtic beliefs about wandering spirits spawned numerous traditions and superstitions. People would wear masks and costumes to conceal themselves from the spirits and leave food offerings on their doorsteps to appease them. The practice of placing turnips carved like jack-o-lanterns was believed to protect against evil spirits and ghosts.
During the early Christian era, the pagan celebration of Samhain was combined into All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st. This day commemorates the saints and martyrs of the Christian faith.
Islam has a contrasting view on Halloween because, as mentioned above, its roots are embedded in pagan worship, and it contradicts the belief of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). One might say that it can be considered a ‘Shirk’. Islam strongly discourages belief in magic, spirits, or the occult.
Halloween’s theme of horror which includes ghosts, witches, and supernatural entities all come under this belief, and as Muslims, we believe in the worship of the one true God, Allah (SWT).
In the Quran Allah (SWT) strictly forbids Muslims from following any such practices that they have no knowledge of or that involve believing in superstitious things which is exactly what celebrating Halloween is:
“And do not follow what you have no knowledge of.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:36)
At this point, we have come to the understanding that celebrating Halloween, is haram. However, some people view certain Halloween activities as a sort of entertainment far removed from its pagan history and okay to participate in. Like ‘Trick or Treat’ in which children knock on their neighbours' doors to ask for treats or go to Halloween parties dressed up as ghosts or witches.
However, if you again look at it from the Islamic point of view, this is still considered haram. It involves dressing up like ghosts, witches, and other supernatural beings, which Islamic teachings forbid. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said specifically in this regard:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 4031)
By participating in Halloween activities, one imitates practices that are not part of Islamic traditions.
Instead of celebrating Halloween and dressing up like ghosts and witches, which is un-Islamic, why shouldn't we celebrate and promote Islamic festivals like Eid-ul-fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, and many others?
This is a very well-known incident narrated by Anas (RA). Once, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) came to Madinah for two days, during which time the locals played games and celebrated a particular festival. He asked:
“What are these two days?” They said: “We used to play on these days during the Jahiliyyah.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has given you instead of them two days that are better than them: the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 1134)
Compared to Halloween festivals like Eid allow Muslims to celebrate their faith, tradition, and beliefs. Plus you can have much more fun and spend memorable time with friends and other people in the community on Eids. You can plan an outing tour or host a party at your home, prepare delicious meals, invite everyone and exchange gifts which is much better than Halloween.
As the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), it is our duty to promote unity and brotherhood among fellow Muslims. As the Quran says:
"Indeed, the believers are but brothers. So make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.”
(Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:10)
Are you thinking of decorating your home and backyard with Islamic decorations on the joyous occasions of Eid and Ramadan? If so, then check out the Riwaya Islamic home decoration section. We offer a vast collection of wall art, decorative lanterns, balloons, and banners that can enlighten your living space and make your celebrations more memorable.
As for the children who wish to celebrate Halloween and like to go on trick and treating, it is their parent's responsibility to teach them and explain that certain practices, like Halloween, do not align with Islamic teachings and, therefore, should not be celebrated in any way.
By upbringing their children in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and prophet Muhammed (PBUH), parents can inspire their children to become role models in their society and preserve Islamic identity.
If you want to teach your children the core Islamic values in a simple and meaningful way, then check out the Riwaya Islamic Gift for Children's Section. We offer Islamic books, educational posters, and toys that the children will find engaging and amusing. These products are sure to help your children gain a better understanding of Islam and become examples for their peers. Furthermore, they make great gifts for any occasion.
Many people consider the Halloween festival to be an entertainment and fun activity they enjoy once a year. However, for Muslims, it is completely forbidden to participate in any such activities that are associated with paganism and superstition as it goes completely against the Islamic teachings of Tawheed (oneness of Allah).
As Muslims, it is our responsibility to uphold our faith and promote only those practices that bring us close to Allah (SWT) and strengthen our beliefs while living in diverse cultural areas.
Are you a Muslim business owner selling Eid/Ramadan decorations and other products like wall art commemorating Islamic festivals? Do you want to upscale your business and increase your target audience? Well, then, why don’t you join Riwaya?
With Riwaya, you’ll tap into a dedicated Muslim audience eager for items tailored to their values and lifestyle. We’ll also promote your products with free marketing campaigns and ensure they reach the right customers and take care of SEO requirements. Plus there are no registration fees or signup costs at all.
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