General Models of Pessimism in Afghanistan and Ways to Treat it in Islam

Abstract

Pessimism is a type of delusion and false imagination in people regarding the occurrence of a disaster or affliction. It is widespread in different regions of Afghanistan, especially in villages and rural areas. pessimism in Afghanistan have many models involving humans, animals, birds, reptiles, beasts, the sun, moon, thunder, lightning, and more. From an Islamic perspective, believing in such pessimism is generally illegitimate, because such beliefs attribute disasters and calamities to other than Allah Almighty, as if these things themselves cause problems. However, considering the famous hadith narrated from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, pessimism have been created in some creatures by Allah's will, which can sometimes cause hardship for people, such as an evil woman, a horse that harms its rider or others, or a house in which a person cannot find comfort. There are three scholarly opinions on the ruling regarding this type of pessimism: The strongest view is that pessimisms are originally impermissible, but these three were exempted by Allah's will. Therefore, believing in pessimism undermines a Muslim's creed, instills fear and terror in his heart, and prevents him from carrying out many deeds. To remedy this evil phenomenon, Muslims must understand Islam in its true meaning, return to the Quran and Sunnah, have complete trust in Allah, proceed to accomplish the deed they want, supplicate and beseech Allah Almighty to protect them from the evil of Superstitions and false beliefs.