Islam and Halloween: between preservation of faith and cultural adaptation
The British organization Religion Media Centre, dedicated to promoting understanding of religions in the media, has explored the position of Islam on the unseen world, and particularly on Halloween. A celebration, of Celtic origin, marking the end of the harvest, which is today widely popularized and often controversial in monotheistic religions.
In Islam, faith includes the realm of the invisible (al-Ghaib), where beings like the jinn and Shaytan reside, but it rejects the belief in ghosts as the souls of the deceased returning to earth. Likewise, witchcraft (sihr), although recognized, is strictly condemned as a prohibited act. For Muslims, participating in Halloween can be seen as a compromise of their faith, due to its pagan origins. However, some scholars, such as Dr. Shabir Ally, advocate a balanced approach, believing that excessive inflexibility can alienate young people from Islam.
Islam emphasizes the tawhidthe oneness of God, which prohibits all forms of idolatry (shirk). Because of this imperative, Muslims are generally discouraged from participating in practices with polytheistic or pagan roots, such as Halloween, seen as a holiday that combines witchcraft, symbols of evil and non-Islamic traditions. Religion Media Center interviewed academic Shaykha Barkatulla, who points out that even activities such as trick-or-treating or wearing costumes can be frowned upon in a religious context. However, some scholars, such as the Egyptian Fatwa Council (Dar al-Ifta al Misriyyah), believe that Halloween has evolved into a social holiday, allowing some flexibility for Muslims, as long as they remain consistent with their tenets of faith.
This approach highlights a challenge that Muslims face, especially in majority non-Muslim societies. Dr Shabir Ally warns that a rigid interpretation of the faith, which excludes participation in cultural events, risks demotivating younger generations, causing them to perceive Islam as restrictive. For some Muslim parents, this raises a dilemma: how to balance fidelity to religious precepts while allowing their children to participate in the activities of their peers? This debate reflects the diversity of opinions within the Muslim community, with some opting for cultural adaptation without compromising their faith, while others remain strictly committed to a literal interpretation of Islamic teachings.
In conclusion, the question of Muslim participation in Halloween illustrates the tensions between preservation of religious identity and cultural adaptation. Although some scholars advocate strict abstention from non-Islamic practices, others, more flexible, encourage a balanced approach so as not to isolate younger generations or compromise their connection to Islam. By offering varied perspectives, Religion Media Center highlights the complexity of reconciling faith and modernity, thereby enabling Muslims to make informed decisions in an increasingly intercultural world.
