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. Trust Allah

Trusting in Allah is the expense for achieving whatever worthwhile and the ladder toward whatever elevating.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.

2. The All-Present 

Feeling Allah in every breath is more advantageous than exhausting your body in worshipping Him.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.

3. Four Things a Believer Needs 

The believer is in need of Allah's favor, his/her inner guide, and being open to the goodwill of the well-wishers.

 Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 457.

4. Visiting Friends 

Visiting your friends, even for a short time, improves your health and elevates your mind.

al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.329.

5. Do not Trust Unheedfully 

Trusting someone before making sure [of his/her personality] ends up in pain and catastrophe.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.364.

6. Prosperity 

The believer prospers in not depending on others.

 al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.109.

7. The Hidden Secret

Life reveals the hidden secrets to you, [as it goes by]. 

 al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.365.

8. Allah's Supervision

Know that you are constantly under Allah's supervision, so beware of yourself.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 455.

9. Wrong Deeds

If you approve of a wrong deed, you will be considered to have a share in committing it.

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.82.

10. Ask Your Needs from Allah

Whoever turns to anyone other than Allah, Allah will leave his/her matters to that other person. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

11. Don't Be Pretentious 

Don't pretend to be Allah's friend while being His enemy in secret. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.365.

12. Going through a Deed

If you are confused about entering a deed, you'll be desperate in coming out of it.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.364.

13. Receiving Affection

You receive affection through gaining three characteristics; being fair in your relations, sympathizing [with others] in their hardship and happiness, and keeping your heart unstained [from sins]. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.139.

14. A Mischievous Person

Avoid befriending a mischievous person, since he/she is like a bare blade whose look is alluring, while its impact [wound] is hideous. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p.198.

15. Generosity 

The good that generous people do for others benefits them more than the ones in need of help since its reward, honor, and reputation belong to them. Therefore, any favor that one does first benefits him/herself. So he/she shouldn't expect to be gratified for what he/she has done. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.137.

16. Sincerity 

The best worship is sincerity in [intention]. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.109.

17. Listening to Someone

When you listen to a speaker, you have turned into his/her slave (follower); if the speaker's words are directed toward Allah Almighty, the listener has glorified Allah, and if his/her words are directed toward Satan, the listener has worshipped Satan.

 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.434.

18. Being Thankful 

The blessing, which is not gratified, is like a sin, which has not forgiven. 

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.

19. Relying on a Mischievous Person

The least punishment of the one who relies on a mischievous person is being deprived of his/her aspiration.

Aziz Allah, Atarodi, Mosnad Imam al-Jawad (AS), p.248.

20. Unwise Words

Unwise words cause many disputes.

 Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.

21. Piety

If you stay pious despite being in a chaotic situation, Allah will bestow His mercy upon you and show you a way out.

Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.

22. Death

Death is like your sleep at night, except that the fatal sleep is longer, and you won't wake up from it until the Day of Judgement.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.3, p.134. 

23. Hope

The needs are requested by hope and answered by divine will. Undoubtedly, the best blessing is well-being.  

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.

24. Your Trustee and Guardian

The one whom Allah is his/her trustee and guardian will never go astray or get disappointed. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

25. Salvation

Whoever desires Allah will surely be saved. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.

26. Foresight

Unexpected incidents and calamities will devour the one who lacks foresight.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.340.

27. Blaming People

Blaming people without any evidence or reason causes anger and distress, and they will never forgive you for this.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.71, p.181.

28. Your Daughter's Suitor

If you are sure about the piety, faith, and trustworthiness of your daughter's suitor, agree to his request; otherwise, it will lead to great misfortune and ruin. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.347.

29. The Ignorant

There will be no dispute among people if the ignorant remain silent.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.

30. Consider Different Aspects of a Task

Whoever accepts and submits [to a task, command, etc.] without considering its different aspects, has exposed him/herself to destruction and distress. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 364.

31.  Dependence and Independence 

People will be dependent on the one who, by relying on Allah, considers himself independent. And the pious will naturally be favored by people even if they aren't pious themselves. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 79.

32. Learning

Strive in gaining knowledge and wisdom, and know that learning is obligatory (Wajib) and discussing [what has been learned] is recommended (Mustahab).

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

33. Imam Jawad (AS) Knowledge 

Knowledge is the means of helping friends and relatives, the reason for and sign of fairness, a gift and means of entertainment in gatherings, the human's companion in travel, and one's mate in lonely times. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

34. Modesty and Humility 

Modesty and humility are the adornments of knowledge and wisdom.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.

35. Politeness 

Politeness and being good-natured are signs of reason and forbearance.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.

36. Patience, Poverty, Impulses

Rely on patience in all your life, see poverty as your companion, and stand against your whims and impulses. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 358.  

37. Prayer (Salat)

One should perform prayer (Salat) in a modest manner. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p. 131.

38. Repentance

The conditions for your repentance to be accepted by Allah are feeling regret at heart, asking for forgiveness by the tongue, compensating for your mistakes, and being determined not to commit those sins again. 

Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.349.  

39. Two Kinds of Knowledge 

There are two kinds of knowledge; one is heard, and the other is practiced [besides being heard]. There is no use in the knowledge that is heard but not practiced. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.

 40. Injustice

The one who does an injustice, the one who participates in it, and the one who is content with it all have a share in it.  

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.