Source: Fatāwā Shaykh al-Ḥadīth Mubārakpūrī, Volume 1, Page 57
Are good or bad omens (fāl) ever true?
And what is the Islamic ruling on seeking or interpreting omens?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh!
According to the teachings of Islam, the widespread practice among the common people—especially the ignorant masses—of taking good or bad omens (such as drawing omens from the Dīwān-e-Ḥāfiẓ, Qur’an, or random signs), has no basis in the Qur’an, Hadith, or the practice of the Companions, Tābiʿīn, or the pious predecessors. Therefore, the following rulings apply:
There is no evidence in the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah for this practice.
Neither the Companions nor the early generations practiced it.
✔ Hence, deliberate omen-seeking is classified as a forbidden innovation in Sharīʿah.
The Prophet ﷺ strictly prohibited bad omens (ṭiyarah), as mentioned in:
Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Ṭibb, Bāb fī al-Ṭiyarah (Hadith 3911, Vol. 4, p. 231)
Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, Kitāb al-Siyar, Bāb mā jāʾa fī al-Ṭiyarah (Hadith 1614, Vol. 4, p. 160)
✔ These narrations highlight that pessimism and believing in misfortune based on signs is condemned in Islam.
Taking a good omen is allowed in Sharīʿah if it meets the following criteria:
◈ It occurs without deliberate intent.
◈ It is based on a spontaneous event or sound that is interpreted positively.
✔ If someone leaves home for a task, and hears a name or word such as:
Fāʾiz (Successful),
Mufliḥ (One who prospers),
Ribāḥ (Profit),
Aflah,
Yasār (Ease),
Barakah (Blessing)
...and this leads him to feel hopeful or optimistic about his task, then this is called Tafā’ul Mashrūʿ (legitimate optimism) and is recommended (mustaḥabb).
Intentionally seeking omens through signs, objects, books, or events is:
◈ Non-permissible (ghayr mubāḥ)
◈ Unlawful (ḥarām)
◈ Not sanctioned in the Sharīʿah
✔ Such practices are rooted in superstition and baseless beliefs, and must be completely avoided by a believer.
◈ Bad omens are absolutely forbidden and rejected in Islam.
◈ Good omens may be taken if they occur naturally and without intention.
◈ Deliberately trying to seek omens or drawing fāl from the Qur’an, poetry, or signs is a bidʿah and haram.
◈ A believer must place his trust in Allah alone, not in stars, signs, or speculations.
ـــ ❖ ـــ
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
❖ Question:
Are good or bad omens (fāl) ever true?
And what is the Islamic ruling on seeking or interpreting omens?
✿ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh!
According to the teachings of Islam, the widespread practice among the common people—especially the ignorant masses—of taking good or bad omens (such as drawing omens from the Dīwān-e-Ḥāfiẓ, Qur’an, or random signs), has no basis in the Qur’an, Hadith, or the practice of the Companions, Tābiʿīn, or the pious predecessors. Therefore, the following rulings apply:
✦ ❶ Deliberately Seeking Omens is an Innovation (Bidʿah) and Prohibited
There is no evidence in the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah for this practice. Neither the Companions nor the early generations practiced it.✔ Hence, deliberate omen-seeking is classified as a forbidden innovation in Sharīʿah.
✦ ❷ Taking Bad Omens is Clearly Prohibited in Authentic Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ strictly prohibited bad omens (ṭiyarah), as mentioned in: Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Ṭibb, Bāb fī al-Ṭiyarah (Hadith 3911, Vol. 4, p. 231) Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, Kitāb al-Siyar, Bāb mā jāʾa fī al-Ṭiyarah (Hadith 1614, Vol. 4, p. 160)✔ These narrations highlight that pessimism and believing in misfortune based on signs is condemned in Islam.
✦ ❸ Taking Good Omens is Permissible with Conditio
Taking a good omen is allowed in Sharīʿah if it meets the following criteria:◈ It occurs without deliberate intent.
◈ It is based on a spontaneous event or sound that is interpreted positively.
✦ ❹ Examples of Permissible Good Omens (Tafā’ul)
✔ If someone leaves home for a task, and hears a name or word such as:
Fāʾiz (Successful),
Mufliḥ (One who prospers),
Ribāḥ (Profit),
Aflah,
Yasār (Ease),
Barakah (Blessing)
...and this leads him to feel hopeful or optimistic about his task, then this is called Tafā’ul Mashrūʿ (legitimate optimism) and is recommended (mustaḥabb).
✦ ❺ Deliberately Drawing Omens is Unlawful
Intentionally seeking omens through signs, objects, books, or events is:◈ Non-permissible (ghayr mubāḥ)
◈ Unlawful (ḥarām)
◈ Not sanctioned in the Sharīʿah
✔ Such practices are rooted in superstition and baseless beliefs, and must be completely avoided by a believer.
Conclusion:
◈ Bad omens are absolutely forbidden and rejected in Islam.
◈ Good omens may be taken if they occur naturally and without intention.
◈ Deliberately trying to seek omens or drawing fāl from the Qur’an, poetry, or signs is a bidʿah and haram.
◈ A believer must place his trust in Allah alone, not in stars, signs, or speculations.
ـــ ❖ ـــ
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
