Fight against Superstition in Story of Moses
Fighting superstitions and uprooting ignorance was one of divine prophets’ main activities.
Superstition, impulsive imitation, and Bida’a (innovation in religion) are among the obstacles in the path of educators and those wishing to guide people
Superstition refers to unfounded and baseless beliefs and Bida’a means adding to religion what does not belong to it, which is a major sin.
Fighting against superstitions and Bida’a is among the educational methods originating from the principle of reform. The Holy Quran, as the greatest and most comprehensive book of education uses this method to rectify the path of people.
Divine messengers have also used this method and some cases of their fight against superstitions and superstitious creeds are mentioned in the Holy Book.
Prophet Abraham (AS), for instance, was steadfast against unbelievers and courageously told them: “By Allah, I will certainly outwit your idols as soon as you have turned your backs and gone.” (Verse 57 of Surah Al-Anbiya)
Prophet Moses (AS) used this method, too, and tried to uproot idolatry.
God says in Verse 138 of Surah Al-A’araf: “We helped the children of Israel to cross the sea. They came to a people who worshipped idols. The Israelites demanded Moses to make gods for them like those of the idol-worshippers. Moses told them, ‘You are an ignorant people.’”
Blind imitation causes some to even expect the messenger of God to approve of idolatry although they had heard nothing from Moses (AS) for years but inviting to Tawheed (monotheism). They opted for Shirk (polytheism) out of blind imitation.
Moses (AS) was very disappointed and told them they were an ignorant people.
It is because the root cause of idolatry is ignorance and lack of knowledge.
