INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC

UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC REVEALED
KNOWLEDGE

COURSE TITLE/CODE: UNDERSTANDING ISLAM 1

(RKFF 0413) (SECT 20)

TOPIC: OMEN
NO NAME MATRIC NO PROGRAMME

1 236020 CBEN
ALIEYA MAISARAH BINTI
MOHAMAD SHARIF

2 236031 CECON
AQEELAH ANASHA BINTI
ANZARI

3 236082 CBEN
NUR FAZREEN BINTI MD
YOUNOS ALI

4 236103 CECON
SAFIUDIN MUSFIRA FATHIMA

INSTRUCTOR:
DR. ARIYANTI MUSTAPHA
SEM 1, 2023/24

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INTRODUCTION

The practice of omens has been a subject of fascination and debate throughout human history.

It involves the interpretation of seemingly random events or signs as harbingers of future

events or as indicators of divine will. While some people view omens as mere superstitions,

others place great significance on them, attributing them with the power to influence their

decisions and actions. In this assignment, we will explore deeply into omens including the

causes of the practice of omens, its consequences and how it invalidates Aqidah in Islam. By

delving into these facets, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the practice of

omens and its multifaceted impact on Aqidah of Muslims.

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CONTENT

1. Meaning of Omen:

Omen is a thought or sign that is seen as predicting or forecasting future occurrences,

frequently in the context of superstition or mysticism. In general, omens are seen to be

symbolic and to contain significant messages or cautions about the future. They might appear

in a variety of ways, including as natural phenomena, particular occurrences, or even animal

behavior.

People have used omens to make judgments, comprehend their surroundings, and foresee the

results of their actions throughout history and throughout cultures. Some of the examples of

omen are:

i. Bird Omens: Seeing a crow or raven can be seen as an omen of bad luck or death in some

cultures, while a dove might symbolize peace and good fortune.

ii. Dream Omens: Dreaming of a wedding might be considered an omen of happiness and

Union.

iii. Weather Omens: The sudden darkening of the sky, unusual cloud formations, or the

appearance of a rainbow might be interpreted as omens.

iv. Animal Behavior Omens: Unusual behavior in animals, such as dogs howling at the moon

or cats hissing for no apparent reason, can be interpreted as omens.

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v. Symbolic Omens: A broken mirror is often considered an omen of bad luck.

2. Causes of the Practice of Omen:

i. Cultural and social influences: People's perceptions of omens are significantly

influenced by cultural traditions, familial beliefs, and social standards. A person is more likely

to develop these ideas if they are raised in a society that values omens.

ii. Personal experiences: People may be more likely to continue believing in omens if they

have had situations when they thought an omen had anticipated an event or impacted an

outcome.

iii. Lack of control: In uncertain circumstances, having faith in omens can provide one a

sense of control or assurance. Omens are sometimes used by people as a way to cope for life's

unpredictable nature.

3. Consequences of the Practice of Omen:

i. Violation of Tawheed (Monotheism): Tawheed is the fundamental concept in Islam that

asserts the absolute oneness of Allah. Practicing omens with the belief that they have

independent power contradicts the core principle of Tawheed by attributing partners or

influence to other than Allah.

ii. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah): The practice of giving power or decision-

making authority to omens constitutes a form of Shirk. Shirk is a sin of the highest magnitude

in Islam and is considered a direct violation of the first pillar of faith, the declaration of the

absolute oneness of Allah.

iii. Undermining Trust in Allah: Relying on omens undermines trust in Allah's divine

wisdom and plan. It suggests a lack of faith in Allah's ability to control events and guide one's

life.

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4. Relevant Invalidation of Aqidah:

One relevant invalidation of Aqidah (creed) manifested in omens can be found within the

Islamic belief system. Islam places a lot of stress on monotheism (Tawhid), the belief in the

oneness of Allah. Muslims are taught that only Allah knows about the unseen, the ability to

control events, and the power to foretell the future.

Book 23, Number 3901:

Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud:

The Prophet (PBUH) said: Taking omens is polytheism; taking omens is polytheism. He

said it three times. Every one of us has some, but Allah removes it by trust (in Him).

( Sunan Abu-Dawud )

Relying on omens is contradictory with the monotheistic concept of Tawhid and can be

viewed as invalidating Aqidah in Islam and considered as minor shirk.

Minor Shirk (Shirk Khafi):

● This is a form of shirk where a person seeks help from other beings than our creator,

Allah SWT. In this practice, people corrupt their aqidah by associating Allah SWT

with others to gain the praise of others.

● Associating others with Allah SWT but still believes no one can have power greater

than Allah SWT.

● By believing in omens, people believe that there are signs that foretell the future sent

by Allah SWT through other things in our life.

● For example, believing that a natural phenomenon like solar or lunar eclipse happens

to indicate the birth or death of a great person.

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5. Case Relevant to Omen

Country India China

Reasoning Cultural Traditions: India and China have rich history with ancient

traditions, practices and rituals passed down through generations for

centuries.

Example Fu (福) Character: "fu" or

Om ॐ Symbol: Represents the
"blessing" displayed during
universe and the ultimate reality.
Chinese New Year and other
Often chanted during meditation
celebrations is a positive symbol
and spiritual practices. Also, a
that represents good fortune and
sacred symbol in Hinduism,
happiness.
Buddhism, and Jainism

Lotus Flower: It symbolizes innocence, enlightenment, and rebirth. Its

emergence from the dirt and growth into clear water are considered as

metaphors for spiritual evolution.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the fundamental foundations of Aqidah in Islam which is monotheism

(Tawheed) can be seriously challenged by people who believe in omens and use them as

predictive indicators. Several main points can be concluded which are:

1. By assuming that omens have their own authority or knowledge and undermining

Allah's oneness, practicing omen can result in the sin of associating partners with Allah

(shirk).

2. The practice of omen implies that these signs have power beyond Allah's ultimate

sovereignty and control, which is contrary to the belief in Allah's absolute sovereignty and

control over all events.

3. The practice of omen differs from the essential Islamic principle of placing complete

trust in Allah, which is to rely on Him alone.

4. Finally, it promotes superstition and irrational ideas, which is contrary to the logical and

fact-based aspects of Islamic faith.

These factors make it obvious that omen-belief for prediction can undermine and

invalidate the core principles of Aqidah in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to put their

trust in Allah, seek guidance through prayer and Ibadah, and uphold the monotheistic

principles in order to preserve the purity of the Islamic religion.

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REFERENCES

1. Department of Islamic Revealed Knowledge (Ed.). (2023). Understanding Islam

(Vol. 1). Centre For Foundation Studies IIUM.

2. Surah Al-An’am - 50. Quran.com. (n.d.). https://quran.com/ms/6?startingVerse=50

3. Omens in Islam – Green Lane masjid. Green Lane Masjid - Inspire | Educate | Serve.

(2020, November 13). https://greenlanemasjid.org/omens-in-islam/#:~:text=As

%20Muslims%2C%20we%20don’t,both%20encouraged%20in%20the%20sunnah.

4. Abrar. (n.d.). Divination and omens (Kitab al-Kahanah wa al-Tatayyur). SUNAN

ABU-DAWUD, Book 23: Divination and Omens (Kitab Al-Kahanah Wa Al-Tatayyur).

https://www.iium.edu.my/deed/hadith/abudawood/023_sat.html

5. Minor shirk. Minor Shirk | Fitrah Tawheed. (n.d.). https://fitrahtawheed.com/minor-

shirk

6. I – aum – the symbolic meaning. iTravel2Learn. (n.d.).

https://www.palomar.edu/pages/mcastillo/india-mystic-and-historic/aum-symbolic-

meaning

7. Omeida Chinese Academy. (2021, June 21). Fu Chinese character: Good fortune

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symbols. https://www.omeidachinese.com/chinese-new-year-fu-character-luck