This chapter contains the same Hadīths of the previous chapter.
Taking bad omens is to feel pessimistic upon seeing or hearing something or being at a certain time or place. It is called in Arabic Tatayyur, which comes from Tayr that means “bird”. This is because, before Islam, the Arabs used to rely upon the flight direction of birds for deciding whether or not to take a certain course of action. Then, this term came to be used for every kind of pessimism.
1674/1 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no contagion or evil omens, and I like good omens.” They said: “What is a good omen?” He said: “A good word.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1) The Shariah denies the concept of contagion during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance when they believed that a disease can be infectious by itself. However, diseases can transmit from sick to healthy people, by the will of Allah Almighty.
2) Pessimism and taking bad omens are prohibited, as they instill lethargy, grief, and distress into people.
1675/2 - Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no contagion or evil omens. If there is evil in anything, it is in the house, the woman, and the horse.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
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1) Pessimism and taking bad omens are prohibited, for this contradicts reliance upon Allah Almighty and trust in His decree and predestination.
2) Pessimism brings no good. If there were good in it, three things would be more worthy of giving bad omens: the house, the woman, and the mount, as indicated in a Hadīth that reads: “No bad omens. A good omen may lie in three: the woman, the horse, and the house.” [Narrated by Ibn Mājah]
1676/3 - Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did not take anything to be a bad omen. [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd with an authentic Isnād]
1) It is obligatory to follow the Prophet’s example in hating pessimism and taking bad omens.
2) All comfort, mental and physical wellbeing, and spiritual happiness lie in the Prophet’s guidance. {Respond to Allah and the Messenger when He calls you to what gives you life.}
1677/4 - ‘Urwah ibn ‘Āmir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Bad omen was mentioned in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), and he said: ‘The best type of omen is the good omen. A Muslim should not refrain from anything because of an omen. If any of you sees anything which he dislikes, he should say: Allāhumma lā ya’tī bil-hasanāti illā anta wa lā yadfa‘u as-sayyi’āti illā anta wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bik (O Allah, You alone bring good things, You alone avert evil things, and there is no power nor strength except in You).’” [Sahīh (authentic)] [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd with an authentic Isnād] [2]
1) Optimism is among the morals a Muslim should assume, as it prompts him to act with resolve and diligence.
2) One should turn to Allah Almighty for bringing good and averting evil and not resort to people in such things that only Allah is able to do. {You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.}