Religion and superstition

Superstitions, as they pervade people's beliefs, deeply affect society and culture. If religion is a path of light, superstitions cast a shadow of confusion on that path. In the previous discussion, we saw how some customs and beliefs in Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism have been transformed into superstitions, and what Islam has to say about them. In this episode, we will review a few more religious superstitions — especially Judaism, modern New Age Spiritualism, and how false beliefs have been embedded in Sikh and tribal practices — and finally analyze how Islam presents a rational and pure religious sense in contrast to these.

Misuse of the Concept of 'Chosen People' in Judaism

The religious narrative of the Jews includes a divine declaration of being the 'Chosen People' or 'chosen race', which was essentially a moral responsibility from God: they would set an example of good character, justice, and God-fearing before other nations. But historically, we see that this idea has often given rise to pride, racial superiority, and discriminatory attitudes in Jewish society.

This ‘chosenness’ has often led to the exclusion of other nations as ‘goyim’ or impure, and this has had an impact on everything from religious practices to economic and political relations. Many Jewish groups believe that only their own nation is saved, while the rest will go to hell — even though there is no such definitive declaration in the Torah.

Islam challenges this concept of ‘chosenness’ based on pride. The Quran states:

“O mankind! We have created you from a single male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honored in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.”

(Surah Hujurat, verse 13)

That is, not on the basis of race, tribe, or birth — but rather on the basis of justice and piety. Here, no particular nation is considered the sole representative of God. Islam makes the philosophy of universalism the basis of religious practice.

New Age Spiritualism and 'Crystal Healing'

The main driving force of 'New Age Spiritualism' that developed in Western society in the late twentieth century was a sense of irreligion or atheism. It combines various elements such as Hindu yoga, Buddhist meditation, astrology, feng shui, crystal therapy, zodiac signs, etc. In this non-religious religion, there are beliefs such as 'crystal healing' or placing certain stones on the body to cure illness, 'Reiki' to send energy, or people's luck based on horoscopes.

These ideas are completely based on miracles and are not supported by any divine book or proven science. Rather, it has mainly developed by exploiting the mental emptiness of people.

Islam strictly prohibits these superstitions and reliance on supernatural elements. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever wears a talisman, he commits shirk."

(Musnad Ahmad)

That is, Islam rejects the idea of ​​supernatural powers in any object to benefit the body or mind. The Quran states:

"And if Allah intends harm for you, there is none who can remove it except Him..."

(Surah Yunus, verse 107)

A clear message is given here — only the will of Allah is truly effective, not any stone or talisman.

Belief in the miraculous powers of the Gurus in Sikhism

The early Gurus of Sikhism, such as Nanak Dev, were spiritual and social revolutionaries. But later some followers began to believe that the Gurus had supernatural powers — they could predict the future, prevent disasters, and even bring the dead back to life. The Guru Granth Sahib is also given a touch of the supernatural, as if it were a magical book.

Islam also considers prophets not as sources of supernatural power but as bearers of the command of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself said:

"I am only a warner. I have no supernatural power, I follow the command of Allah."

(Sahih Muslim)

Islam does not demand blind obedience — but conscious obedience.

Tribal Religion and Spirit Worship

In various tribal societies in Africa, Australia or America, there is a tradition of worshipping the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that ancestors can intervene in the lives of the living even after death. For this, animal sacrifices, festivals or religious offerings are made to please the spirits.

Islam clearly states that no dead spirit can influence the living. The Quran states:

"They are dead, not alive; they do not know when they will be resurrected."

(Surah An-Nahl, verse 21)

Islam says that when a person dies, his worldly activities cease — and he only awaits the Day of Judgment. No soul comes home, harms, or saves.

Islam: Rational Faith and Anti-Superstition

The greatest beauty of Islam is that it frees religious belief from the shackles of superstition or miracles. There are numerous verses in the Quran where people are asked to think, reason, and base their beliefs on evidence. Islam identifies any behavior based on superstition as part of shirk, bid'ah, or ignorance.

In the Quran, Allah says:

"Will you not then reflect?"

(Surah Ar-Rum, verse 8)

This verse shows that Islam is not just blind obedience — it demands faith based on reason.

Conclusion

This discussion makes it clear that in many religions, over the ages, some superstitions have taken the form of religion. Sometimes they have come because of politics, sometimes because of ignorance, and sometimes because of innocent mental trust. But these superstitions divert people from the path of truth, knowledge, and the true worship of Allah.

Islam takes a strong stand against these superstitions and calls people to the path of a rational, thoughtful, and spiritually pure life. The beauty of Islam is that it not only teaches people to fear God — but also reminds people of their own spiritual potential.