Malaysia's National Fatwa Council has banned Halloween celebrations for Muslims in the country, calling the festival un-Islamic. [channelnewsasia]
Brilliant. Well done to the Jordanian authorities. Well done to Malaysia's National Fatwa Council.
I know there is right wing criticism and ridicule directed towards Muslim countries based on this decision. However, the Islamophobes would do well to remember:
Many Christians refuse to participate in Halloween. Some are wary of its pagan origins; others of its dark, ghoulish imagery; still others are concerned for the safety of their children. [gty.org]
In fact, it maybe a case of fundamentalist Christians not having the courage of their convictions and/or the relevant authority to force their countries such as America to ban Halloween. So I would imagine many of these Christians will be looking quite admiringly towards Muslim countries that are against Halloween. Muslims are doing something that fundamentalist Christians want to do - banning Halloween!
There's no good reason to celebrate Halloween and many good reasons not to take part in Halloween. Muslim Matters states a few arguments against Halloween:
- Halloween has pagan roots
- It is associated with celebrating superstition, black magic, and devil worship
- Costumes are often inappropriate and immodest
- Trick or treating can be seen as either blackmail or begging and Muslims are not supposed to beg or extort people.
One would think many Christians would agree with the 4 points that Muslim Matters presents against Halloween. Christians and Muslims should watch this short presentation on Halloween
HALLOWEEN - The Devils Night (SAMHAIN)
Muslims give the most charity and have least sex outside of marriage!
Islamophobes attempt to demonize Muslims as rapists
Russell Brand: Haters of Islam Encourage Muslims towards Extremism
Learn about Islam:
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Pagan Origins of Halloween
ReplyDeleteHalloween originated as the Eve of Samhain, a celebration marking the beginning of winter and the first day of the New Year among ancient pagans of the British Isles. On this occasion, it was believed that supernatural forces gathered together, that the barriers between the supernatural and human worlds were broken. They believed that spirits from other worlds (such as the souls of the dead) were able to visit earth during this time and roam about. At this time, they celebrated a joint festival for the sun god and the lord of the dead. The sun was thanked for the harvest and given moral support for the upcoming "battle" with winter. In ancient times, the pagans made sacrifices of animals and crops in order to please the gods.
They also believed that on October 31st, the lord of the dead gathered all the souls of the people who had died that year. The souls upon death would dwell in the body of an animal, then on this day the lord would announce what form they were to take for the next year.
Christian Influence
When Christianity came to the British Isles, the church tried to take attention away from these pagan rituals by placing a Christian holiday on the same day. The Christian festival, the Feast of All Saints, acknowledges the saints of the Christian faith in much the same way that Samhain had paid tribute to the pagan gods. The customs of Samhain survived anyway, and eventually became intertwined with the Christian holiday. These traditions were brought to the United States by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland.
http://thedeenshow.com/watch/3245/do-muslims-celebrate-halloween