Saw this great discussion on a friend’s wall – was having a similar conversation with a friend so it was very relevant. When trying to share it however, am not getting all of it, just the youtube link, so here’s what she said and perhaps we can pick up a discussion here?:
“Last night at the Kids Parallel Program, we touched on this concept of Halloween and explained the brief history of its origin. We told students that this concept has nothing to do with Islam. This lecture such beautifully explains how mothers should train their children and make it explicitly known to them that there are “religious” holidays and we as Muslims do not “have to” partake in them just like other religions do not partake in our holidays. We respect each other and their beliefs but we should not be adopting such celebrations just because “we are living in this society”. The speaker this morning so beautifully explained this concept too.
It will require some work on the part of those parents who have already been taking their kids “dressed up”, trick or treating in the past and this reformation will not happen overnight. With that in mind, we have asked the little workshop kids to come dressed as a “Soldier of Al Mahdi” and instead of having them go door-to-door “begging” for sweets (I’m so glad the speaker used this word this morning – I was almost tempted to do the same last night when explaining the kids but refrained from it because I’m not a mother and the last thing I want to hear is “What do you know? You don’t have kids! You won’t understand our struggles”), we will hand out the candies to them as “Fateha” at the end of the Program after remembering the Martyrs of Karbala and our Marhumeen by reciting Surah al Fateha.”
I found this alternate comment interesting also:
“On another note- growing up here my whole life, i trick or treated until i was 15. I think it was to have fun and just enjoy the candy. I think i turned out okay and teach my kids the morals needed. I don’t think i looked at it as begging for anything. My kids trick or treat, and we donate most of the candy but this year and for many more years they know it wont be allowed since its Muharram and safar. Life is a balance and every situation should be approached with an open mind. For who knows. We may not trick or treat our whole life in this ‘society’ and other things will arise that will make trick or treat look harmless.”
Would love to hear your thoughts?