Link: http://therealsingapore.com/content/singaporean-ex-muslims-perspective-%...
Here, regarding the call for Muslims to not partake in Halloween is actually not much different in the core reasoning. They are afraid the younger Muslims would be Ex Muslims by partaking in non-Muslim events.
Link: http://therealsingapore.com/content/msia-warns-muslims-not-take-part-hal...
For those who follow the news about fundamentalists over the years, you would notice that they have basically condemned or disapprove Muslims from joining in on a lot of celebrations.
They are against Christmas:
http://i.imgur.com/74noBlo.jpg
New Year
http://i.imgur.com/zAXzD4z.jpg
Valentine’s Day
http://i.imgur.com/ZhFdP0K.png
And here’s the craziest one yet, Mother’s day
Now the rationale behind this is quite simple and they explained it in the article as well. They simply do not want muslims to intermingle with people of other faiths and/or culture. They fear that the younger muslims will actually learn about all this other cultures and from the knowledge they receive, will stray away from the religion and from the cultural norm.
From example, Christmas is celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ (note: not historically accurate) and will lead muslims to question why there is a totally different story about Jesus than what they are taught? Celebrating New Year would question why are there two sets of calendar they must follow? Valentine’s day is a celebration of the culture love between couples which is forbidden in Islam, you’re supposed to not come into contact with the opposite sex until you’re married and even then, now show your affection in public.
All these celebrations will be attractive to the younger demographics that have the desire to learn more about the world. And also speaking from experience, Muslim holiday celebrations gets boring after a while. Going to the mosque to pray, visiting families, eating a feast and praying some more doesn’t really scream “FUN” for the younger audience compared to exchanging gifts with family and friends, going to a New Year’s party, celebrating a day with that special someone and dressing up for the fun of being scared.
But remember, Islam is more than just a religion. Countries like Malaysia have Islam as a political system and even as a campaign platform. To them, letting the younger demographics to celebrate all these non-muslim celebrations not only might lead them away from mainstream Islam, but also their confidence in what keeping the religious leaders and officials in power.
So, for those who still believe in Malaysia, I invite you to open your mind and experience all the cultures of the world. Life is a lot bigger than what than what the Islamic culture can offer you. Or you can close yourself off and remain in the religion of your birth.
Assume nothing. Question everything. And start thinking.