kabbos
9 Superstitions About Bad Luck
“Don’t do that… it’s bad luck.” If you grew up in an Arab household, chances are you’ve heard this phrase more than once. Often uttered by elders wagging their fingers in warning, it’s a familiar prelude to a list of things you’re not supposed to do—actions believed to bring misfortune, disaster, or bad luck. Some scoff at these warnings, while others are so consumed by them that they shape their daily lives around avoiding such “cursed” behaviors.
I’ll admit, there was a time in my life when I obsessively made sure to step out of my house with my right foot first, and open doors with my right hand—even though I’m left-handed. It became a fixation, a personal ritual. Superstition doesn’t always come from tradition; sometimes people invent their own: a lucky shirt, an unlucky face to see in the morning. The human mind finds patterns—even in chaos.
Across the Arab world, and the globe, countless such superstitions exist. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones:
1. The Evil Eye
Envy, or hasad, is deeply embedded in Arab culture. It’s the belief that someone’s envious glance can harm others—especially those who are successful or attractive. This belief dates back to ancient times: in Pharaonic Egypt, the Eye of Horus symbol was used to ward off envy. The Sumerians hung amulets on their doors. Arabs, even in pre-Islamic times, feared the evil eye, particularly from people with light-colored eyes.
To protect against envy, people would go to extremes—naming their children ugly names (even “Trash” or “Junk”) so no one would envy them, dressing handsome boys like girls, or neglecting their appearance to avoid attracting attention. Some even forbade childless women from visiting, fearing they might unintentionally curse their children.
Even today, if a child suddenly falls ill, a mother might angrily declare, “Someone gave him the evil eye!”
Amulets, blue hand-shaped charms with an eye (known as Khamsa), old shoes hung in new cars, and even smearing fresh blood on a new house wall are among the protective rituals. Burning herbs like harmal or frankincense while chanting “May the evil eye burn!” is another common practice.
Islamic scholars differ on the evil eye: some argue that nothing can happen without God’s will, and that envy alone cannot harm. Instead, they urge people to purify their hearts and avoid jealousy.
Not all envy is bad. Healthy envy—ghibta—is when you wish for blessings like someone else’s, without wanting them taken away. Some even argue envy fuels ambition and progress.
2. The Black Cat
Cats are beloved pets, but a black cat staring at you from the shadows? For many, that’s a different story. In Western folklore, black cats were associated with witches and misfortune. In the Middle East, many believed that black cats were jinn in disguise, capable of possessing people or bringing evil.
Some even believed that eating the meat of a black cat could break a spell. Ancient scholars like Al-Jahiz and Al-Qazwini documented such claims.
3. The Crow
Crows are among the most intelligent birds, yet they’re widely feared. Their black feathers, harsh caw, and scavenging habits made them symbols of death and doom. In Europe, they were considered omens of war or carriers of the souls of the dead. In Arab culture, they were considered the unluckiest of all animals.
Literature and film reflect this fear. Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (1963) featured vicious crow attacks, and The Crow (1994) became infamous after actor Brandon Lee died during filming—leading to rumors that the crow was cursed.
4. Pouring Hot Water in the Bathroom
In many Arab households, people believe that bathrooms are homes for jinn, as they are the only rooms where people are naked, don’t pray, and don’t say God’s name. Pouring hot water, especially at night, may harm a jinn or their child, triggering their wrath and resulting in possession.
While many laugh at this idea, it’s still widely held, and many people recite protective phrases before entering the bathroom.
5. The Open Scissors
Some believe that leaving scissors open brings bad luck. Playing with them unnecessarily may bring disaster. On the flip side, placing scissors under your pillow is said to prevent nightmares.
Such beliefs may stem from the danger scissors pose, especially to children. In the West, similar superstitions exist: breaking a pair of scissors is a bad omen, using them on New Year’s Day brings misfortune, and giving them as a gift can sever relationships.
6. Upside-Down Shoes
Many households frown upon leaving shoes upside down. Some claim it’s not about superstition, but about respect—having the dirty soles facing upward is seen as offensive, possibly even to divine beings. Others believe it prevents angels from entering the home. While not religiously grounded, the belief is still common.
7. Eye Twitching & Ear Ringing
Twitching of the right eye? Good news. The left? Bad omen. Similarly, ringing in your right ear means someone is praising you; your left ear means someone’s speaking ill of you.
Science has a different explanation—eye twitches often result from fatigue or eye strain, and ear ringing (tinnitus) can signal health issues like high blood pressure.
8. Cutting Nails at Night
In some cultures, it’s frowned upon to cut nails at night. Some say it’s connected to old religious teachings—though no clear evidence supports that. Others say it stems from fears that nail clippings might be used in black magic. At night, people were more likely to lose track of their nail clippings, making them vulnerable to sorcery.
9. The Number 13
One of the most famous superstitions worldwide. Many buildings skip the 13th floor, labeling it “12A” or jumping to 14. In some cultures, people avoid marrying, traveling, or starting anything important on the 13th day—especially if it falls on a Friday.
Where did this fear come from? Some trace it to the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, where 13 people sat at the table, and one betrayed him. Others say Cain killed Abel on the 13th. Norse mythology also has a tale of a 13th god bringing death to a banquet.
In ancient Persian culture, the 13th day of the new year was considered unlucky. Even today, Iranians celebrate Sizdah Bedar (literally “getting rid of 13”) by spending the day outdoors, avoiding staying home on that day.
Though the number 13 isn’t traditionally unlucky in Arab cultures, the superstition spread due to Western influence in the 20th century.
So, what about you?
Do you believe in any of these superstitions? Are there unique beliefs from your city or culture you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
