#mgfnest | mama-gets-fit

Its Spooky Season! What is Halloween to you? Do muslims celebrate Halloween? I get asked this quite a bit. I want to start off by saying that if you are looking for a yes or no answer or a clear cut decision by the end of this post, that is not my intention. This post is merely my thoughts as a Muslim mom raising a family in todays’ highly progressive Malaysia. Is there really a Harmless Halloween ? That’s for you to go figure.

Malaysia is an incredibly diverse country, muslims here are progressive, and it’s therefore common that some muslim families do embrace Halloween for the fun that it is. But of course there are also those who do not partake in it. I don’t intend to judge either side. Harmless Halloween to some , yes! Personally, this is how I’ve approached this controversial topic with my kids.

Muslim Values

First and foremost. I have learnt that this tradition is not part of Islam. Nor is it or our identity as Muslims, due to it’s pagan origins. Growing up, I wasn’t heavily immersed in a conservative Muslim community. But, the idea of going trick or treating didn’t really attract me. Now, with two kids i’ve taken a bit more notice of this celebration. Both my husband and i decided very early on that we were not going to be conflicted on the matter.

Malaysia, is a multi-cultured society. And, it is no secret that many do celebrate it. Especially in pre-schools, schools and at shopping malls. So of course my kids notices that they do not partake in Halloween. When my first born noticed that she wasn’t participating in ‘costume wearing’ and ‘trick or treating’ at her pre-school. We explained to her what it is. Let’s be clear about something, both my kids do and have worn costumes. Yes, they role play but not specifically for Halloween. We sat them down and explained to them. That as muslims our celebrations are ones that honour and uphold our faith and beliefs.

We personally think It’s about conveying to our children what our core beliefs are. Then as a family and ‘us‘ parents being true to those core beliefs. We try to make sure that we properly guide our children and follow through those guidance with our actions. We listen to their opinions validate their feelings. And trust they know that they have our best interest at heart. (insya-allah).

Harmless Halloween

I accept the idea, suggesting that celebrating Halloween nowadays is harmless. Considering that the holiday has diverted so much from its pagan worshipping days. Now being mostly recognised as just a celebratory day – a ‘something to do with families’ day. Yes, I hear those who call out that its 2022 and this is multi-cultural Malaysia. Yes I hear you. Enough to have designed some t-shirts for my celebrating friends and their family. I get asked often to create a custom designed t-shirt to wear on Halloween. So yes I’m open to that. My designs however aren’t just specific for halloween they are in fact wearable all year round. Even so, I must say Halloween is just not a practical celebration for us. Parents often spend a lot of money on ‘one off’ costumes and on food with too much sugar during Halloween – so, no! (I’m that mom)

Figuring Out Halloween

I chose to tell my children the history of Halloween. To make them understand why we don’t celebrate it. And, how it does not align with our family values. We do not participate in the celebration because of that. They know I love them and want them to be happy. And above all for Allah to be happy with them. And they know that it is ok to be different.

Plus, there are so many other things that are better for us as a family to do with the money. Donate for instance! But of course giving my children options. That are healthier and that worked more with our core values, has helped them to understand that although some family and friends do consider Halloween Harmless. It’s just not for us.

When it comes to controversial issues in Islam, or “gray areas” many Muslims tend to refer to this Hadith below.

“That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful is also quite clear. Between these two is that which is ambiguous, which most people do not know. One who avoids the doubtful safeguards his faith and his honor.”

(Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 588)”

— Prophet Muhammad S.A.W

But of course every family dynamic is different. And as with many topics in Islam, Muslims practice religion on a spectrum and in different ways. We all are trying our best to do what is right for ourselves and our families. So if you come across someone who may not share the same views as you do on controversial topics, be kind. Get the book of Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW ) don’t take my word for it.

Peace be with you.