7 Interesting Superstations and Beliefs Arabs Believe in

August 13, 2021

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Beliefs and superstations are passed on from generation to generation. Some of them are based on religious beliefs but others are deeply rooted in our lives with no evidence or a story to refer to. Here are some of the Arabs’ beliefs and superstations.

The Evil eye/The Hand “Khamsa”

When Arabs express their admiration about something they will always follow it with “Mash Allah”. It’s a way to bless the thing or person they admired by mentioning God’s name on it so they don’t be accused of bad eye. Believing in the misfortune that the evil eye may bring is an Islamic belief, but it also dates back to the Greek antiquity where the “eye” as a symbol appeared on drinking vessels as a way to ward off the black magic.

However, using protective talismans such as “The hand” or “Khamsa/five” is condemned by Islam and considered superstition since it’s only Allah who can prevent the evil from happening.

Spilled Coffee

Don’t be surprised if someone from the Middle East acts joyfully to the act of spilling coffee, they will gladly remove the stains. Spilling coffee is actually a sign of good luck.

Upside down footwear

Arabs act nervously near an upside down slipper or shoe and they won’t feel any comfort until they turn it around. There is nothing in Islam that prohibits leaving a shoe upside down. However, it’s believed that the reason why an Arab can’t stand seeing this is purely religious. Having the sole of a shoe which is full of dirt facing the sky is totally an act of disrespect because this is where “Allah” is. On the other hand, for some people it’s just a matter of manners because it’s not appropriate for guests to see the unclean bottom of a shoe.

Opening and closing Scissors

Another act that may drive an Arab specially an Egyptian crazy is opening and closing scissors for no reason. You may hear them say,” if you’re not cutting anything put it down for God’s sake.” Opening and closing scissors without cutting something or even just leaving them open for no reason is a sign of bad luck. A pair of scissors’ function is to cut, so if you are not using it for the right purpose you might be cutting something else like relationships or other causes of happiness.

Coughing or choking while drinking water

In Egypt, if you cough or choke while drinking water then someone must be talking about you. When you are told this you are left with a lot of wondering and questions, “Who is talking about me?”, “What are they talking about?”.

Itchy hands

The first thing that may come to your mind when your hand feels itchy is “I need to apply a moisturizer”, for an Egyptian he thinks “I’m about to receive some cash”. Having an itchy hand is a sign of a coming financial prosperity.

Use the right foot

“Step in with the right foot”. It’s believed that entering a place with the right foot will bless the place and bring good luck, whereas stepping a place with your left foot is the right thing to do. Unlike toilets where the opposite is right, you go in with the left and go out with the right foot. This is an Islamic ritual and Muslims are really keen to follow it.