Could a pleasant scene be a good omen? This question came to my mind after seeing a wonderful and astonishing scene that reminded me of Paradise. I supplicate Allaah to Admit me, you and all Muslims to Paradise. This was shortly before sunset on the first day in Ramadhaan. I was sitting, reciting the Athkaar of the evening when I glanced toward the window and saw in the sky a V-shaped flock of green birds. This wonderful scene reminded me of Paradise. When I tried to follow this flock with my sight, it disappeared. Is there any kind of good omen in seeing this scene at that specific time? Should the believer find a good omen in good scenes? I like to be optimistic in all cases. Please advise me and teach me how the good omen is felt and what its kinds and reward are.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

A good omen is one of the aspects of good expectation of Allaah. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, explained what the good omen is when he said: “A good word that anyone of you hears.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

A pleasant scene is like a good word; they are both aspects of the good omen that a Muslim should feel optimistic about, just as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to do.

Allaah The Almighty Made in this universe many pleasant things and beautiful scenes that awaken the feelings and make the person long for the everlasting pleasure and beauty in the eternal abode in which they will find what no eye has ever seen, what no ear has ever heard and what no mind has ever conceived.

On the other hand, Allaah The Almighty Created and Made in this life ugly things that remind the person of Hell. Accordingly, upon seeing these scenes the person will seek refuge with Allaah from every bad, ugly and harmful thing.

There are many examples in the Quran in this regard. It is an open page that displays the beauties of this universe so that the believer will yearn for the Hereafter and its pleasures.

Likewise, the Quran displays the ugly matters and warns us of them. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to ask Allaah to shower him with His Mercy when he recited a verse about Mercy; and used to seek refuge with Allaah when he recited a verse about punishment.

Hence, a Muslim in this worldly life should find a good omen and glad tidings and supplicate Allaah when he sees good scenes or hears good words. On the other hand, he should seek refuge in Allaah The Almighty when he hears or sees bad things.

Allaah Knows best.