Women's mental and social dignity

Since the beginning of human civilization, people have followed the path of religion. Religion awakens understanding in the hearts of people, stabilizes thoughts, builds a framework of values, and leads people towards self-realization through the concept of the afterlife and the Creator. However, many beliefs or customs have developed in this stream of religious practice that are not primarily the teachings of religion, but rather the product of superstitions or social misconceptions. Some superstitions have become so entrenched over time that many have started considering them as part of religion. In this essay, we will review some important religious superstitions and analyze what perspective Islam has on this matter.

First, superstitions originate mainly from human ignorance, fear, and the need for control. People seek mental comfort by explaining things they do not understand in a simple way, and from there, superstitions are born. When religious leaders, rulers, or social leaders start to shape these beliefs, they are no longer just personal ideas — they become a social obligation.

Hinduism and superstitions surrounding ‘auspiciousness’ or ‘inauspiciousness’

Some traditional superstitions have been around for ages in Hindu society. For example, starting work at the beginning of a household or business on a specific day or by looking at the horoscope, the rule of avoiding certain foods for pregnant women, and putting the left foot first is considered inauspicious — these superstitions are established behind the veil of religion. Looking at these customs, it seems as if the good and bad of life are not decided by God, but rather based on the zodiac sign, date, number or fate.

While the Vedas or Upanishads contain a lot of deep spiritual philosophy, these superstitions overshadow this basic teaching. The common people are afraid to enter the house if the ‘auspicious bell’ does not ring, or they believe that if a bird calls from the right ear, it means danger is coming.

Islam completely rejects such ‘auspiciousness’ or ‘inauspicious’ based superstitions. Islam says that good and bad are all under the will of Allah. No day, object or animal is inauspicious. A hadith states:

"There is no infection, no bird's call is evil, no particular day is evil..."

(Sahih Bukhari)

Here, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clearly refuted this 'evil-minded' thinking prevalent among people. Islam teaches that if faith and intention are pure, any work can begin with the blessings of Allah - be it Monday, Friday or evening.

Miracles surrounding 'holy water' and 'religious places' in Christianity

Especially in Catholicism, there is a tradition of receiving blessings with 'holy water' or holy water. It is believed that when holy water is sprinkled on the body, the devil is driven away, diseases are reduced, and the soul is purified. Similarly, it is believed that praying in some churches or religious places is more fruitful than in any other place.

This belief is not so much religious as it is based on people's mental comfort and trust in the reformation. However, Jesus (peace be upon him) himself did not teach the worship of any specific place or the performance of miracles with water.

Islam takes a completely different position here. Islam teaches that true worship is not to worship water or a structure — but to call upon the Creator Allah directly. Islam does not attribute miraculous powers to any ‘holy water’ or ‘holy wall’. Although the Kaaba, the Prophet’s Mosque — are holy places, Islam says that Allah is everywhere — He is not limited by time, place, or matter.

Allah says in the Quran:

“It does not matter whether you turn your faces toward the East or the West; rather, true righteousness is to believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the Prophets.”

(Surah Baqarah, verse 177)

This shows that Islam, centered on faith, does not attribute miracles to the heart of the servant, to any external water, wood, wall, or place.

The concept of ‘turning the prayer wheel’ in Buddhism

In Buddhism, the ‘prayer wheel’ or mantra wheel is turned, where it is believed that each time the wheel is turned, a mantra is recited and virtue is gained. Many times this becomes a mechanical ritual — people simply turn the wheel without knowing the meaning of the mantra or recite the same mantra a thousand times, believing that this will bring salvation.

Islam goes against this ‘mechanical practice of virtue’. Islam says, not just recitation — no worship is complete without the presence of the heart, sincerity or devotion, and fear of God. Allah says:

“Far from their prayers are those who are absent-minded in prayer.”

(Surah Ma’un, verses 4-5)

That is, mere external actions are not enough, but spiritual concentration is the soul of worship. Islam thus wants a self-conscious religious practice free from mechanicalness.

Conclusion

In the above discussion, we have seen that in the name of religious practice, various superstitions and folk beliefs have taken their place in various religions. Sometimes they are based on society, sometimes on politics, sometimes on the basis of ignorance. Islam clearly rejects all these superstitions, deism, and reliance on external miracles. Islam wants to develop people as conscious and thoughtful worshippers, not just devotees.