As October draws to a close, streets, shops and homes may be adorned with pumpkins, witches, ghosts, skeletons and images of death. Some children dress in frightening costumes and go door-to-door shouting, “Trick or treat!”

For many people, Hallowe’en is harmless seasonal entertainment. Some Muslims, however, choose not to participate because it raises questions about faith, ethics, health and the values they wish to pass on to their children.

Hallowe’en’s history is complex, and scholars caution against presenting it as the direct continuation of a single ancient festival.

Samhain was an ancient Celtic seasonal observance associated with the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Some historical and folklore accounts connect it with beliefs about a temporary weakening of the boundary between the living and the dead, as well as with bonfires, disguises or offerings, although the evidence is incomplete and later interpretations may have shaped how these practices are understood.

Centuries later, Christian observances such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day developed around this period, with the evening before All Saints’ Day becoming known as All Hallows’ Eve.

Over time, elements from different religious, regional and popular traditions were combined and transformed. The modern celebration of Hallowe’en, especially in its commercial form, is therefore not simply identical to ancient Samhain or to medieval Christian observances; it is a later cultural development shaped by migration, popular entertainment and commercial interests.

For Muslims who avoid Hallowe’en, the concern is not simply costumes or sweets. Hallowe’en often gives prominence to death, ghosts, cemeteries, witches and supernatural powers, sometimes accompanied by activities that may be presented as summoning or communicating with the dead.

Islam teaches belief in the unseen, but many Muslims understand it not to encourage invoking spirits or pursuing supernatural experiences through such practices.

The Koran states in Surah Al-Jinn (72:6) that some people sought refuge with the jinn, thereby increasing them in burden.

Surah Al-An‘am (6:162) reminds believers: “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” These verses affirm, for Muslims of worshipping Allah alone and maintaining clear spiritual boundaries.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was dignified in his refusal to participate in controversial or conflicting activities. When faced with matters that did not accord with his way, he would simply say, “It is not of my way.”

Allah also says in the Noble Koran: “To you be your religion, and to me be mine.” (Surah Al-Kafirun 109:6)

This reflects a principled approach: Muslims can remain respectful towards others while declining to participate in practices that conflict with their faith.

The associated tricks and pranks can raise more serious concerns. Throwing eggs at cars and houses, damaging property or causing disruption is wrong, even when described as seasonal entertainment. Such behaviour can create fear, inconvenience and avoidable costs for residents, drivers, emergency services and taxpayers.

Food is also wasted when pumpkins are discarded or eggs are used in pranks rather than as nourishment, which some families find difficult to justify while many people face hardship and food insecurity.

The celebration’s commercialisation adds another concern for families who wish to limit consumer pressure. Costumes, decorations, sweets and themed entertainment can turn the occasion into another opportunity for consumer spending, encouraging some people to buy more and reinforcing a culture in which many events become markets.

One outside decoration of a three ghost family statue that makes an eerie sound at ten-minute intervals costs $127!

Avoiding Hallowe’en does not require condemning those who celebrate it. Muslim families can remain courteous, show kindness to neighbours and children, and respectfully decline participation. A simple explanation that the family does not celebrate Hallowe’en is usually sufficient.

Hallowe’en celebrations contradict Islamic values as Muslims never ever treat death or the supernatural as entertainment. We do not or should not under any circumstances waste food; we adamantly discourage unhealthy consumption or allowing commercial pressure to define celebration.

Respect does not require imitation. We simply can agree to disagree on the celebrations of Hallowe’en.

Bermuda stay safe, show kindness and respect one another all the time.

May the upcoming week be amazing.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam