(304) Chapter: Forbiddance of Believing in Ill Omens

'Urwah bin 'Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: When talking of omens was mentioned in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) he said, "The best type of omen is the good omen." He added, "A Muslim should not refrain from anything because of an omen." He (ﷺ) told them, "When any of you sees anything which he dislikes, he should say: 'Allahuma la ya'ti bil-hasanati illa Anta, wa la yadfa'us- sayyi'ati illa Anta, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa Bika (O Allah ! You Alone bring good things; You Alone avert evil things, and there is no might or power but in You)."' [Abu Dawud with Sahih Isnad]. Commentary: 1. Tiyarah means taking omen. This applies to good as well as bad omens. Muslims are required to take good omen only. For this reason, when a Muslim resolves to do something good then a bad omen should not impede his way because he believes that it is Allah Alone who brings about every thing. He should also pray to Allah for the removal of mischief. 2. When such things from which people usually take a bad omen create suspicions in one's mind, then it is Mustahabb (desirable) to recite the prayer mentioned in this Hadith. Thus, what we learn from this Hadith is that if a Muslim comes across something repulsive, he should pray to Allah for something auspicious. He should also pray to Allah for granting him the power and ability to abstain from evils.