To all the Samawi friends and believers across the world:
Halloween is a most unconventional and blessed festival which regards the respect for the dead as sacred duty, unites families, and connects the youth to one another. It is these days, known as Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day, which hold the title of "Festival of the Dead", such festivals of which have been held in one manner or another across numerous spiritual traditions. While many relate Halloween to the traditional harvest festival of Samhain, it must be stated that this particular festive season known as Hallowtide originated not with the ancient Celtic people but with none other than the Catholics and Christians who, at times of great persecution had no option to remember their loved ones beyond lighting a candle quietly in the woods and this being accused of witchcraft, whilst so many Christians in bitter irony push this tradition and the pain of their forefathers away for the same accusations of paganism. And yet, whether Halloween is considered by one as pagan or Christian, respect for the dead and those who have spent their lives walking the spiritual path is a veritable cause worth championing.
This Halloween, I held vigil and remembered you. Prayer was held for the progress of the soul and the achievement of lofty goals and desires. Come sunrise on All Saints Day, remembrance was given to all such holy saints, both the living and the dead, and on All Souls Day, I remembered the names of those souls who had passed on that were important to myself and to others, and I spoke these names directly to Sama'u'llah, and wished their souls to be imparted with the light of truth that they may attain liberation. When Hallowtide comes, this is the type of practice what one ought to carry out.
Soon comes Diwali, a most ancient festival celebrating the return of the avatar Rama to the sacred capital of Ayodhya with his wife Sita, having defeated the family of the evil Ravana. It is also the day in which your Guardian as a Sikh calls Bandhi Chhor Divas, the day in which Guru Hargobind was released from Fort Gwalior's death row. So, too, was this the veritable day in which Meher Baba had ended a difficult fast. This day is a day for all religions to unite under the banner of friendship and truth; Samawi should associate with Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and all others who celebrate the festival of Diwali, both as an opportunity to bond and also to learn about the culture of another. As Meher Baba said, when the festive lamps are lit for Diwali, it is up to us to light the lamp of love within our hearts for our fellow man. In this way, I have asked you to remember each other's loved ones who have passed, embrace what one another loves, and give your love to one another. This is the Samawi way.
With love,
-Zahratallah, Guardian of the Samawi Faith.