These beliefs and similar ones are superstitions and forms of the forbidden belief in bad omens (tatayyur), because they regard things for which there is no evidence of any effect as causes of evil and harm. They may also lead to fear and anxiety, abandoning certain actions, and becoming attached to something other than Allah.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“There is no contagion and no evil omen, and I like the good omen.” It was asked: “What is the good omen?” He said: “A good word.” Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
He, peace and blessings be upon him, also said: “Belief in bad omens is shirk.” Narrated by Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah.
Belief in bad omens is not limited to birds. Rather, it includes considering something seen or heard, a particular time or place, a person, a number, or an action to be a bad omen when it has no connection, either according to Islamic law or by Allah’s decree, with the occurrence of something harmful. Examples include considering a particular number or day unlucky, considering marriage in a particular month unlucky, believing that seeing a certain type of person is a bad omen, or believing that an action such as opening scissors or sprinkling water causes separation or problems.
Allah تعالى has forbidden this type of pessimism and mentioned it in the story of the enemies of the messengers. He سبحانه says:
“Unquestionably, their omen is only with Allah.” [Al-A‘raf: 131]
Another example is the belief held by some people that interlocking or cracking the fingers during the marriage ceremony affects the validity of the marriage contract or causes problems. This has no basis and does not affect the validity of the marriage. Rather, such superstitions and pessimistic beliefs must be abandoned.
A Muslim must understand that causes do not have an independent effect. Rather, the effect of anything that is genuinely a cause occurs only by the permission of Allah تعالى. Therefore, a person must not consider something to be a cause of good or evil when Allah has not made it a cause.
If a person experiences thoughts of this kind or feelings of pessimism, he should:
Put his trust in Allah تعالى and know that benefit and harm are solely in His hands.
Ignore the superstition and not abandon what he needs to do because of it. Rather, he should proceed with his matter and not allow an illusion to control his decisions.
Say the supplication reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him:
“O Allah, there is no good except Your good, no omen except Your omen, and there is no god besides You.”
Be optimistic and look for good omens, without believing that words or things themselves bring benefit or ward off harm.
A Muslim should therefore not build his life upon superstitions and illusions, but upon trust in Allah, having a good opinion of Him, taking the correct and legitimate means, and abandoning belief in bad omens and pessimism.
And Allah تعالى knows best.