Tariq Mahmood Awan
Superstition, a belief or practice rooted in fear or ignorance, is a fascinating aspect of human culture. It encompasses the belief in supernatural beings, events, or occurrences that defy scientific or logical explanations. These beliefs, often passed down through generations, are deeply ingrained in our culture and tradition, shaping our worldview and influencing our actions.
Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage, and superstition is an integral part of that heritage. Superstitions are deeply ingrained in Pakistani society and culture, and many people still believe in them. These beliefs often contradict scientific and logical explanations and are passed down through generations. Some of the most common superstitions in Pakistan include the belief in jinn (supernatural beings), the power of amulets and talismans, and the belief in the evil eye.
The belief in jinn is one of the most common superstitions in Pakistan. Jinn are supernatural beings believed to be invisible to humans. They are said to inhabit the earth and are often blamed for misfortunes that befall people. In Pakistan, people think that jinns can possess humans, which causes them to behave in strange ways. Many believe that jinn can be appeased by offering or reciting specific prayers. Another common superstition in Pakistan is the belief in the power of amulets and talismans. Many people wear amulets or talismans to protect against evil or to bring good luck. These amulets are often inscribed with verses from the Quran and are believed to have protective powers that can ward off evil spirits or negative energy.
The belief in the evil eye is also prevalent in Pakistan. Many people believe that envy or jealousy can cause harm to others, and they take great care to protect themselves from the evil eye. This can range from wearing amulets or talismans to performing certain rituals to ward off the evil eye. While superstitions in Pakistan may seem harmless individually, their collective impact can be harmful. Superstitions can lead to irrational behaviour and decisions and, in extreme cases, even cause significant harm to oneself or others. For example, some people have been known to refuse medical treatment due to their belief in supernatural healing or to resort to extreme measures to avoid bad luck.
Superstition can also be used by those in power to control and manipulate people. For example, some religious leaders in Pakistan use superstition to bolster their own power and influence by claiming to have special access to the divine or by justifying their actions. This manipulation can be subtle yet insidious, and it’s essential to be vigilant against such tactics. To avoid succumbing to the pitfalls of superstition, it is crucial to rely on reason and knowledge rather than fear or ignorance. This means being willing to question beliefs and traditions and to seek out scientific or logical explanations for events or occurrences. It also means being aware of the dangers of superstition and being willing to speak out against it when necessary. By championing reason and knowledge, we can empower ourselves and others to make informed decisions and lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
The origins of superstition are diverse, often rooted in a desire for solace, a fear of the unknown, a craving for control, and a lack of knowledge or understanding. Superstition can also emerge during periods of turmoil or ambiguity, such as in the midst of natural calamities or times of conflict.
In summary, superstition is a perilous and irrational belief system that can lead to harm and manipulation. It is imperative to reject superstition and to rely on reason and knowledge to make informed decisions and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Francis Bacon has written a splendid essay on superstition. The passage on superstition by Francis Bacon is a commentary on how superstition is a dangerous and irrational belief system that can lead to harm and manipulation. Bacon argues that superstition is a reproach to God because it is an unworthy opinion of the divine and can lead to the degradation of human society. Bacon’s concerns with superstition are rooted in the idea that it is a belief system that is based on fear and ignorance rather than reason and knowledge.
Bacon argues that superstition is more dangerous than atheism because it dismounts all sense, philosophy, natural piety, laws, and reputation. In other words, superstition creates an absolute monarchy in people’s minds, leaving no room for rational thought or decision-making. While atheism leaves people to rely on their senses and reason, superstition negates these faculties, leading to irrational and harmful behaviour. Bacon notes that the times inclined to atheism were civil times, while superstition has been the cause of confusion in many states, bringing in a new “primum mobile” that ravishes all the spheres of government.
Bacon also highlights the role of prelates and the people in promoting superstition. He notes that the master of superstition is the people; in all superstition, wise men follow fools. He also criticizes the stratagems of prelates for their ambition and lucre and the excess of outward and pharisaical holiness. He argues that the church’s over-reverence of traditions cannot but load the church and that favouring too many good intentions opens the gate to conceits and novelties. Taken together, Bacon’s criticisms of superstition highlight the dangers of irrational belief systems and how they can be used to manipulate and control people.
Bacon notes that superstition without a veil is a deformed thing, adding deformity to religion. It corrupts suitable forms and orders into several petty observances. In other words, superstition adds nothing of value and only serves to degrade and corrupt. Bacon’s point is that superstition is not simply a harmless belief system but a harmful one that has the potential to cause damage to individuals and society.
Hence, Bacon’s thoughts on superstition critically evaluate this irrational belief system. He highlights how it can lead to harm, degradation, and manipulation. His commentary is particularly relevant today as we continue to see the dangers of irrational belief systems in our society. As a society, we must remain vigilant against superstition and work to promote reason and knowledge as the basis for our beliefs and decisions.
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