Al-Madinah Academy

Question: As a Muslim mother living in Canada, there are so many challenges that come up with my daughter throughout the year, especially around seasonal festivities such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc. Recently, she has been asking more about why she isn't allowed to participate in the events usually associated with these holidays, especially since she sees fellow Muslim kids getting involved in them. There is often an increase in peer pressure during these times when it's clear that she is not conforming to the norm in terms of dress and behaviour.

Answer:

As Muslims, one thing we should always keep in mind is that we are different. Different, as you know, is not necessarily bad or negative. People who are geniuses are different from others, but in a good way. Similarly, we as Muslims are different from others because we are guided by Allaah through the Quraan and Sunnah towards living the best and most wholesome lives thus leading us to Paradise.

We must realize that doing the right thing is not always popular and others won't always understand or even approve. A Muslim is one who is focused; he/she knows that the ultimate goal is Paradise and the way to reach it most easily is to live as Allaah wants us to live.

A Muslim submits/surrenders to the Laws of Allaah...our lives revolve around Allaah...we do what we believe will please Allaah and we leave what we believe will displease Allaah.

When it comes to Halloween, let's face it, it has its roots in paganism. That should be enough to turn us off it. Why would I want to do something that has such origins? People are silly and foolish to do things without thinking of their roots and origins. So this is a holiday and a time for the devil worshippers to celebrate. We believe in the total opposite so that day should go by without us thinking it is anything special. Wearing colours which are attributed to that celebration or doing things which people make it a point to do on that day is a sign of approval; in other words, it's like saying I don't believe in it but it's ok if you do. Think about it...celebrating that day is celebrating devil worship (whether people realize it or not-that's the sad part-people do things without thinking)...so do we really think it's okay for others?

We are Muslims and KNOW that only Allaah should be worshipped and that others are wrong and have strayed (and Insha Allaah they will find the truth in the end). So how can we then think it's okay to worship other than Allaah?

The bottom line is, we have to develop our own identities and be intelligent. We do not need to try and fit in if practices are not in line with our beliefs. Culture is only okay if it does not contradict Islaamic teachings. Let's be strong individuals who identify with the truth and are not pressured into thinking like others. We are more than capable of thinking for ourselves using the guidance of Quraan and Sunnah.