Halloween, which is only one day away, is the most celebrated holiday for people especially for children as it’s all about being dressed up and having fun.
Originally a religious observance, this special has been around for more than a thousand years. However did you know, the custom of trick-or-treating, in which children dress up in costume and solicit treats from neighbours, became popular in the United States in the early 20th century?
What is Halloween and why is it celebrated?
Halloween’s origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, which was held on November 1 in contemporary calendars.
It was believed that on that day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes, so people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off spirits.
In this way, popular Halloween tropes such as witches, ghosts, and goblins became associated with the holiday.
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Why do people call it Halloween?
The English word ‘Halloween’ comes from “All Hallows’ Eve”, being the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day) on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November.
Can we celebrate Halloween?
As Muslims, Islamic scholars declare Halloween as prohibited “haram” in Islam. They ruled that Halloween is against the Islamic law “Shariah”, as it’s based on pagan traditions and forbidden practices such as honoring the dead.
Which religion follows Halloween?
Halloween may be a secular affair today, dominated by candy, costumes, and trick-or-treating, but the holiday is rooted in an annual Celtic pagan festival called Samhain (pronounced “SAH- wane”) that was then appropriated by the early Catholic Church some 1,200 years ago
