Hadith Text and Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There is no hamah, no infection and no evil omen; if there is in anything an evil omen, it is a house, a horse, and a woman."

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 3921 | Book: Divination and Omens (Kitab Al-Kahanah Wa Al-Tatayyur) | Author: Sunan Abi Dawud

Explanation of Terms

"Hamah" refers to the pre-Islamic belief that the soul of a murdered person becomes an owl that cries for vengeance.

"No infection" negates the pre-Islamic belief in spontaneous contagion without Allah's decree.

"No evil omen" (tatayyur) rejects superstition and attributing events to birds or other omens rather than Allah's will.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith categorically rejects three major pre-Islamic superstitions, affirming that all matters occur by Allah's divine decree alone.

The second part is understood by scholars as referring to practical considerations: an ill-suited house causes inconvenience, a poorly trained horse may be dangerous, and an incompatible woman may lead to marital discord - not that these inherently bring evil omens.

Imam Nawawi explains this means if one were to speak of "ill omen" in a metaphorical sense, it would be in these practical matters of compatibility and suitability, not supernatural causation.

Legal and Theological Implications

Belief in omens (tatayyur) is forbidden as it constitutes minor shirk by attributing effect to other than Allah.

Muslims must practice tawakkul (reliance on Allah) and understand all events occur by His qadr (divine decree).

The hadith encourages practical wisdom in choosing one's dwelling, mount, and spouse while avoiding superstitious beliefs.