It might have happened to you that when there is a ladder leaned against a wall and as you want to pass under it, someone calls you and says: “Do not pass under a ladder!” You might think it's crazy, or you might find it acceptable and even follow it. Which one is true? If you decide to follow Islam as your faith, should you follow those superstitious beliefs or ignore them all at once?

What Is Superstition?

Collins Concise English Dictionary defines superstition as an irrational belief usually founded upon ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc. [1]. Superstitious beliefs are not limited to a particular faith or region; all nations and clans have their own beliefs, followed by their fears and ignorance. They are mostly routed in the past of a nation, transferred from generation to generation.

Does Islam Say Anything about Superstitions?

Islam defines superstition as all the words, manners and beliefs without a religious or logical base and backbone [2].

The Quran defines superstition as a burden put upon the human mind and soul by his/her own hands. It introduces Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) to us as the last messenger of Allah, responsible to make things clear for his followers to see what to do and believe in, and what not to do and ignore [3]. 

"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be successful.” (7:157)

Shackles are those beliefs human beings had or might have, which made them do things and stop doing some others with no definite reason or scientific study and research. It is the duty of Islam to guide people to accept everything they believe in with their hearts and minds sure of it, which requires research and reasoning. 

But What If I Still Want to Follow Superstitions in Which I Believe?

Well, there was a time when superstitions were limited to passing under a ladder or seeing a black cat. But now, superstitions are more woven in the lives of people. Reports have shown that a quarter of adults in the United States consider themselves to be so. American Youths are more superstitious than the elders, and 70 percent of them rely on luck charms for better academic results. According to some scientific research, this occurs because people think superstitions can relieve their anxieties, improve their performances and help them pay the extra costs of an adverse outcome, be it financial, mental, or whatsoever [4]. 

As you might also conclude, superstitions have not only been less common, but also they are becoming more frequent among young Americans. There are ways to overcome those beliefs which we are going to discuss in our next article. Still, aside from that, these words uncover one fact: when you follow superstitions and believe in them, they will take the lead in your life and the life of your children, family, friends, etc. One day you might come up with the fact that many of your friends' fears passing under a ladder, too.

The other outcome of following superstitious beliefs is a weaker mental belief in a superpower. Put simply, when you believe in superstitions, you see other powers, be it of Satan, natural elements, or any other thing, stronger and more effective than that of Allah. You might not mean or think that way, but being superstitious makes you so. 

One last important aftermath of this system of thinking is a feeble religious mind, one which is easily broken, misled, and gone far away from the straightway of truth. Superstitions weaken your faith, and then they weaken you. A weak person goes forward with a slow speed.

These are the least consequences of superstitious beliefs. You might think about the ways of overcoming these thoughts and getting rid of them which we will discuss later. 

So, Are you still afraid of passing under a ladder?

References

1.  Collins Concise English Dictionary at Word Reference Online Language dictionaries
2. Mokhtaripour, Marziyeh Islam, Superstitions and their Prevention Pasdar Islam, Vol. 385 
3.   Makarim Shirazi, Nemuneh Interpretation of Quran, Vol 1, P 184
4.   Sandoiu, Ana How do Superstitions affect our Psychology and Wellbeing  September 2019
    

1. Speak at the Right Time

Don’t speak when it’s not a good time to talk. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no. 10274. 

2. A Day of Celebration

Any day on which you don’t commit sins or disobey Allah is a day of celebration (Eid). 

Nahj al-Balagha, Wisdom no.428. 

3. The Effect of Nature 

Looking at nature brings happiness.

Nahj al-Balagha, Wisdom no.400. 

4. Two Valuable Blessings in Imam Ali (AS)'s Words 

There are two things whose worth you will find out only after losing them; youth and health.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, vol. 1, p.449.

5. Difference with Children 

Do not impose your own traditions on your children, since they are living in a different era than yours. 

Ibn abi al-Hadid, Interpretation of Nahj al-Balagha, vol.20, p.286. 

6. Who to Consult and Who not to Consult

Consult with your wise enemy, but avoid your ignorant friend’s advice. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.2471.

7. The Best Candidates to Consult

The wise, knowledgeable, experienced, and prudent ones are the best to consult with. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.4990.

8. When to Consult 

Consult before making decisions and think before taking action.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.5754.

9. Be Patient with Your Job's Difficulties 

If you don’t endure the difficulties of working, you are made to bear the misfortunes of poverty.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8987.

 10. Be Kind

Be kind to the less privileged ones than you, so that your superiors be kind to you. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith no. 6960. 

11. Respect Your Father and Teacher

Rise in respect to your father and your teacher, even if you possess a high status. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.2341.

12. The Foundation of the World according to Imam Ali (AS)

The world is founded on justice. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith no. 11955. 

13. Observe Justice 

The fairest among you is the one who observes justice between people while in power.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.3242.

14. Treat others as you expect to be treated

The fairest manner is to treat people the way you expect them to treat you. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.3170.

15. Quality is more important than Quantity for Imam Ali (AS)

Don’t worry about how fast you do a job; instead, observe the best quality in whatever you do. 

Ibn abi al-Hadid, Interpretation of Nahj al-Balagha, vol.20, p.267. 

16. The Worst Homeland

The worst homeland is the one that doesn’t keep its citizens safe. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.5712.

17. How to Start a Deed

You need to have enough knowledge of a deed before doing it. 

Nahj al-Bakagha, p.171.  

18. Do Every Deed on its Own Time 

Do every day’s work on that specific day, since each task is due to its special day. 

Nahj al-Balagha, letter no.53.  

19. Keep Your Promises

The ones who don’t keep their promise do not believe in Allah. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.9577.

20. Don't Break Your Promise to Children 

It’s beneath you to make a promise to your child and not keep it. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.342. 

21. Be Childlike 

If you have a child, be childlike with him/her. 

Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.50. 

22. Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today 

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come, while today is a precious chance for you to make the most of it.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.9840.

23. An Unplanted Land

The heart of the teenage is like an unplanted land that is ready to receive any seed planted in it. 

Nahj al-Balagha, letter no. 31. 

24. Read Books

The greatest peace is obtained by reading books. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8126.

25. Scholars' Heaven 

Find the scholars’ heaven within the pages of the books. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.991.

26. The Perfection of Religion

The perfection of religion is in seeking knowledge and making use of it. 

Usul al-Kafi, vol.1, p.30.

27. What is Said not Who Said it 

Pay attention to what is said, not who is saying it. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.5048.

28. Think instead of Talking

Try to ponder and understand instead of quoting. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith no. 3355.

29. Help Others

You will be helped, the same way as you help others. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.7209.

30. The Faithful as Defined by Imam Ali (AS)

The faithful who help the destitute in the hardships and misfortunes of their lives are loved most by Allah.

Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.376.

31. Peace is Better Than War

I found peace, so far as it won’t degrade Islam, more beneficial than war. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.10138.

32. You Make a Mistake, too!

Don’t be happy about the mistakes of others, since you are not perfect either. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.10294.

33. Respect to be Respected 

Talk respectfully to people to hear respectful responses. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.2568.

34. The Power of Optimism 

Optimism reduces despair and keeps you away from committing sins. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.4823.

 35. Do not Measure Truth Based on People 

What is right is not distinguished by the people; You should first know what is right to find the ones following it.

al-Fattal al-Neyshaburi, Rawḍat al-wāʿiẓīn wa baṣīrat al-muttaʿiẓīn, p.31.

36. Be at Peace

Whoever avoids holding grudges, his/her heart and mind will remain at peace. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8548.

37. Be Thankful and Patient 

Be thankful to Allah on your days of comfort and happiness, and be patient on the days of difficulty and hardship.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.7148.

38. The Precious Blessing of Health 

Health is more precious than any other of Allah’s blessings. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, p.483.

39. Women in Islam

Women are Allah’s trusts upon you, do not hurt them, and do not put pressure on them.

Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol.2, p.551.

40. Make the most of Your Happy Moments 

Enjoy your moments of happiness with all your heart to help you at the time of sadness. 

Ibn abi al-Hadid, Interpretation of Nahj al-Balagha, vol.20, p.286.