Religion is the path to human spiritual development.

Superstitions and Bid'ahs Developed in the Name of Islam: An In-Depth Analysis

Religion is the path to spiritual progress of man. And Islam, whose main meaning is surrender, peace and complete obedience to Allah, is built on the knowledge of the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the perfect monotheism. But a tragic truth in human history is that no religion has been able to remain free from the invasion of superstitions and cultures for a long time - not even Islam. Although the basic structure of Islam has never approved of superstitions, many wrong practices, bid'ahs and blind beliefs have entered different societies in the name of Islam over the centuries. In this article, we will analyze - how these superstitions and bid'ahs developed, what are their social and spiritual consequences, and what the true teachings of Islam say about them.

Meaning and Origin of Bid'ah

The word 'bid'ah' comes from the Arabic "بِدعة", which means a new addition — something that is not in the original sources of Islam, the Quran and Sunnah, but has been introduced as part of the religion. The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) clearly said:

"Whoever adds to this religion of mine, Islam, something that is not part of it, it will be rejected."

(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

But history shows that Islam has been distorted in many Muslim societies by various reforms, folk beliefs and political interests — resulting in the birth of bid'ah.

Islamic Superstitions: Some Common Examples

1. Making the visit to the graves of shrines and saints a form of worship

In many countries, especially in regions such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, festivals, vows, applying dirt to the graves of various dervishes and Sufi saints are common, and even prayers are offered to them. People believe that their souls can still work in the prayers of the living and ward off danger.

But in Islam, such a concept is completely invalid. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Do not make my grave a place of celebration."

(Abu Dawud)

That is, graves should be respected, but they should never become a place of worship. Allah says:

"They call upon other than Allah that which can neither benefit them nor harm them."

(Surah Yunus, verse 106)

2. Celebrating charity or Milad on specific days on the occasion of birth or death

The practice of holding Milad gatherings seven or forty days after the birth of a child, organizing 'Chehlam' three or forty days after the death of someone, etc. is common in many Muslim societies. However, there is no guidance on these in the Quran and Hadith. Rather, they are mainly influenced by culture. Even on the day of the Prophet's own death, his companions did not perform any 'Chehlam'.

3. Wearing amulets and red cloth

Many Muslims still believe that wearing an amulet or a sacred verse written on it will ward off danger. Some people make a vow by tying red cloth to a tree branch. These beliefs are a form of shirk, because they create dependence on something other than Allah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

"Whoever wears an amulet has committed shirk."

(Musnad Ahmad)

4. Astrology and palmistry

Many Muslims today also practice horoscopes, birth charts, 'stones for certain zodiac signs', 'determining fate by looking at the palm'. However, this is forbidden from an Islamic perspective.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

"Whoever goes to an astrologer and believes in him has disbelieved in the Quran that was revealed to Muhammad."

(Musnad Ahmad)

Social Impact of Superstition

These innovations and superstitions obscure the true beauty of Islam. Instead of simple faith, fear, error, and dependence on rituals are born among people. Many times, these activities become a means of economic exploitation of the poor - examples are vows at shrines, donations for Urs, selling amulets, etc. At the same time, these superstitions weaken people's faith, because they do not pray directly to Allah but become dependent on other means or individuals.

Why is Islam against innovation?

Islam is a religion based on monotheism. It encourages people to worship Allah directly, without any intermediaries. That is why the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) showed only the path of true deeds and pure worship.

He repeatedly said:

"Every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance leads to Hell."

(Abu Dawud)

In the Quran, Allah also says:

"Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you..."

(Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 3)

This verse proves that Islam is complete and does not need any new additions. Rather, adding something new is a kind of disrespect, as if we were saying: "The law given by Allah and His Messenger was not enough."

How to be free from innovation?

The only way to be free from innovation and superstition is to acquire knowledge. The true Islam is for Muslims to know the meaning of the Quran, study the authentic Hadith, and understand and follow the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions. The responsibility of the scholars is to educate the nation - not according to any specific school of thought, but in the light of the Quran and the authentic Sunnah.

Conclusion

Islam is a simple, pure and free religion. There is no complexity in it, no secret mysticism, no dependence on miracles. The whole beauty of Islam lies in its simplicity and rationality. But when people give the form of Islam to superstitions and innovations, then this religion is not only distorted - but also the faith of people is destroyed, error spreads in society, and both this world and the hereafter are harmed.

To get rid of these innovations, we have to return to the true teachings and lifestyle of the Quran and the Prophet (peace be upon him). Salvation from this danger is possible only by relying on complete faith and knowledge in Allah.