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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION: ....................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 CULTURE: ............................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 OMENS: ................................................................................................................................ 2
2. PERSPECTIVE OF DEEN-E-ISLAM ON OMENS:.................................................................... 3
2.1 TEACHINGS OF ISLAM AND SHARIA ON OMENS: .......................................................... 3
2.2 IN THE LIGHT OF QURAN:.................................................................................................. 3
2.3 IN THE LIGHT OF HADITH: ................................................................................................. 4
3. OMENS IN LOCAL CONTEXT: .................................................................................................. 5
4. CONCLUSION: ........................................................................................................................... 6
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OMENS

1. INTRODUCTION:
Islam is an Abrahamic,Monothiestic,Universal religion teaching that there is only one God
"Allah" and that Muhammad(PBUH) is the messanger of God.Muslims believe that Islam is the
complete and universal version of a primordial faith.Muslims consider the Quran in its original
Arabic to be the unaltered and final revelation of God. Like other Abrahamic religions, Islam
also teaches a final judgment with the righteous rewarded paradise and unrighteous punished in
hell.Religious concepts and practices include the Five Pillars of Islam, which are obligatory acts
of worship, and following Islamic law (sharia), which touches on virtually every aspect of life
and society, from banking and welfare to women and the environment.There are some do's and
don'ts in Islam according to sharia but these restrictions are not followed in many areas and
cultures and people believe in such things and components which leads to shirk.One of the
cultural compenent which is restricted in Islam is Omen is discussed briefly in this report which
is prevailed and is in common practice in culture.
1.1 CULTURE:
Culture is the the ideas, customs, norms and social behaviour of a particular people or
society.Cultural universals are found in all human societies; these include expressive forms
like art, music, dance, ritual, religion, and technologies like tool usage, cooking, shelter, and
clothing. The concept of material culture covers the physical expressions of culture, such as
technology, architecture and art, whereas the immaterial aspects of culture such as principles
of social organization (including practices of political organization and social institutions),
mythology, philosophy, literature (both written and oral), and science comprise the intangible
cultural heritage of a society.
It is as naive to think that any religion encompasses the totality of culture as it is to think that
any culture is solely the product of a religion. Islam like many other religions claims to be
universal accommodating within its fold the cultures of all its adherents provided that the bounds
of the religious laws are not transgressed. Islam has broad parameters of rules and regulations
and within these parameters an African can remain as much a Muslim as a Pakistani or a
Bangladeshi or an English-man or Scots-man or an American or Chinese or any individual from
any country anywhere in the world.
1.2 OMENS:
An omen is defined as a sign portending a future event. An omen is viewed as a sign from the
natural world that delivers a message of some sort. Typically this message is seen as an
indicator of coming good or evil events. It’s not quite the same as divination, which is when
someone deliberately attempts to foretell what’s coming. Some omens are taken as signs of
good fortune while others are interpreted as a sign of impending evil. Many superstitions in
the name of good and bad omens are widespread in the world. Omens may be considered
either good or bad depending on their interpretation. The same sign may be interpreted
differently by different people or different cultures.
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2. PERSPECTIVE OF DEEN-E-ISLAM ON OMENS:

Before Islam the Arabs used to consider the direction in which birds flew to be a sign of good or
bad omen. If a person set out on a journey and saw a bird fly over him to his left, he would
return home. This practice was called tiyarah. The ancient Arabs took their omens from birds,
but other nations take theirs from elsewhere. In essence they are all
same. Therefore, tiyarah refers to a general belief in omens and the underlying shirk in all of
them is the same. Islam invalidated such superstitious practices because they direct a very
important worship of the heart – trust – to other than Allah.
The Prophet clarified that there was no concept of ill omens in Islam and that belief in ill omens
would lead individuals to polytheism (shirk). He stated that the cry of a bird or the way it flew
could not be interpreted as ill omens, and he advised that unusual objects and events be
interpreted in a positive way. He also mentioned that casting spells or carrying amulets would
harm the belief in tawhid (the Unity of God).
2.1 TEACHINGS OF ISLAM AND SHARIA ON OMENS:
Omens are prohibited in islam.Believing in omens is committing shirk. A Muslim should have a
clear understanding as to how it affects their belief. Omens are not meaningless little things
people just believe in; rather, they are based on pagan, non-Islamic ideas. One should keep in
mind that idolatry did not appear overnight. Rather, such superstitions first take root and open
the door to the worship of idols, human gods, and stars. Islam invalidated these practices as they
corrode the foundation of Tawheed al- ibaadah, by directing the form of worship known as Trust
(Tawakkul) to other than Allah; and tawheed Slowly people forget the pure teachings of their
prophets – tawheed - and mixed them with superstitions. Islam closes all such doors and uproots
every superstition that can destroy the simple, pure belief in tawheed.
Perhaps the concept of good and evil omens have always prevailed amongst many nations, all
through the ages; they interpreted certain things as auguring good for themselves and considered
them to be an indication for their victory and progress, and interpreted some others as portending
evil for themselves, looking upon them as a sign for their defeat, failure and lack of success. This
belief was held when there existed no logical relation whatsoever between these things and
victory and defeat; especially so in the case of 'evil omen', which was and is superstitious in
essence.
Although these two do not possess any natural effect and influence, nevertheless they can
undoubtedly possess a psychological bearing.
2.2 IN THE LIGHT OF QURAN:
In surah-Yasin it is said:
The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will
certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us."
(Surah Ya Sin, 18)
They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are
admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" (Surah Ya Sin, 19)

Many times, when Allâh Ta‘ala tried the unbelievers by sending a calamity, they would say to
the messengers of Allâh (peace be on them all),... Indeed, we augur an evil omen from you.
(36:18) The reply of the messengers was, Your auguring of evil omens is with yourselves
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(36:19), meaning, “The cause of your evil omens is in your own attitude, stemming from your
unbelief, stubbornness, and arrogance in regard to Allâh and His messengers.”

2.3 IN THE LIGHT OF HADITH:

What is said in Islam and proven in the Sunnah is that it is forbidden to believe in bad omens
(tatayyur) or warn others about them, and that this is a kind of shirk. Before Islam the Arabs used
to consider the direction in which birds flew to be a sign of good or bad omen. If a person set
out on a journey and saw a bird fly over him to his left, he would return home. This practice was
called tiyarah.
Al-Bukhaari (5776) and Muslim (2224) narrated from Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be
pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“There is no ‘adwa (transmission of infectious disease without the permission of Allaah)
and no tiyarah (superstitious belief in bird omens), but I like optimism.” They said, “What
is optimism?” He said, “A good word.
Tiyarah refers to a general belief in omens and the underlying shirk in all of them is the same.
Islam invalidated such superstitious practices because they direct a very important worship of the
heart – trust – to other than Allah. The Prophet, may he mercy and blessings of Allah be upon
him, said,
“Tiyarah is shirk, and the one who does it is not of us. Allah will relieve one from it (its
belief) by being dependant on Allah” (Al-Tirmidhi).

These superstitious beliefs attribute the ability to cause good or bad fortune to Allah’s creation.
Also, fear of misfortune and hope of good luck is directed to other than Allah, whereas it should
have been directed to Allah. Such beliefs also suppose it is possible to predict future events,
whereas Allah is the only One who knows what will happen in the future. Allah told the Prophet
in the Quran to say that if he had known the unseen, the Prophet would have gathered all the
good around himself (Quran 7:188)

Allah’s Messenger said,

“Tiyarah is shirk, tiyarah is shirk.” (Abu Dawud)

The evil omen, which the Arabs refer to as 'tatayyur' and 'tiyarah', is concerned, the Islamic
traditions strongly criticize it; the Qur’an too has repeatedly censured it.3 In a tradition we read
that the Noble Prophet (S) said:
"Auguring evil (and considering the evil omen to have an influence upon the life of man) is
a kind of polytheism (shirk)."

Strangely, the issue of good and evil omen had existed and suntil exists in industrially developed
countries and amidst intellectuals and even amongst celebrated geniuses.Predominantly, a good
omen induces hope and activity while an evil omen results in despondency, hopelessness and
weakness.
It is probably for this reason that whereas auguring good has not been prohibited in the Islamic
sources, auguring evil has been intensely criticised. A well-known tradition of the Noble Prophet
(S) states:
"Regard things as being good omens (and be hopeful) in order that you achieve it.”
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The existence of good omens, is not an important issue - it mainly possesses a positive impact
and influence. However, the factors of evil auguries must be opposed, fought and expelled from
the minds, and the best way for this is by strengthening the spirit of tawakkul (relying on Allah
(s.w.t.) ) and trust in Allah (s.w.t.) within the hearts, as has been stated in Islamic traditions.
Ibn Mas‘ood reported the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) as saying three
times, “Auguring evil omens is shirk (polytheism).”
And Ibn Mas‘ood added, “None of us fails to be affected by this, but Allâh removes such
influences through our trust in Him” (Reported by Abû Daoud and al-Tirmidhî.), meaning
that although there is no one among us who is not affected by this weakness at one time or
another, this weakness is removed from the heart of the person who turns to Allâh, trusting in
Him and not letting such ideas obsess him.

3. OMENS IN LOCAL CONTEXT:

Superstitions exist in all cultures, whether they are regarding eclipses, shattered glasses or
black cats,”. Within the Pakistani cultural ethos, superstitions are common and things like
magic, omens, nazar-e-bud (evil eye) and witchcraft have inculcated themselves into our
belief systems and daily lives. We often hear how avoiding scissors or ladders at night can
safeguard us from evil or placing money-plants inside our homes can thwart financial
instability.
The following are a few examples of numerous widespread omens which my relatives, grand
parents and surrounding people believes in:
 If black cat comes in your way while you are walking than its a bad omen, that is something
bad is going to happen.
 Don't walk over that child, it'll stop growing.
 Itch in the right palm? You are going to be rich!
 Never call one back when the person is leaving.It is a bad omen.
 Do not open and close these scissors without any reason, it will cause domestic problems.
 Don't clip your finger/toe nails at night, it will bring bad luck.
 Crow crowing on the wall? Guests are to be expected.
 If your left eye twitches something bad is going to happen.
 Breaking of a glass wear or dishes is considered as bad luck and also good luck .
 Breaking a mirror means suffering seven years of bad luck: After glass mirrors were
introduced, the Romans took the broken mirror as a sign of bad luck, since each piece
reflected and multiplied their ‘other self’.
 Friday 13th: Western culture has considered Friday 13th particularly unlucky for hundreds of
years. The sixth day of the week has often been considered unlucky, as has the number
13. The combination, which occurs one to three times a year, leads inevitably to this
reinforced superstition.
 Spilling Salt: when you spill any amount of salt, you ought to take a pinch and toss it over
your left shoulder. By doing this, the superstition says, you drive away any evil spirits
attracted to the spill who may want to cause misfortune for the unlucky spiller.

 Unlucky 13:There are few numbers like 9, 13, 17 which aren’t believed to be good times or
dates to begin something new. They are the unlucky numbers which bring trouble and bad
luck. So, we have a good reason to blame our worst outcomes on such numbers.
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 Walking Under a Ladder: Bad Luck

The shape of an open ladder is a triangle, which signifies life in some mythologies.
WhenWhen you walk through the triangle, it’s thought that you tempt the Fates. You also run
the risk of awakening spirits that live within the triangle, including evil spirits who may not
be happy with the disturbance. If you do accidentally walk under a ladder, you can counteract
the bad luck by placing your thumb between your index and middle fingers and holding it for
at least 5 seconds, orcross the fingers of both hands while calling upon the sign of the cross
to protect you from evil.

Some people regard seeing certain things as a bad omen – such as seeing an owl or a black
cat; some regard hearing certain things as a bad omen – such as hearing the sound of an owl
or a crow. They even regard verses in the Book of Allaah as omens, if it is seen in the Mus-
haf or heard from one who is reading! – such as a verse which speaks of warning or
punishment. Some of them regard numbers as unlucky, such as 13; or they regard certain
times as unlucky times, such as Wednesdays, or the month of Shawwaal for those who want
to get married. Some regard certain places as unlucky, such as a place in which a crime
occurred, or they regard certain types of people as a bad omen, such as the lame or the blind,
or the poor or needy.
People believe in superstitions so much that they alter their plans or behaviour in order to avoid
what they call, “bad luck”. I witnessed this myself, first hand, as I was growing up. My Aunt was
very superstitious. Her kitchen floor was always covered in salt because when she cooked she
would add a pinch to the pot and throw some over her shoulder for “good luck”. She would
actually cross the street and walk an extra block just to avoid the path of a black cat or go out of
her way to get around an open ladder so that she would not have to pass under it. My Aunt did
all of this for the sake of good fortune and the avoidance of danger. Commented [1]:

4. CONCLUSION:
It is proved that omens are a superstitious belifes which influences one's life greatly,
According to teachings of Islam and Sharia Omens are restricted in Islam and the one who
believes in omens and makes it influencing his or her life is committing shirk. The auguring of
omens has no basis in science or in reality but is a weakness of the mind and a superstition.
How can a sane human being believe that a certain person or place, the cry of a bird, the flick of
an eyelid, or the hearing of a certain word can bode something evil? Even if there is some
weakness in human nature which is conducive to the seeking of omens from certain things, one
should not surrender to this weakness, especially when a decision is to be made or an action is to
be taken. It is stated in a hadith that No one is free of three things: suspicion, auguring evil
omens, and envy. Thus, if you have a suspicion, do notrsue it; if you augur an evil omen, do not
turn back; and if you are envious, do not transgress. (Reported by al-Tabarani.
A superstitious individual can never be confident in taking decisions nor can he ever have a clear
faith in the fact that it is only one God who is running the affairs of this world. Believing in
Omens and taking decisions of life according to it leads to polytheism and shirk.