Q: At our Islamic center in xxxx for the past 5 years we gather for a halalween event. We give out candies. We don’t allow costumes but some children wear it. This year we had 2 board memebrs  agaist it, rest saying we need a safe space for our children and feel American. We have no local shaykh. What does Islam say about this? The board members against it, one is a new muslim (3 years) and said he and his wife did not convert to islam to get these pagan ideas back and knows what this holiday is all about and wanted no association with it. We are 50 families and this divides the community. Please advise. Jazakallah (question sent as is, unedited by knowyourdeen)

A: Asalamualikum,

Hoping you are in good health and imaan. Your inquiry is appreciated.

This topic raises more questions than it answers. If a mosque hosts a Halloween-themed event, where do we draw the line? Should we also reframe Valentine’s Day as “Family Love Night,” Thanksgiving as “Gratitude for Imaan,” Christmas as “A Conversation on Jesus (pbuh),” Diwali as “Celebrating Light Over Darkness—Quranic point of view,” or even give New Year’s celebrations a religious dimension? Let’s be honest—we understand the cultural context we live in. It is time to stop playing the “spiritual victim” card; we are much stronger than we may admit when it suits us. So where does this adaptation end? Are we reinforcing our values, or diluting them by bending in every direction? (Has October 7th not open our eyes?!)

A masjid is more than just a gathering place; it is a sanctuary for nurturing Islamic values, and its influence on the community should reflect this purpose. Simply giving a religious veneer to a celebration does not negate its subtle, if not direct impact. Subliminal messaging—the subtle influence of words or images that shape perceptions without conscious awareness—is a real phenomenon. For instance, if I mention a “pink elephant,” your mind envisions it, even though such a creature doesn’t exist. Likewise, introducing terms like “Halloween” into a sacred space can invoke and normalize its underlying meaning, regardless of intent.

Often, the desire to celebrate these events stems from a wish to fit into broader society, driven by a subtle feeling of inadequacy or inferiority. Yet Allah (SWT) has provided us with a complete and comprehensive system within Islam that serves as a guide in every aspect of life. Emulating or reacting to non-Islamic traditions—especially those with pagan origins, even if they seem harmless on the surface—risks eroding our unique identity and can gradually weaken our faith and self-respect. Allah states in the Quran: And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying (Quran 6:116).

If a masjid feels compelled to engage with such events, it should avoid adopting the names, symbols, customs and other emblems associated with non-Islamic festivals. For example, giving out candy is a simple gesture that could be redirected to a different occasion without linking it to Halloween or other non-Islamic celebrations. The masjid could instead organize an alternative gathering on a separate day focused on Islamic principles, community values and positive engagement. Such an event would offer children who may feel drawn to celebrations like Halloween a meaningful way to participate, grounded in Islamic values.

While the masjid plays a role in educating and guiding the community, the primary responsibility for nurturing a child’s Islamic values and awareness of what is beneficial or harmful rests with the parents. Parents sought the blessing of a child, and with it comes the responsibility to guide them. As Rasool (SAW) said: Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock. Parents should lead these conversations, helping their children understand their unique identity and the strength of steadfastness in their faith. By engaging in these discussions and modeling Islamic values, they raise a generation that stands with clarity and purpose, grounded in something beyond social conformity.

The Quran further reminds us of the importance of self-respect and distinct identity as followers of Islam: And do not incline toward those who do wrong (Quran). Ultimately, maintaining our Islamic identity requires discernment, wisdom, and the courage to resist popular but conflicting practices. Through these deliberate choices, we uphold the values that strengthen our community as we commit ourselves to the path Allah has set for us.

A proactive way to address this issue might be to wait until the event concludes, engage in personal conversations with those who were interested in associating with it. These discussions can focus on the importance of Islamic identity and the values that set us apart, helping to cultivate a deeper appreciation of our faith’s teachings. Such respectful dialogue is likely to create a more lasting impact than addressing the issue during the event itself. And as always, encourage participants to bring their religious references into the discussion to maintain a meaningful and focused conversation.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.