Presaging evil results in misgivings and causes one to await...

“Auguring evil (and considering the evil omen to have an influence upon the life of man) is a kind of polytheism (shirk).”[^4] We also read that the only influence that an evil omen possesses is the psychological one. Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) has said: “An evil omen affects only in the measure you consider it to possess.

If you take it lightly, its influence would be trivial, but if you regard it seriously, it would affect you immensely and if you totally disregard it, it would have no effect.” ^5 It has been reported in traditions from the Noble Prophet (S) that the way to combat evil auguries is to disregard them.

It has been narrated that the Noble Prophet (S) said: “There are three things from which none can remain safe (and its whisperings are found within the hearts of most men): auguring evil, envy and mistrust.” He (S) was asked: “What then should we do?” He replied: “When you augur evil, ignore it and go your way; when envy manifests itself in your heart, refrain from doing anything in accordance with it, in practice; and when you experience mistrust, disregard it.” 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.

Passing beneath a ladder, falling of a saltcellar and gifting someone a knife are gravely looked upon as evil omens by those living in the West. Of course, the existence of good omens, just as we had previously mentioned, 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.[^6] [^1]: Tafsirul Mizan, vol. 19, pg. 86 [^2]: Safinatul Bihar, vol. 2, pg. 102 [^3]: Like verse 19 of Surat Yasin, verse 47 of Suratul Naml and verse 131 of Suratul A'raf.

[^4]: Tafsirul Mizan, while interpreting the verse presently under discussion. [^6]: Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 6, pg.