But it probably doesn’t.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — Several Muslim groups are now training their guns on the coming Halloween festival, warning that the annual event to remember the dead is part of Western culture and could wrongly influence local Muslim youths.

According to a Sinar Harian Online report, banners promoting the October 31 event at a Seremban international school have triggered unease among the Muslim residents in the Negeri Sembilan township.

Ikatan Guru Muslim Malaysia (IGMM) deputy president Mohd Azizee Hassan said that the Halloween celebration is inappropriate as it clashes with Malaysian culture and traditions.

Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, and is celebrated every year on October 31, which is the eve of the Western Christian feast All Hallow’s Day or All Saints’ Day.

“I do not support such events because it could dilute the identities of the Muslim students in the said school,” Mohd Azizee was quoted saying in the Malay daily’s report today.

“Although the programme organisers have said that there are no religious elements in the event, it still shouldn’t be so heavily promoted as though we endorse such a festival.

“I worry that if the programme proceeds, it could destroy and threaten the faith of our Muslim students in the school,” he added.