Superstitions, their Origins and Criticism

The present paper focuses on superstitions to discuss the basic reasons behind emergence of superstitions and role of incorrect understanding of some religious notions in the establishment of superstitions. Special emphasis has been put on the role of scientific and philosophical developments in spread of superstitions. To get a clear picture of the root causes of this phenomenon, and to show its evolutionary course, reference has been made to the history of soothsaying. In discussing the relation of superstitions with teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), reference has been made to some common superstitions at the advent of Islam and the method used by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to do away with that ominous phenomenon.