The ancient Celtic (Irish/Scottish/Welsh) festival called Samhain (pronounced sah-ween or sa-en) is considered by most historians and scholars to be the predecessor of what is now Halloween. Samhain was the New Year's day of the pagan Celts. It was also the Day of the Dead, a time when it was believed that the souls of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the "land of the dead". In some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night the dead walked amongst them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their midst. In preparation for this, bonfires were built to ward off these evil spirits!
Elements of this festival were incorporated into the Christian festival of All Hallow's Eve, or Hallow-Even, the night preceding All Saint's (Hallows') Day. It is the glossing of the name Hallow- Even that has given us the name of Hallow'een. One of the customs of samhain was the practise of leaving food and drink (now candy/sweets) to masked and costumed revelers. Now known as 'trick or treat'.
Ruling
Regarding participating in Halloween parties (inlcuding trick or treat, etc), it is not permissible for a Muslim to participate in any of these. It is likewise not permissible to participate in any of the other holiday celebrations of the kuffaar. The clear evidence of the Qur'aan and Sunnah - and the consensus of the early generations of this ummah - indicates that there are only two festivals in Islam: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Any other festivals that have to do with a person, a group, an event or anything else are innovated festivals, which it is not permissible for Muslims to observe, approve of or express joy on those occasions, or to help others to celebrate them in any way, because that is transgressing the sacred limits of Allaah, and whoever transgresses the sacred limits of Allaah has wronged himself. 'Approval of kufr is kufr, and clearly, to participate in activities of kufr - such as non-Muslim festivals - is kufr.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever imitates a people is one of them. Let us imitate those who are on the straight path, not those who have gone astray!
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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