WHERE DID THIS HOLIDAY COME FROM?

Halloween originates from old Irish pagan practices. It was believed that on October 31st, supernatural forces gathered in the human world. Supposedly, the lord of the dead gathered all the souls of the dead from the previous year who dwelled in animals, and would announce which animal the souls would dwell in, in the coming year.

TRICK-OR-TREATING

It is said that if a household gives something to a costume-clad child, the dead will not harm their household.

ISLAM'S PERSPECTIVE

Shirk, Shirk, Shirk. (idolatry)

No matter how 'fun' this day may look to be, it is wrong for a Muslim child to dress up in a strange manner and beg at the door of strangers - even if it may just be for candy.

Halloween sends across the message that it is 'okay' to believe in witches, evil spirits, and satanic worship. By trying to please these dead spirits, as if, equal to God, it is definitely a form of shirk/idolatry. Moreover, Islam believes that spirits cannot come back from the dead, nor can they be reborn in any form (eg. animals) in this world. As a Muslim, do not try to mix in with the West and get embroiled in hidden shirk/idolatry.

The Qur'an says:

HALLOWEEN TODAY

Nowadays, Halloween is a holiday that is being abused by older children as a way to frighten people in their homes, disrespect elders, and cause disturbances. Thus, Muslim children should instead increase their connection with God.

Many people start following practices that they see practiced in society without thinking. Carelessly, some Muslims parents let their children participate in these traditions without any thought to its origin. But as Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has stated, "any 'fun' that is based on shirk is to be avoided".

6 TIPS FOR PARENTS

It can be difficult for a child to fully grasp the reason he/she is not allowed to dress up or go trick-or-treating - especially in the West! Children see their classmates in costumes, and may feel left-out if they are unable to do the same. I've compiled a list of a few actions that parents can take, to ensure that they can help their children better understand the reason for not celebrating Halloween.

1. Get The Facts - Parents should know where Halloween originated from and why it is harmful so that they are able to explain it to their children (I hope this post has helped with that!).
2. Unity - Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page! The last thing you want is for one partner to be explaining the reason Halloween is harmful, while the other spouse counters their arguments!
3. Explain the Facts - Children are smarter than you think! When children ask "why," a simple, "because you can't!" will not suffice! You need to explain all the facts, as stated in this post! 
4. Accept Reality - Children will compare themselves to other Muslim families who perhaps do celebrate Halloween. It is important that you explain to them that every family does things differently, it does not mean their decision is right for your family!
5. Get Their Mind Off Halloween - If you and your child agree, keep them home from school on Halloween. Instead, do activities with them to get their mind off of what they feel they may be missing out on. Remind them that they are not missing out on anything! 
6. Build Up the Excitement for Islamic Holidays - Living in the West, it is hard to avoid the excitement for Western holidays. Sometimes it looks as if Halloween and Christmas decor is literally everywhere. It seems that everyone is talking about their costumes on Halloween or presents on Christmas. For this reason, it is important for parents to ensure that there is an excitement being built up at home for the children to know Eid is coming up. It is not necessary for you to spoil them with presents or adopt new traditions. However, don't make them feel as if the other holidays are 'better' just because they live in the West. 

Sources:
Friday Sermon - October 29th, 2010 - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba)