Trick or treating--and it's reality

Trick or Treating- And it’s Reality

As Halloween is approaching, once again we are all exposed to preparations and plans thoughtfully conceived by many in the world around us. For the amount of energy and resources spent on this holiday, I sincerely hope that we sit and ponder over the basis of the tradition of trick or treating and its impacts on our children. Halloween originated in Ireland and Northern France about 2000 years ago. Originally a Celtic celebration it was meant to acknowledge the day when souls and spirits of the dead could freely roam around on Earth.

Trick or Treating originated as practice of souling – when children would go door to door with soul cakes chanting prayers for the dead. Over decades practice of trick or treating has apparently changed; however, in its foundation lies the purpose of honoring the spirits of dead people and the belief that they are able to harm the living. This idea is not only against the unity of God but is also against many other faiths. The Qur’an states, “That is because it is God alone Who is the True God, and whatever they call upon beside Him is falsehood, and because it is God alone Who is the Most High, the Incomparably Great” (31:31).

As logical people, we need to ponder over what are we celebrating and what Halloween is all about. Is this holiday morally uplifting? Is it teaching our children to be confident or fearful? Does it inculcate dignity, freedom and peace or falsehood, masking and oppression? As we focus on the reality and true basis of the holiday is it even worth spending our time and resources?