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bismi-lLahi-rRahmani-rRahiem In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful === News Update === Q and A on Holloween in Toronto Star Q: I run a small child care business in my home: I have three kids (3-year-olds), plus my own each day. One of the kids comes from a Muslim home. When the family contacted me in September, they asked me to promise I would not "indoctrinate" their child by celebrating religious holidays; our family is agnostic so that was easy. Last week, I sent home a note suggesting the kids come in Halloween costumes next Wednesday so we could have a little party. All the kids were excited, but the Muslim parents accused me of "breaking my promise" and demanded I cancel the party. I consider this ridiculous Halloween has nothing to do with Christianity! I tried to explain, but they were adamant. Must I deprive the rest of the kids (and myself I love Halloween) just to satisfy misinformed parents? A: Halloween becomes more like Christmas every year. Both have origins in pagan festivals. Both are fun for kids, involving late-night illuminations, the giving of gifts, and over-consumption of unhealthy foods. Neither has much to do with Christianity. But Halloween's roots are planted firmly in the soil of ancient religious practice both Celtic and Roman. It's certainly become part of Western culture. And it plays a major role in the dominant religion of our day: Consumerism. For all these reasons, some Muslims consider Halloween as "dangerous" a holiday as Christmas. The latter, at least, has a flickering connection with the birth of a man considered a prophet by Islam. So yes, you are stuck with your promise. Cancel the party. Send your questions to Ken Gallinger at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] Source: <http://www.thestar.com/News/Ideas/article/270942>http://www.thestar.com/News/Ideas/article/270942 source : www.montrealmuslimnews.net === -muslim voice- ______________________________________ BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW