Islamic tradition and culture includes a number of stories and legends that are mythological. For example, note stories of genies, magic lamps, flying carpets, and wishes contained in tales from the Arabian Nights and other works.
The story of Aladdin is one of these tales well known to English speakers. While some of these stories are associated in the mind of the Westerner with Islam, they do not for the most part illustrate the principles of Islam. In fact many of them predate the introduction of Islam, and contain elements contrary to Islam, and are therefore not Islamic mythology.
The concept of the Evil Eye is considered by some to be mentioned in the Qur'an, in Surat al-Falaq (in which one is told to seek refuge "from the mischief of the envious one as he envies", and is held to be true by millions of Muslims. However the use of the Hand of Fatima is forbidden by the religion of Islam and is merely part of the so-called Folk Islam, a set of superstitions and practices transmitted orally from generation to generation. Many elements of Folk Islam stem from animism practices and have been integrated into the daily life of many Muslims. Orthodox muslims however, recite various verses from the Qur'an such as an-Nas and al-Falaq as means of protection and prayer. Islam stricly forbids magic. Yet, Arabic culture with the popular belief in magic and the existence of Jinn (الجن) Surat 72: Al-Jinn is entirely about them. According to Islamic mythology; Jinn can be befriended and compelled to perform tasks.
Islamic mythology has probably been influenced to a large degree by Arabic mythology. The two differ, in that Islam prohibits sorcery.
See also
Last updated: 10-24-2005 15:38:42
