Misconceptions and Practices Commonly Found Among South Asian Muslims

As I've been listening to various scholars, I’ve come to realize that many practices commonly followed by Muslims in the subcontinent are based on misconceptions or cultural traditions rather than authentic Islamic teachings. Here are some of the points I’ve come across:

• Wearing a Topi (Cap) for Namaz or Quran Recitation is Not Mandatory While it’s common in some cultures to wear a cap during prayer or while reading the Quran, it’s not a requirement in Islam. It’s a cultural practice, not a religious obligation.
• Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Heads During the Azaan There’s no requirement in the Quran or Hadith for women to cover their heads when the azaan (call to prayer) is heard.
• You Don’t Have to Get Up from Bed During the Azaan Some people think you need to get up and be fully awake for the azaan, but it’s not a requirement. Simply listening to it with respect and intention to pray is enough.
• Brushing Your Teeth with Toothpaste Does Not Break Your Fast (If You Don’t Swallow It) Using toothpaste to brush your teeth while fasting does not break the fast as long as you avoid swallowing any of it.
• Tasting Food or Salt During Fasting Is Permissible (If You Don’t Swallow It) If it’s necessary to taste food, such as while cooking, as long as you don’t swallow it, it won’t break your fast.
• There’s No Basis for Dargahs (Shrines) or Their Decoration The practice of visiting dargahs, covering them with bedsheets, or offering flowers to the graves of saints or religious figures has no basis in the authentic teachings of Islam. These practices are cultural, similar to Hindu traditions and not part of the core teachings.
• Reading the Quran While Lying on the Bed is Allowed There’s no prohibition in Islam against reading the Quran while lying down. The key is to maintain respect and reverence for the Quran, regardless of your physical position.
• Offering Faatiha or Preparing Sweet Items for the Dead with the Belief That It Reaches Them The practice of making food (like sweets) and offering it with the intention that it will reach the deceased in the grave or "above the sky" is not found in Islamic teachings. While charity for the deceased is encouraged, this specific practice has no foundation in the Quran or Hadith.
• Belief in "Chilla" (Spiritual Seclusion for 40 Days) as a Religious Requirement The practice of going into seclusion for 40 days (chilla) as a way of gaining spiritual power or closeness to Allah is not prescribed in Islamic teachings. This is more of a cultural or Sufi practice and not a religious obligation.
• Belief in "Jinn" Possession and Exorcism Rituals While Islam acknowledges the existence of jinn, the widespread practices of exorcism, such as using specific prayers or rituals to "remove" jinn through intermediary methods, are often exaggerated or distorted. Authentic Islamic teachings emphasize seeking refuge in Allah and using supplications (duas) as protection, rather than relying on elaborate rituals or intermediaries.
• Offering "Nazar" (Vow) to Saints or Supernatural Entities Making vows to saints or believing that certain rituals or offerings (such as lighting candles or giving money) to specific saints will result in blessings or fulfill desires is not an Islamic practice. These beliefs often stem from Hindu cultural traditions rather than Islamic sources.
• Hafiz or Scholar Being Given Special Status Beyond Religious Guidelines While having a scholar or Hafiz (someone who has memorized the Quran) is highly respected in Islam, elevating them to a level of reverence where they are seen as intermediaries or authorities above others is a cultural phenomenon. Islam teaches that everyone, regardless of their religious knowledge, is equal in the eyes of Allah. Everyone is encouraged to seek knowledge and be humble in their religious practice.
• Reciting "Yasin" or Other Surahs for Specific Desires or Intentions It is common to hear that reciting Surah Yasin (or any other surah) a specific number of times will bring about blessings or fulfill personal desires. While reciting the Quran and making du’a is beneficial, there’s no guarantee or formula in Islam that specific surahs will have certain outcomes so it's a made up thing.
• Tying a Black Thread or Amulet Around the Baby’s Neck for Protection from the Evil Eye (Nazar) is a made up thing. Islam teaches that seeking protection from Allah through prayers (duas) and relying on Him alone for safety is the correct approach, rather than using such superstitions.
• The “Haldi” Ceremony Before Marriage The Haldi ceremony, where turmeric is applied to the bride and groom before marriage, is a widely followed tradition in the subcontinent which originated from Hindu Traditions and have no place in Islam.
• The Concept of “Joota Chupai” (Hiding the Groom’s Shoes) In many South Asian weddings, there is a fun tradition where the bride’s side hides the groom's shoes, and the groom must pay money to get them back, this is also an Hindu tradition.
• Pre-Nikah Rituals Like "Mangni" (Engagement) The practice of having an engagement ceremony, Mangni, before the actual marriage is not an Islamic requirement.
• "Bismillah" Written on Walls or Homes for Protection Some people write Bismillah or other Quranic verses on walls or doors for protection against evil. While writing Quranic verses is encouraged, using them as a form of magical protection or relying on them in this specific manner is not found in authentic Islamic practices. Protection is sought through the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and regular prayers.

I might be wrong in some points, I might be correct in some points so please correct me if i am wrong, afterall we all are students and we all learn from each other. Allahu'Aalam.