They would therefore resort to tatayyur—letting the birds decide whether to go forward or turn back. If a bird flew off to the left, they would say, “This is an evil omen; I shall not travel.” If it flew to the right, they would say, “This journey is blessed,” for the right side was associated with good fortune and blessing. Such were their superstitious conventions. Their pessimism centered mainly on birds, yet they also took bad omens from particular days, from certain months, from unusual sounds they themselves produced, and even from people. To this day one may see someone leave his house, meet a person of unpleasant appearance, and remark, “This will be a wretched day,” sinking into gloom; but if he meets a handsome man he says, “Today will be good,” and takes it as a hopeful sign.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “It is only a notion they find in their hearts; let it not hold them back.” Whoever leans on tatayyur finds his life spoiled, and a jinni may even contrive what he detests so that he remains forever anxious and distressed. Therefore, do not succumb to pessimism.

The Arabs also deemed the month of Shawwal unlucky for marriage, saying, “Whoever weds in Shawwal will never succeed in his marriage.” In answer to this, ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to say, “The Prophet ﷺ married me in Shawwal—he performed the contract with me then.”