Portlandghosts.com Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Portlandghosts.com offers ghost tours that delve into the purported “haunted” history and paranormal tales of Portland, Oregon.

While the site presents itself as an immersive experience into the city’s darker past, it’s crucial to understand that engaging with concepts of ghosts, spirits, and supernatural occurrences like those described e.g., “poltergeists and psychopaths,” “lingering spirits,” “ghostly activity,” “cursed areas” falls into categories that are generally not permissible from an Islamic perspective.

The focus on exploring and even seeking out interactions with what are presented as disembodied entities can be seen as an engagement with the unseen world in a way that is discouraged, as it can open doors to superstition, fear, and even potentially harmful influences, rather than fostering a reliance on Allah SWT and His protection.

Instead of seeking thrills in tales of the supernatural, which often sensationalize misfortune and tragedy, there are far more enriching and permissible ways to explore a city’s history and culture.

One can focus on the architectural marvels, the natural beauty, the philanthropic efforts of its early citizens, or the development of its communities.

Learning about the real-life struggles and triumphs of historical figures provides valuable lessons and appreciation for human resilience, without venturing into speculative or superstitious domains.

Engaging with local history through museums, historical societies, or even walking tours that focus on verifiable facts, cultural heritage, and positive contributions offers a much more beneficial and spiritually sound alternative.

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Portlandghosts.com: A Closer Look at the “Supernatural” Offerings

Based on checking the website, Portlandghosts.com is dedicated to providing guided ghost tours in Portland, Oregon.

The entire premise revolves around exploring locations purported to be haunted, delving into “bizarre tales, dark history, and ghosts lurking.” From an Islamic standpoint, involvement with such activities is problematic.

Islam teaches us to rely solely on Allah and seek refuge with Him from all harm, seen and unseen.

Engaging with topics like “ghosts” and “spirits” in a way that seeks to contact them, dwell on their supposed presence, or become engrossed in their stories can lead to fear, superstition, and a diversion from the true understanding of the unseen world as taught in the Quran and Sunnah.

The Allure of the Unknown: Why People Are Drawn to Ghost Tours

The website clearly capitalizes on humanity’s innate curiosity about the unknown and the thrill of fear.

• Narrative Appeal: Ghost tours often provide compelling stories, historical anecdotes, and dramatic narratives. People are naturally drawn to well-told tales, especially those with an element of mystery or suspense.
• Psychological Thrill: For many, the idea of encountering the supernatural offers a harmless adrenaline rush, akin to watching a horror movie. It’s a controlled environment to experience fear.
• Historical Context Distorted: While these tours often weave in elements of real history, they sensationalize tragic events, focusing on death and despair rather than broader historical context. For example, the site mentions “Shanghai Tunnels” and “Erickson’s Saloon” with tales of “barbarity” and “shameless acts of debauchery.”
• Social Experience: Ghost tours can be a unique social activity, a way to experience something memorable with friends or family. They offer a shared experience that can foster bonding over perceived spooky encounters.

However, for a believer, this engagement with the unseen through the lens of fear and superstition is a distraction from what truly matters.

The unseen world, including jinn and angels, is real, but our interaction with it is strictly defined by Islamic teachings, which emphasize seeking refuge with Allah from evil and not seeking out or dwelling on their presence in ways that breed superstition.

Portlandghosts.com Cons: Why Caution is Advised

Based on reviewing Portlandghosts.com, several aspects raise concerns for a Muslim audience, aligning with the discouragement of activities that promote superstition or dabble in the unseen world without proper guidance.

• Promotion of Superstition: The core business is built on the belief in and active seeking of “ghosts” and “spirits.” This directly contradicts Islamic teachings that warn against superstition and the belief in entities having power or influence outside of Allah’s will. The website’s language, such as “meet the real ghosts,” “ghost-infested places,” and “unexplained otherworldly activity,” normalizes and even encourages such beliefs.
• Focus on the Macabre and Tragic: The tours highlight “horrendous library of death, sadistic acts, and remorseless murderers,” and “cursed history overflowing with nefarious and deadly criminal activity.” While history itself can be dark, focusing on these elements for entertainment can desensitize individuals to genuine suffering and promote a morbid curiosity.
• Association with Forbidden Elements: One specific tour, “Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl,” explicitly links ghost tours with alcohol “make a toast to Portland’s nightlife”. This is a clear red flag, as alcohol consumption is unequivocally forbidden in Islam. Even if one does not partake, being in an environment that promotes it, especially alongside a questionable activity like ghost hunting, is best avoided.
• Potential for Fear and Anxiety: While some seek a thrill, others, particularly impressionable individuals or those with existing anxieties, may find such tours genuinely disturbing. The website’s description of “bloodcurdling nature of their deaths” and allowing “your own mind do most of the work, imagining the pain, and turmoil, the injustice, and fear” is designed to evoke strong negative emotions, which is not conducive to spiritual well-being.
• Diversion from Purposeful Activities: Time and resources spent on engaging with speculative supernatural entertainment could be better utilized for activities that build character, strengthen faith, benefit the community, or acquire beneficial knowledge.

Portlandghosts.com Alternatives: Wholesome Exploration of Portland

Instead of delving into the speculative and superstitious, there are numerous permissible and enriching ways to experience Portland’s history and unique character.

These alternatives foster appreciation, learning, and physical well-being without compromising one’s values. Iconbydesign.com.au Reviews

• Historical Walking Tours Fact-Based:
  • Focus on Architecture: Explore Portland’s diverse architectural styles, from Victorian homes in Nob Hill to modern downtown structures. Many tours focus on the city’s historical buildings and their true stories.
  • Pioneer History: Learn about the early settlers, their challenges, and how they built the city. Look for tours that cover topics like the Oregon Trail, early industries, or the development of specific neighborhoods.
  • Cultural Heritage: Discover the history of various cultural groups that contributed to Portland’s identity, such as the Chinese, Japanese, or African American communities.
  • Example: Many local historical societies or university outreach programs offer guided walks focusing on documented historical facts, influential figures, and the city’s development, such as the “Architectural Heritage Center tours” or “Oregon Historical Society walking tours.”
• Nature and Outdoor Activities:
  • Forest Park: Explore one of the largest urban forests in the United States. It offers miles of hiking trails, fresh air, and stunning natural beauty. This is a great way to reflect on Allah’s creation.
  • International Rose Test Garden: Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of thousands of rose varieties, offering a sensory and calming experience.
  • Waterfront Activities: Take a walk along the Willamette River, or consider a boat tour that focuses on the city’s relationship with its waterways and bridges.
  • Mount Tabor Park: Hike up an extinct volcano within city limits for panoramic views of Portland and the surrounding mountains.
• Educational and Cultural Institutions:
  • Oregon Historical Society Museum: Delve into well-researched exhibits covering Oregon’s past, from indigenous cultures to modern developments. This provides authentic, verifiable knowledge.
  • Portland Art Museum: Experience art from various periods and cultures, fostering appreciation for creativity and human expression.
  • Powell’s City of Books: Spend hours exploring this iconic independent bookstore, a true intellectual treasure where you can find books on any subject, including history, science, and faith.
• Community Engagement and Volunteerism:
  • Instead of consuming entertainment, consider dedicating time to local initiatives. Volunteer at a food bank, an environmental cleanup project, or a community garden. This provides true fulfillment and benefits others.
  • Engage with local mosques and Islamic centers. They often host events, lectures, and community gatherings that provide spiritual nourishment and a sense of belonging.

These alternatives offer genuine learning, appreciation for creation, and opportunities for positive social interaction, aligning far better with Islamic principles of seeking beneficial knowledge and engaging in wholesome activities.

Understanding the Islamic Perspective on “Ghosts” and the Unseen

In Islam, the concept of “ghosts” as disembodied human spirits lingering on Earth is not accepted.

When people claim to see or experience “ghosts,” it’s understood from an Islamic perspective that these are often misidentified experiences with jinn جن. Jinn are intelligent, unseen beings created by Allah from smokeless fire, who coexist with humanity on Earth.

They have their own societies, beliefs, and free will, and like humans, some are righteous, and some are disobedient Shayateen, or devils.

• Jinn and Their Interactions: Jinn can, at times, interact with humans, sometimes by deception, causing fear, or even possessing individuals. This is why Islam emphasizes seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of jinn and devils, especially through Quranic recitations like Ayat al-Kursi and the last three surahs Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas.
• Dangers of Seeking Contact: Actively seeking out or engaging with supposed “ghosts” or performing rituals to contact spirits is strictly forbidden in Islam. This practice can lead to:
  • Shirk Associating partners with Allah: Believing that these entities have power or can influence events independently of Allah.
  • Opening Doors to Harm: Unintentionally inviting negative jinn influence or possession, which can lead to psychological distress, fear, and spiritual weakness.
  • Superstition and Fear: Fostering irrational fears and superstitions, diverting one’s reliance and trust from Allah.
  • Manipulation by Deceptive Jinn: Disobedient jinn may appear in various forms or cause disturbances to mislead and frighten humans, often feeding off their fear.

Therefore, for a Muslim, instead of exploring “haunted” sites, the focus should be on strengthening one’s connection with Allah, adhering to His commands, and seeking His protection from all evil, seen and unseen.

This approach provides true peace and security, far more than any thrill or sensationalism derived from ghost tours.

Portlandghosts.com Pricing and Value Proposition from a Skeptical View

The website lists several tours with varying prices and durations, aiming to justify its cost through the promise of a unique, “spooky” experience.

• Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths:
  • Price: Starting at $25
  • Duration: 1 Hour
  • Value Proposition: Promises encounters with “real ghosts,” focusing on “weird and shocking meets wicked and supernatural.” The meeting location is 722 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97209.
• Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl:
  • Price: Starting at $30
  • Duration: 2 Hours
  • Value Proposition: Combines ghost stories with a pub crawl, described as “immersive evening of fun and fright as we make a toast to Portland’s nightlife.” The meeting location is 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205. As noted earlier, the inclusion of “booze” makes this option explicitly impermissible.
• Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour:
  • Price: Starting at $29
  • Value Proposition: Advertised as experiencing “Oregon’s most haunted city and its horrendous library of death, sadistic acts, and remorseless murderers late into the dark night.” Meeting location: 722 NW Glisan St Portland, OR, 97209.

From a practical perspective, the value is subjective and depends entirely on one’s interest in fictionalized historical accounts and supernatural speculation.

For someone seeking an adrenaline rush or a unique, albeit questionable, social experience, the pricing might seem reasonable.

However, for those seeking factual historical knowledge, cultural enrichment, or spiritually permissible entertainment, the value proposition is virtually nonexistent. Blacks.ca Reviews

Considering that these tours are based on folklore and unsubstantiated claims rather than verifiable facts, the investment of time and money could be better allocated.

For instance, for a similar price, one could visit multiple museums, attend a lecture on authentic Portland history, or enjoy a meal at a local eatery that promotes ethical and permissible food.

The “value” here is largely an illusion based on manufactured thrills and the allure of the forbidden.

How to Opt for Wholesome Alternatives Instead

If one has mistakenly considered or even booked a tour like those offered by Portlandghosts.com, the immediate step is to seek out and engage with the many wholesome and beneficial alternatives Portland offers.

This is about consciously redirecting one’s time, energy, and resources towards activities that align with a purposeful and spiritually fulfilling life.

1. Research Reputable Historical Organizations:
   • Oregon Historical Society: Check their website ohs.org for upcoming exhibitions, lectures, and walking tours that are based on verifiable historical facts. They often have engaging displays that bring history to life without sensationalism.
   • Architectural Heritage Center: visitahc.org Offers a wide array of tours focused on Portland’s architecture and the genuine stories behind its historic buildings. Their emphasis is on preservation and education.
   • Local Libraries and Universities: Many public libraries, like Multnomah County Library, and local universities e.g., Portland State University, University of Oregon Portland campus host free or low-cost historical talks, cultural events, and workshops that provide authentic insights.
2. Explore Portland’s Natural Beauty:
   • Forest Park: Simply show up and enjoy the extensive network of trails for hiking or walking. It’s free and offers immense peace and reflection.
   • Washington Park: Home to the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden though admission applies, and the Oregon Zoo. These offer diverse experiences focused on nature, art, and conservation.
   • Waterfront Park: A beautiful urban green space along the Willamette River, perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying the city views.
3. Visit Cultural and Educational Hubs:
   • Powell’s City of Books: A truly immersive experience for book lovers. Spend hours exploring its vast collection, from history to spirituality, self-improvement, and much more. It’s an opportunity for deep learning and discovery.
   • Portland Art Museum: Check their schedule for exhibits. Art appreciation can elevate the spirit and offer new perspectives.
   • OMSI Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: While not historical, it offers engaging and educational exhibits for all ages, promoting scientific inquiry and understanding of the natural world.
4. Engage with the Muslim Community:
   • Local Mosques and Islamic Centers: Attend community events, lectures, or classes. Many centers offer programs on Islamic history, Quranic studies, or character development, which are incredibly enriching.
   • Halal Restaurants and Shops: Support local halal businesses and explore the diverse culinary scene that adheres to permissible dietary guidelines.
5. Re-Allocate Funds for Charity:
   • If a ticket for a ghost tour was purchased, consider it a lesson learned. Instead of dwelling on it, make a conscious decision to donate an equivalent amount or more to a charitable cause. This transforms a potentially negative action into a positive one and earns rewards.

By choosing these wholesome alternatives, one not only avoids impermissible activities but also invests in experiences that truly enrich the mind, body, and spirit, aligning with a purposeful and meaningful lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portlandghosts.com a real website?

Yes, based on checking the website, Portlandghosts.com appears to be a legitimate operational website offering various ghost tours in Portland, Oregon.

What kind of tours does Portlandghosts.com offer?

Portlandghosts.com offers several types of ghost tours, including “Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths,” “Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl,” and “Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour,” all focusing on alleged haunted locations and dark historical tales in Portland.

How long are the tours offered by Portlandghosts.com?

The tours vary in length.

For example, the “Poltergeists and Psychopaths” tour and “Ultimate Dead of Night Tour” are 1 hour, while the “Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl” is 2 hours. Modernstoneage.com Reviews

What is the starting price for Portlandghosts.com tours?

The starting prices for Portlandghosts.com tours range from $25 to $30, depending on the specific tour chosen.

Does Portlandghosts.com offer tours nightly?

Yes, the website states that their ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine.

Where do Portlandghosts.com tours meet?

Meeting locations vary by tour.

For instance, the “Poltergeists and Psychopaths” and “Ultimate Dead of Night Tour” meet at 722 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97209, while the “Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl” meets at 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205.

Are Portlandghosts.com tours family-friendly?

The website claims to encourage the whole family, including younger members, to come on the tours, stating they aim to tell stories without excessive gore or jump scares, allowing the mind to do most of the work.

However, the themes revolve around death, murderers, and the macabre.

What historical sites does Portlandghosts.com claim to visit?

Portlandghosts.com claims to visit sites like the Shanghai Tunnels, Old Town Pizza located in the 1885 Merchant Hotel Building, Erickson’s Saloon, HooDoo Antiques, Electric Lettuce, and the Benson Hotel, among others, associating them with alleged hauntings.

Is the “Boos and Booze” tour permissible to attend?

No, from an Islamic perspective, the “Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl” is not permissible as it explicitly promotes and involves alcohol consumption, which is strictly forbidden in Islam.

What are some wholesome alternatives to Portlandghosts.com tours?

Wholesome alternatives include visiting the Oregon Historical Society Museum, exploring Forest Park, enjoying the International Rose Test Garden, browsing Powell’s City of Books, or attending lectures and events at local libraries and universities that focus on factual history and culture.

Can I get a refund if I cancel a Portlandghosts.com tour?

Based on common practices for tour operators, cancellation policies typically vary. Stockxkicks.com Reviews

It is best to check their direct website or contact them via their provided phone number 503 447-3409 for specific cancellation and refund policies.

How can I book a tour with Portlandghosts.com?

The website provides “Book This Tour” and “Book Now” buttons next to each tour description, indicating an online booking process is available.

Does Portlandghosts.com have a free trial?

No, the website does not mention any free trials for their tours. all tours appear to be paid experiences.

Does Portlandghosts.com offer gift options?

Yes, the website has a prominent “Get A Gift!” link, suggesting they offer gift certificates or similar options for their tours.

What contact method is available for Portlandghosts.com?

The website lists a phone number, 503 447-3409, and specifies that it can be used for both calls and texts.

Does Portlandghosts.com have customer reviews on their site?

Yes, the homepage features a section titled “The Experiences You’ve Heard About” with customer testimonials and ratings, stating “Read All Reviews.”

What kind of historical claims does Portlandghosts.com make?

Portlandghosts.com makes claims about Portland’s early history being “lawless,” with stories of “shanghaied” innocents, deadly criminal activity, and the alleged spirits of past residents who met tragic ends.

Does Portlandghosts.com focus on factual history or supernatural stories?

Based on the website’s content, Portlandghosts.com primarily focuses on supernatural stories and alleged hauntings, although it weaves in elements of Portland’s dark history to contextualize these tales.

Are there any religious or spiritual warnings against ghost tours?

Yes, from an Islamic perspective, engaging with activities that promote superstition, fear of the unseen beyond Allah, or attempts to interact with perceived spirits is discouraged.

It can lead to spiritual weakness and diversion from true faith. Shopmoment.com Reviews

What is the alternative spiritual perspective to “ghosts” in Islam?

In Islam, what people often perceive as “ghosts” are understood to be jinn, unseen beings created by Allah.

Islam emphasizes seeking Allah’s protection from evil jinn and avoiding activities that seek to engage with the unseen in unauthorized ways.