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1. Chinese's Superstitions
- Numbers
- Colors

2. Indian's Superstitions
- Eclipse
- Gemstone

3. Malay's Superstitions
- 'Tangkal Pelaris'
- 'Santau'

4. Kadazan Dusun's Superstitions
- 'Sogit'
- Funeral

5. Iban's Superstitions
- Bird Omen
- Spirit 'Antu'

6. Personal Reflection and References

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The 9 precious gems or known as the 'Nauratan' are commonly worn to please the nine main planets including The Sun, The Moon and the Nodes - Rahu and Ketu (The Shadow Planets).
Each gemstone has its purpose to the wearer.

For example, Diamond, bestow richest success for the wearer and also worn to propitiate Venus, the Lord of Taurus and Libra.

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If you're from India you have probably heard of the "Nauratan", or the nine precious gems commonly worn to propitiate the nine main planets (grah) that are said to deeply influence one's destiny. In Indian astrology, the 9 planets (including the Sun, Moon and the Nodes - Rahu and Ketu) are said to influence one's destiny by their transit and by their position in one's natal chart. To negate their negative influences and accentuate the positive vibes, you may be asked to wear a gemstone as a ring or a pendant. Here's a handy guide to understanding these stones and their properties.

Diamond

Emerald

Ruby

Blue Sapphire

Yellow Sapphire

Coral

Pearl

Hessonite

Worn to propitiate: Hessonite is the stone commonly recommended for the propitiation of the node, Rahu. Rahu is believed to be a snake-headed Asura that causes eclipses along with Ketu. Colour: Gomedh or Hessonite is deep yellow, dark red, dark orange, and honey coloured leading to browns. Properties: The Gomedh is said to be a very powerful stone. It is said to shield the wearer from adversities and addictions such as drug and alcohol abuse, and gambling. It is said to bring relief from skin Diseases, psoriasis, and different forms of psychoses. The Gomedh promises victory over one's enemies.

Cats Eye

Worn to propitiate: Cats Eye is the stone commonly used for the propitiation of the node, Ketu. Ketu is believed to be a snake-bodied Asura that causes eclipses along with Rahu. Colour: The Cats Eye (Lahsunia or Vaidurya) is named thus due to its resemblance to a cat's eye. It exudes shades of white grey and green. Properties: The Cats Eye causes the wearer to disperse the negative results of Karma. It makes one deeply interested in spiritual matters, the occult sciences, and enlightenment or Moksha. It reduces the effects of negative doshas such as Kalasarpa Dosha.

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Craze for 'lucky' stones: Gemstones and their significance

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If you're from India you have probably heard of the "Nauratan", or the nine precious gems commonly worn to propitiate the nine main planets (grah) that are said to deeply influence one's destiny. In Indian astrology, the 9 planets (including the Sun, Moon and the Nodes - Rahu and Ketu) are said to influence one's destiny by their transit and by their position in one's natal chart.

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'Santau' or also called Black Magic is pretty common among elders in Malay culture. It is believed that jinn and devil are used to conduct the rituals. There are two types that are well-known, 'Santau angin' and 'Santau hikmat'. The first one is usually just through air as the word 'angin' translated in English, is wind. The second one, they need to use amulet or things that are charmed to send the black magic.
It is used commonly because of hatred or anger.

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According to Indian Beliefs, eclipses are caused when two shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu swallow the Sun and the Moon.
Eclipses are signs of bad luck, it is the worst time to start or end a project

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According to Indian beliefs, eclipses are caused when the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu, swallow the Sun and the Moon. Vedic Astrology holds that eclipses are not a good time to start or end projects, relationships, jobs, or any other important thing. Auspicious beginnings need light. However, as Rahu and Ketu swallow up the luminaries and twist it in dark ways, what you start could develop very strangely, and you may also regret ending something. During an eclipse, it is better to keep a low profile. Meditation is recommended as this time is favorable for connecting with the higher world. It is not advisable to start anything important on the day of an eclipse or the few days surrounding it. Importantly, if the eclipse is visible at the place where one happens to be, its effects will be greater. Solar eclipses are tougher because, during this time, there will be a new/dark Moon. Thus the Moon's vital energy will not be present in the environment.

Eclipses herald change
An eclipse is the universe's way of making us pay attention to things that we need to change in our life. They have an uprooting effect and get us out of our comfort zone. They enable us to move to a higher plane. Eclipses bring change, and we can't escape it. Eclipses come in pairs and coincide with new Moon and full moons. Solar eclipses occur on new moons and lunar eclipses on full moons.

During an eclipse, one may hear news of childbirth, marriage, or engagement. It could also be news of a breakthrough in career, a promotion, starting a business, signing a major contract, important travel, etc. People may sell or buy a house, or move to a new home far away, get or lose a pet, undergo surgery, or deal with some new development in health. It could also mean college graduation, the beginning of a course of study, a divorce, a book going for publication, and so on. Important events, meetings, and separations, career changes, all are likely at this time. To put it simply, the universe wants you to move forward. Every eclipse triggers an important turning point in your life. Even if you are not affected, your friends and family might be.

An eclipse creates specific changes, and we will never be able to return to the old situation again. There is no cause for alarm for it's a sign that the universe wants us to go forward and make progress, not return to the old days. That option no longer exists after an eclipse. If, later on, you are not happy where you ended up, you can make changes, but these changes should not take you back to the past. The changes caused by eclipses may happen immediately or over a period of months as each successive eclipse follows. For most people, the changes are often shocking.
Eclipses make us sentimental
New beginnings accompany solar eclipses and bring new opportunities. The developments are often positive. However, lunar eclipses tend to be more emotional, and they signal final endings. They can also make us rather sentimental. A full moon lunar eclipse stirs memories and dislodges dreams submerged in the depths of our subconscious mind which rise to the surface.

Eclipses often throw a curveball at us in the form of an unexpected random event. Like the butterfly effect, an event happening elsewhere will trigger it. The event will be completely beyond our control but don't be surprised if sweeping changes arrive at your doorstep.
Eclipses reveal secrets
Eclipses induce a feeling that life is going into fast-forward mode. Things will accelerate at a rapid pace. They also throw light on things that you may not be aware of. Hidden truths will come out during this time. It could be about some underlying health condition or your spouse's extramarital affair! Once the truth is revealed, it will force you to take a major decision or action. Most of the time, you may be shocked by the information that is published for that is the nature of an eclipse. It makes you sit up, pay attention to what is happening, and do something about it. However, there is no need to be scared for eclipses are like friends who tell you the truth with good intentions and to protect you from greater dangers. Truth is always preferable to living a lie. During an eclipse, especially a lunar eclipse, the true nature of someone close to you may be revealed, and it usually won't be something that you like. In case you break up with someone during an eclipse, there will be very little chance of getting back together. So don't try to reconcile with the person or begging them to come back. It will only lead to a loss of dignity.
Eclipses bring drama
Most of the time, you may receive dramatic news at eclipse time, but sometimes, it will come more subtly too as gossip or a secret shared. However, even then, it will be an indication of dramatic changes looming ahead. As it comes close to the eclipse, you should not ignore it. Try to investigate it because, when the next eclipse comes within five and a half months from the date you received the information, the situation could have escalated. By paying attention to the signals during eclipse time, you may be able to anticipate and prepare for problems that crop up later. Health needs attention if an eclipse happens to fall within five days of your birthday, or if it falls almost exactly opposite to it.
Eclipses are packed with energy
Eclipses happen during new and full moons, but they are several times stronger than an ordinary new or full moon. According to Miller, it is like a "new or full moon on steroids." They have the energy of three new or full moons. The event that an eclipse brings may seem destined in some way. If an eclipse occurs on your birthday, or within five days of it, the following year will be significant for you.

Sometimes, eclipses can bring out your hidden capabilities. You may be able to do things that you never thought you would do. It's like they open a door that was firmly locked and extremely difficult to enter.
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Unknown Facts About the Meaning of Eclipses in Vedic Astrology

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According to Indian beliefs, eclipses are caused when the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu, swallow the Sun and the Moon. Vedic Astrology holds that eclipses are not a good time to start or end projects, relationships, jobs, or any other important thing. Auspicious beginnings need light.

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This movie is one of the movie that was influenced by the Malay culture.

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In the Chinese culture, numbers can be associated with luck.
They take lucky numbers so important in their daily life and usually they choose a good combination of numbers for certain luck.
Everyone has a different lucky number according to their birthday in the Chinese Zodiac calendar.

For example in telephone numbers and also their cars' plate number.

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Numbers have always played a significant role in Chinese culture. People in China traditionally associate fortune with lucky numbers. Thus, there came a system of lucky numbers on their own way. It is undeniable that numbers differ from auspicious and ominous. So, Chinese take lucky numbers combination into important consideration in daily life, such as in occasions when they buy residences, choose telephone numbers, select a date of a wedding ceremony, and pick an identification number for their vehicle. They believe lucky numbers can bring them good luck.

What Are the Lucky Numbers in China?

In China, it is customary to regard even numbers as being more auspicious than odd ones. So, gifts are given in even numbers for the celebration of all occasions. No. 8 has long been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. With pronunciation of 'Ba' in Chinese, no. 8 sounds similar to the word 'Fa', which means to make a fortune. It contains meanings of prosperity, success and high social status too, so all business men favor it very much. Moreover, in some areas of China, people prefer to pay much more money for a telephone number with 8 in it. They also favor residences on the eighth floor of buildings. In 1990s, a vehicle identification number with 8 was once auctioned off for 5 million Hong Kong dollars.

As the no. 2 usually suggests germination and harmony, decorations in China are invariably set out in pairs, such as a pair of red candles, a pair of pillows, and couplets hung on two sides of the door.

No. 6, pronounced as 'Liu', conveys indirectly its homophony's meaning - Do everything smoothly.

For odd numbers, no. 3 indicates multiples. In Buddhist culture, it represents Buddha, Dharma and Bonze, so people toll the bell three times to worship Buddha and pray for the removal of calamities with 3 sticks of incense.

Whilst no.7 implies holiness and mystery in Buddhism, it is lucky as well. So, there are seven-storied Stupas everywhere.

No. 9 in Chinese culture means longevity and eternality. Thus, there were 9,999 rooms within the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is also a tradition between lovers to send 99, or 999 roses, which carry the best wishes for 'everlasting love'.

Chinese Lucky Numbers Combination

19 sounds like "forever" in Chinese, and 8 means "make a fortune".

The pronunciation of 13 is similar to "a lifetime", 6 in Chinese represents smooth.

The pronunciation sounds like "a whole life" and "forever" in Chinese. They are often used by lovers to express their forever love to each other.

These are the lucky number for Chinese New Year, or specifically the quantity of cash Chinese usually put in the Red Envelope. It is a blessing from the elders to the younger generation, which hopes that they will have a smooth journey in life.

Chinese Zodiac Lucky Numbers

See more about Chinese Zodiac

What Numbers Do Chinese not Like? - Unlucky Numbers in China, 4 & 14

No. 4 is the exception to the even number rule. Why is the number 4 bad luck in Chinese? Because it sounds like "Si", death in Chinese. Just like some westerners hate no. 13, Chinese avoid number 4 and no.14 when they choose phone numbers, room numbers or select date of ceremonies.

Beside the notions above, each number has their unique meaning and significance. There is no exception to this in modern or ancient times, in culture of China or elsewhere around all over the world. Every person is a universe onto himself, but as the analysis for astrological signs in Western culture, Chinese do follow their own tradition to generalize person's character by analyzing their lucky numbers.

See detailed description of different numbers:

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What Are the Lucky & Unlucky Number in China? 8 - The Luckiest No.

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Numbers have always played a significant role in Chinese culture. People in China traditionally associate fortune with lucky numbers. Thus, there came a system of lucky numbers on their own way. It is undeniable that numbers differ from auspicious and ominous.

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LUCKY NUMBER 8
The Chinese believe that number 8 is the lucky number for wealth and success. They usually put number 8 when they buy lottery.

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General Analysis

People with the lucky number 8 have strong intuition and insight, so they have the potential to explore things undiscovered. In general, they are bestowed with a special gift of being inborn businessmen, and can achieve all their plans step by step. They are usually mild and honest to others. Their characteristics would never lead to arguing with other people or causing them to be depressed. Nevertheless, in order to avoid hurting people around them, they always hide their real emotions, whether they are sad or happy. It would be to their advantage to learn to be more frank when communicating with others, and rather than giving greater consideration to disappointing or encouraging aspects, speak out frankly about their real feelings as this can make them more popular.

Strong points: Due to their decent temperament, they have a good reputation. It is certainly not a nominal compliment because they are always there for philanthropic deeds and generous offer. Besides their potential for enterprise, they have excellent leadership qualities coupled with abundant ambitions. Their usual good fortune enables them to pursue a higher quality of living standards. They often can be successful based on their courage and sincerity. In the eyes of their friends, they are decent, fascinating and reliable.

Weak points: Their abundant ambitions sometimes make them careerists and a little dictatorial and extreme. Being self-centered can be their most intolerable personality trait that may make them selfish. They tend to seek for an inflated reputation, and gradually become very arrogant. Besides, they cannot help to waste money and time. Probably because of this characteristic, they try their best to make money by any means.

Romantic Relationship

They live for the life-long love pledge. However, they always strongly urge their lovers to earn more money and to be more successful. They do not mean to be unsatisfactory with their lovers; they just try to encourage people around them to give full play to their potential. Anyway, don't worry too much. People with this lucky number are very considerate and enthusiastic. They are even willing to sacrifice their own interests to keep the relationship everlasting. Generally speaking, the love they are seeking for is the combination of friendship, business partnership and also lifelong romance.

No. 8 in Chinese Culture

Because Eight (Ba in Chinese) has the similar pronunciation with 发 (Fa, meaning wealth or fortune), this number is very welcome among Chinese people. The popularity of 8 was obvious in relation to the Beijing Olympic Games which commenced at exactly eight o'clock eight minutes on the eighth day of the eighth month in 2008. When people choose telephone numbers, mobile numbers, house numbers, car identification numbers and important dates, 8 is usually the first choice.

In modern China, numerical lingo has been very popular especially on the internet. For instance, 518 with the approximate pronunciation with Wo Yao Fa, meaning I want to be very wealthy. 886, with the Chinese pronunciation Ba Ba Liu like bye-bye in English, is frequently used during the instant chat on the internet to say 'good-bye' or 'see you later'. In the same way, 84 (pronounced Ba Si) means 'bus' in the internet lingo, or 'no' for its sound similar to Bu Shi expressing denial in Chinese.

Also, some unique Chinese expressions are formed with 8. Here are some examples:
1. Birthday and Ba Zi (8 is pronounced Ba in Chinese) refers to a person's birthday and the eight characters according to the horoscope. In the ancient China, based on this information, the fortune-teller can figure out the fortune of a person for his whole life.
2. Bagua: On one hand, it refers to the Eight Diagrams, a series of symbols in ancient Chinese philosophy and astrology. It derived from the Book of Changes (I Ching). On the other hand, it has a modern meaning of some bamboo telegraph, some private information of the stars, or to describe someone who is fond of gossip.
3. Babai Relationship: In ancient China, it used to mean the rules of etiquette governing the relationship of the young towards their seniors and friendships spanning generations. It also describes the friendship between sworn brothers or sisters.
4. Talent of Eight Buckets: This is used to speak highly of a person who has a wide range of knowledge or extraordinary talents.

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General Analysis People with the lucky number 8 have strong intuition and insight, so they have the potential to explore things undiscovered. In general, they are bestowed with a special gift of being inborn businessmen, and can achieve all their plans step by step. They are usually mild and honest to others.

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LUCKY NUMBER 4
There are people who has number 4 as their lucky number. But most of the time Chinese will avoid using number 4, because the pronunciation of the number in Chinese is close to the word 'death'.

If you notice, hotels or malls that are owned by Chinese usually change the number 4 to '3A' or '13A'. They believe that number 4 will give them bad luck.

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General Analysis

People with the lucky number 4 are usually endowed with excellent management capability. They are good at summarizing scattered documents, making complicated situations simple and clearly handling problems. Since most of them lack the sense of security, they pursue the steady relationship to make themselves feel being protected. Besides, these people fear or hate changes in life and they are the most stubborn compared with people having other lucky numbers. Though they may have realized their own weakness, they hardly want to change themselves. What's more, they are good arguers upon some conflicts or arguments especially when they stand on a reasonable side, so give up the idea to dispute with them or persuade them.

Strong points: They are patient, reliable and self-composed in the daily life which makes them good executants or ministrants. Generally speaking, they are proud, but not arrogant; conservative, but not stereotyped. Diligence, loyalty and realism are their strength. Apart from that, they are always ambitious and determined. No wonder that they are usually able to make great achievements.

Weak points: Stubbornness is the most distinctive characteristic for those who have the lucky number 4. They are jealous, quarrelsome and sometimes boring. Although they usually are able to defeat others in the arguments with some surprising words or logicality, they actually lack imagination. Moreover, most of them may be a little tightfisted.

No. 4 in Chinese Culture

In the eyes of the Chinese, 4 is generally disliked by people just as 13 is in the western world. This is because Four is pronounced Si in Chinese, the same as 死 (death). Therefore, many buildings, especially hotels don not set the fourth, fourteenth and twenty-fourth floors and other floors with 4. When choosing the telephone numbers and the vehicle identification numbers, many people would avoid number 4. Anyway, Four sounds like the pronunciation of "water" in Zhejiang area's dialect, in which case it has neither the commendatory nor the derogatory meaning. While in the musical scale, Four is pronounced Fa, the same sound with 发 (fortune) in Chinese. Therefore some people regard 4 as the propitious and lucky number in this case and there is an old saying in Chinese - 四季发财 (be wealthy all the year round).

Even though 4 has derogatory connotation in Chinese, it seems to be very popular in Chinese culture, especially to express some religious ideology. For example, Four Greatness (the greatest natural power that human should abide by) in Buddhism refers to Earth, Water, Fire and Wind, while Tao, Heaven, Earth and Human are the Four Greatness of Taoism. Furthermore, the ancient Chinese people took benevolence, righteousness, courtesy and wisdom as Four Moral Criterions. Sometimes, the four moral criterions refer to fealty to parents, loyalty to one's own country, honesty to friends and respect to the seniors. For Chinese literati, writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper are the Four Treasures in the Study.

Wide Use of No. 4

In China's long history, 4 has been widely used as a number to classify something with the same characteristics or of the same category. Here are some typical examples:
1. Four Seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter
2. Four Directions: east, west, south, north
3. Four Inventions of Ancient China: paper making, printing, compass, gunpowder
4. Four Skills of the Ancient Chinese Scholars: playing zither, playing chess, calligraphy, painting
5. Four Classic Novels of the Ancient China: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Kingdom of Wei, Shu and Wu), Outlaws of Marsh, Journey to the West, A Dream in Red Mansions (The Story of A Stone)
6. Four Sorts of the Well-known Embroidery: Su (Suzhou) Embroidery, Xiang (Hunan) Embroidery, Shu (Sichuan) Embroidery, Yue (Guangdong) Embroidery
7. Four Famous Pavilions: Penglai Pavilion in Yantai of Shandong, Yueyang Pavilion in Hunan, Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang of Jiangxi, Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan of Hubei
8. Four Plants in Chinese Painting: Plum Blossoms, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum
9. Four Grottoes: Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Maiji Caves in Tianshui
10. Four Famous Buddhist Mountains: Mt. Wutai in Shanxi, Mt. Putuo in Zhejiang, Mt. Emei in Sichuan, Mt. Jiuhua in Anhui

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General Analysis People with the lucky number 4 are usually endowed with excellent management capability. They are good at summarizing scattered documents, making complicated situations simple and clearly handling problems. Since most of them lack the sense of security, they pursue the steady relationship to make themselves feel being protected.

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Colors symbolize a lot of things in the Chinese culture.

For example, the color red symbolises luck, joy and happiness.

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Culture plays a significant role when it comes to associating symbolic or hidden meanings with Compared to Western culture, China has a different and more powerful scale of Surprisingly, the element of water is represented by the color black in Chinese culture instead of the Gold symbolizes wealth and riches in Chinese culture, which is the same in Western culture. In fact, no matter where you are in the world, gold represents wealth. It is gold, after all! In traditional Chinese symbolism,

different colors. China is a country rich with heritage, and uses colors symbolically within every ceremony, festival, and ritual.

color symbolism. The Five Elements Theory (Metal, Fire, Water, Wood, and Air) play a very important role in influencing many of the Chinese customs and beliefs. The color theory is based on these five elements, and five of the most popular colors in China also correspond to these five elements.

Black = water? Yellow = earth? Who knew! Here are 8 Colors and Their Symbolism in Chinese Culture.

1.) Red - Fire

Red is a popular color in Chinese culture, symbolizing luck, joy, and happiness. It also represents celebration, vitality, and fertility in traditional Chinese color symbolism. Red is the traditional color worn by Chinese brides, as it is believed to ward off evil. Red also represents the summer season and the element of fire that comes with it. Decorate your kitchen in red to attract good luck to your household.

Yellow is an imperial color in traditional Chinese color symbolism, representing power, royalty, and prosperity. It also represents the late summer season and the central direction. Yellow represents the earth in traditional Chinese culture. Decorate your kitchen in yellow to attract good fortune to your household.

2.) Yellow - Earth

White represents the element of metal in traditional Chinese culture, also symbolizing purity and innocence. In some instances, however, white is associated with death and is a color commonly worn at funerals. Today in China, white is a popular color for consumer goods and is a common color choice for cars. White in your kitchen or household represents purity and renewal.

3.) White - Metal

traditional blue. Black is not the happiest of colors in traditional Chinese color symbolism, representing destruction, evil, cruelty, and sadness. The Chinese word for black is 'hei' which stands for bad luck, irregularity, and illegality. However, this doesn't apply to your kitchen, as black is a gorgeous color when used in kitchen decor. Tres chic!

4.) Black - Water

Blue represents the element of wood in Chinese culture, also symbolizing immortality and advancement. Blue also represents the season of Spring. Use blue in your kitchen to represent growth and optimism.

5.) Blue - Wood

Green is similar in both Western symbolism and traditional Chinese culture. In the West, green stands for harmony, wealth, growth, and eco-friendliness. In Chinese culture, green stands for cleanliness and purity from contamination. Green is used to describe organic things, like calling organic milk "green milk" or calling pesticide-free vegetables "green vegetables".

6.) Green

Use green in your kitchen decor to represent the environment and good health.

Use the color gold in your kitchen decor to attract prosperity to your home.

7.) Gold

purple symbolizes divinity and immortality. In modern times, purple is used to represent love or romance. Use purple in your kitchen to attract love and affection.

8.) Purple

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8 Colors and Their Symbolism in Chinese Culture | Big Chill

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'Tangkal Pelaris' or Lure Charm is very common in the Malay Culture, especially to those who owns a restaurant or a shop.
It acts as a charm to attract people to their store.

It can be an amulet or just a simple mantra, they believe it can help them gain more money.

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(The Use of Business Lures from the Islamic Perspective) Mohd Nizam Sahad
nizamsahad@usm.my

Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan,

Universiti Sains Malaysia.

11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA.

Tel.:+604-6536030.
Abstrak
Fenomena penggunaan pelaris dalam kalangan peniaga Melayu dilihat amat meluas. Pelaris yang menjadi tumpuan perbahasan dalam makalah ini ialah pelaris yang mengandungi ciri mistikal yang melibatkan alam ghaib dan ilmu kearifan tempatan yang hanya diketahui oleh segelintir pengamalnya. Sebagai contoh, penggunaan azimat, tangkal, "ibu duit" dan wafak serta gambar orang soleh yang dianggap mempunyai kuasa melariskan perniagaan mereka. Makalah ini bertujuan mengkaji fenomena penggunaan pelaris tersebut dalam kalangan peniaga Melayu dengan menjadikan akidah Islam sebagai kayu ukur bagi menganalisis sama ada penggunaan pelaris tersebut bercanggah atau tidak dengan ajaran Islam. Kajian kepustakaan dilakukan bagi memperoleh data mengenai perspektif akidah Islam terhadap pelaris, manakala kajian lapangan yang melibatkan temu bual dan pemerhatian dilakukan terhadap informan kajian di premis perniagaan di wilayah utara Semenanjung Malaysia. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa terdapat segelintir peniaga Melayu yang masih menggunakan pelaris daripada jenis wafak, azimat dan gambar orang soleh. Mereka mempercayai pelaris ini dapat melariskan perniagaan yang diusahakan mereka. Kajian juga mendapati bahawa kepercayaan terhadap pelaris semata-mata tanpa menghubungkan bahawa hakikat yang memberi rezeki ialah Allah dapat menjejaskan akidah Islam dan membawa kepada dosa mensyirikkan Allah.

Kata kunci : azimat pelaris, peniaga Melayu, akidah, wafak, tangkal
Abstract
The phenomenon of using lures among Malay traders is very widely seen. The types of lure focused on in this article are lures that have some mystical features involving the supernatural, and those of local knowledge known only to a few practitioners. For example, the use of amulets, talismans, ibu duit (lit. " money mother", i.e. money multipliers), wafaq (mystical diagrams) and images of pious people which are popular lures. This article aims to examine the phenomenon of lures by using the Islamic faith as a tool to analyse whether the use of such conflict with Islamic teachings. A literature review was conducted to obtain data on the perspective of the Islamic faith towards lures, while a field study involving interviews and observations of informants and business premises in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. The study found that there are some Malay traders who still use the lures such as wafaq, amulets, and images of pious people. They believe that such lures will bring in good business. The study also found that believing in the power of lures without bearing in mind that Allah is the Provider may lead to the sin of shirk (believing in a power other than Allah).
Keywords: lure, Malay traders, aqidah, wafaq, amulets RUJUKAN
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Ahmad Zuhairi Abdul Halim, Hariza Mohd Yusof dan Nizamiah Muhd Nor (ed.), 1999. Amalan Mistik dan Kebatinan serta Pengaruhnya terhadap Alam Melayu. Petaling Jaya: Tamadun Research Trust.

A.W. Hamilton, "Malay Love Charms" dlm. Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 4:1(96) hlm. 136-38, 1926.

Al-Maidani, 'Abd al-Ghani al-Ghanimi, 1982M/1402H. Syarah al-'Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah. Damsyik: Dar al-Fikr.

Al-Maraghi, Ahmad Mustafa, 1946M/1365H. Tafsir al-Maraghi. Juz 11. Mesir: Syarikah Maktabah wa Matba'ah al-Babi al-Halabi wa Auladihi.

Al-Razi, Muhammad Fakr al-Din Ibn al-'Allamah Diya' al-Din 'Umar, 1981M/1401H. Tafsir al-Fakr al-Razi. Juz. 26. Beirut : Dar al-Fikr

Al-Saqaf, Hasan 'Ali, 1998M/1419H. Sahih Syarh al-'Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah. Amman: Dar al-Imam al-Nawawi.

Al-Tabari, Abi Ja 'afar bin Jabir, 2001M/1422H. Tafsir al-Tabari Jami ' al-Bayan 'an Ta 'wil Ay al-Qur'an. Juz. 14. t.p: Dar al-Hijr li al-Tiba 'ah wa al-Nasyr wa Tauzi' wa al-'Iqlan.

Al-Zahabi, Abi Abdullah Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Uthman, t.t. Kitab al-Kaba'ir wa Tabyin al-Muharram. Beirut: Dar Ibn Kathir.

Amat Juhari Moain, 1990. Kepercayaan Orang Melayu Berhubung dengan Pertanian. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Amran Kasimin, 2002. Tanda Sihir dan Kekuatan Roh untuk Mengatasinya. Kuala Lumpur: Percetakan Watan Sdn. Bhd.

Belucci, Thomas Wilson, "The Amulet Collection of Professor Belucci" dlm. Journal of American Folk-Lore 4:13, 1981.

Emelie Savage-Smith, 2004. Magic and Divination in Early Islam. Great Britain: Ashgate Publishing Limited.

Geert Mommersteeg, 1990. Allah's Words as Amulet dalam Etnofoor, Jaarg 3:2. hlm. 63-76, dipetik dlm. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25757710.

Haron Daud, 1989. Sejarah Melayu Satu Kajian daripada Aspek Pensejarahan Budaya. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Ibn Taymiyyah, 1983M/1403H. Majmu ah al-Rasa'il wa al-Masa'il. Jilid 1-3. Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al- 'Ilmiyyah.

Kamus Dewan, 1998. Edisi Ketiga. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Latifah Ali, 1990. " Kepercayaan Orang-orang Melayu terhadap Tangkal dan Azimat: Pandangan Islam Terhadapnya: Satu Kajian di Daerah Dungun, Terengganu Darul Iman". Latihan ilmiah yang tidak diterbitkan. Fakulti Usuluddin, Akademi Islam, Universiti Malaya.

Lecomte, Nelly, 2005. "Commerce and Magic" dlm. Research in African Literatures 36:4. USA: Indiana University Press.

Mohd Fahrur Rozi Ismail, 2006. " Kepercayaan Masyarakat Melayu terhadap Tangkal dan Azimat: Kajian Menurut Perspektif Islam ". Universiti Malaya. Jabatan Akidah dan Pemikiran Islam. Latihan Ilmiah yang tidak diterbitkan. Jabatan Akidah dan Pemikiran Islam, Akademi Pengajian Islam, Universiti Malaya, 2005/2006.

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Muhammad bin Ahmad, 2009. " The Influence of Culture on Malay Muslim Business Practice: A Case Study of Malaysia with Special References to the State of Kelantan Dar al-Na'im ". Tesis Phd D yang tidak diterbitkan. Universiti of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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Temu bual dengan Peniaga A, B, C dan D (dirahsiakan identiti atas sebab etika penyelidikan) sekitar tahun 2012 dan 2013 di wilayah utara Semenanjung Malaysia.

Tewfik Canaan, 2004. "The Decipherment of Arabic Talisman" dlm. Emilie Savage-Smith (ed.). Magic and Divination in Early Islam. Great Britain: Ashgate Publishing Limited.

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Winstedt, R.O., 1925. Shaman Saiva and Sufi A Study of the Evolution of Malay Magic.London: Constable & Company Ltd.

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(The Use of Business Lures from the Islamic Perspective) Mohd Nizam Sahad nizamsahad@usm.my Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan, Universiti Sains Malaysia. 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA. Tel.:+604-6536030. Abstrak Fenomena penggunaan pelaris dalam kalangan peniaga Melayu dilihat amat meluas.

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Sogit is a type of fine or summon in the Kadazan Dusun's culture. It varies across the state of Sabah.
Usually the cost of a fine will be farm animals like cows and pigs.

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Adat Masyarakat Penampang

Di daerah Penampang, adat penduduknya adalah berbeza berbanding adat-adat lain di negeri ini. Di daerah ini, terdapat beberapa adat dan sekiranya gagal menurutinya, hukuman akan dikenakan. Di daerah ini terdapat beberapa hukuman yang dikenakan menurut adat antaranya ialah:

· Sogit (Terdiri daripada "Sogit" dan "Sogit Perceraian")

· Hukum Nenek dan Datuk

· Hukum Lampau

· Tagal

"Sogit" (Hukuman / Denda)

Sogit seumpama undang undang didalam kaum kadazan dusun di penampang. Ia bertindak sebagai saman yang meminta pampasan daripada pihak yang bersalah. Pampasan biasanya dalam bentuk haiwan ternakan seperti Khinzir, Kerbau, Sapi,Kambing atau Ayam. Sebagai contoh dalam situasi "sogit" akan dikenakan kepada lelaki yang mengganggu anak gadis yang masih suci atau yang telah berkahwin. Ia hanya akan dikenakan atas kesalahan yang kecil sahaja.

Contoh Situasi "Sogit"

Jika seorang perempuan mengandung sebelum berkahwin, lelaki yang bertanggungjawab perlu membawa ketua kampung dan keluarganya untuk membincangkan persetujuan sekiranya pihak lelaki mahu berkahwin dengan perempuan tersebut atau tidak. jika tidak, pihak lelaki perlu membayar pampasan mengikut kehendak keluarga pihak perempuan yang terlibat. Namun, jika pihak perempuan mahu lelaki tersebut berkahwin dengan perempuan tersebut, maka pihak lelaki perlu menuruti kehendak pihak wanita tersebut.

Sogit yang perlu dibayar mestilah melebihi RM1000 keatas dan barangan tradisional perlu dimasukkan ke dalam senarai pampasan. Kelengkapan perkahwinan juga perlu disediakan walaupun kedua dua pihak tidak akan berkahwin.

"Sogit Perceraian" (Hukuman / Denda)

Sekiranya pihak lelaki (Si Suami) ingin bercerai dengan isterinya, beliau perlu menanggung segala perbelanjaan bekas isteri dan anak-anaknya. Dengan ini, pihak lelaki perlu menanggung dan menyediakan segala keperluan untuk isteri yang diceraikannya, jumlah tanggungan ini termasuklah keperluan anak-anak mereka.

Hukum Nenek dan Datuk (Hukuman / Denda)

Hukum nenek dan datuk pula dikenakan apabila cucu kepada seorang datuk atau nenek dimalukan. Oleh kerana cucunya dimalukan, nenek dan datuk perlu diberikan pampasan. Keluarga pihak perempuan diutamakan berbanding pihak lelaki.

Hukum Lampau (Hukuman / Denda)

Hukum lampau bersifat 'tegas' kerana sekiranya sepasang kekasih atau bukan kekasih melakukan hubungan luar nikah, maka hukuman mati dikenakan. Hukuman ini dikenakan tidak mengira siapa yang bersalah, jika pasangan ini melakukan seks, maka pasangan ini akan dimasukkan ke dalam raga kemudiannya dihumban ke dalam sungai. Walubagaimanapun, hukum ini telah dihapuskan dan tidak digunakan lagi dalam hukuman sekarang.

"Sogit Perceraian" (Hukuman / Denda)

Sekiranya pihak lelaki (Si Suami) ingin bercerai dengan isterinya, beliau perlu menanggung segala perbelanjaan bekas isteri dan anak-anaknya. Dengan ini, pihak lelaki perlu menanggung dan menyediakan segala keperluan untuk isteri yang diceraikannya, jumlah tanggungan ini termasuklah keperluan anak-anak mereka.

"Tagal" (Peraturan)

Tagal bermaksud 'tidak payah' atau 'tidak perlu' dalam bahasa kadazandusun. Tagal dikenakan kepada tempat yang berada dalam jagaan individu atau penduduk keseluruhan kampung. Tagal biasanya dikenakan pada sungai.

Tujuan tagal adalah untuk membiakkan hidupan sungai pada tahap optimum agar mampu dinikmati oleh seluruh penduduk kampung apabila tiba waktu menuai/menangkap hasil ikan tersebut.

Peraturan ini masih wujud di bahagian Terian dan penduduk di kawasan tersebut mengamalkan Tagal pada Sungai Terian. Sesiapa yang menceroboh akan dikenakan tindakan tegas dengan merampas seluruh peralatan menangkap ikan (termasuk hasil tangkapan) disamping diberikan nasihat oleh penjaganya (penduduk kampung terutamanya Ketua Kampung).

Apabila tiba tempoh menuai, kegembiraan ini disambut oleh seluruh penduduk kampung dan hari pertama penangkapan dirasmikan oleh orang kenamaan. Pada tempoh ini menuai ini, tempoh bebas diberikan kepada sesiapa untuk menangkap ikan dalam masa tiga hari sahaja dan kemudiannya akan dikuatkuasakan semula selepas tempoh tersebut.

Peraturan "Tagal" ini terbukti berkesan dalam memelihara alam sekitar terutamanya dalam menjaga diversiti hidupan air tawar disamping memastikan sumber protein mencukupi pada masa akan datang.

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Adat Masyarakat Penampang Di daerah Penampang, adat penduduknya adalah berbeza berbanding adat-adat lain di negeri ini. Di daerah ini, terdapat beberapa adat dan sekiranya gagal menurutinya, hukuman akan dikenakan.

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Mompisok is a ritual performed on the 7th night of someone's death. Its purpose is to call upon the spirit of the dead to take all of his/her belongings of when they were still alive and ask the dead not to disturb the family.

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Hello everyone, today I would like to share our tradition mompisok the KadazanDusun death ritual. Before you read more, I would like to remind that this story is for sharing purpose only and I don't have any intention to force anyone to believe it.

The original idea for this writing comes from my sister Just, so all the credit are hers :)

According to the KadazanDusun beliefs in a long time ago before they had follow or embrace any religion, they are practicing mompisok in a death ritual.

After burying the dead body, 6 days later which is call (the seventh night) malam ketujuh mompisok will be made by the family member. Mompisok means to turn off the light where someone will call and welcoming the dead spirit on that night.

My sister Just interview with an old lady...

Mompisok can remind people about death. Calling the dead spirit and family members will ask the spirit to take all his/her belongings during his/her was still alive. The family members also will ask the dead spirit not to disturb the family, but leave and be good where ever the dead spirit go.

The old lady asks my sister Just, "do you believe that the spirit will coming back?" Some had tell me, if you see them then you would believe it but then it is up to you whether you want to believe it or not. The old lady said, there are some people who can see or sense their presence. According to these peoples, their look does not change. Only the dead one will not lift their faces.

I myself had experience a couple of times this mompisok ceremony, once during the death of my great-grandmother (father's side). On the seventh night, an adequate of ashesplaced near the deceased's belongings. After that, all the lights switched off and in the darkness someone will begin the ceremony by calling the spirit.

I must admit, it was very creepy and the silent also unbearable. No one dared to make a sound let alone a movement. In my mind, if I make even a slight movement the spirit will spot me, instantly jump at me and bring me to the unknown world. Haha...don't blame me, I was only a child at that time.

When the lights went on, everyone especially the grown up quickly checked the ashes that been placed near the deceased's belongings. Actually they want to see if the spirit had leaved evidence there. Something likes footprints, fingerprints or whatsoever. I still remember I had peeked on that ashes and yes I saw something on it. But please forgive me, I may be a child at that time still the moment is personal to me so I won't share it here.

usually will end with many thanks to those who had come that night. For your information, the KadazanDusun is still practice this kind of ceremony but it is more to Mompisok Adat (traditions). Nothing more, nothing less I guess, since nowadays most of us already embrace a religion. In our area, we still practice the ceremony. But instead of switching the lights off on the seventh day, we replace it by a mass prayer.

So, that is a story I want to share with you about death rituals according to the KadazanDusun tradition. The ritual could be a little bit different by area including the name, here we call it moginturu but its purpose remains the same. I believe some of you especially the Sabahan familiar to this ritual. Perhaps, you can share your experience?

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Hello everyone, today I would like to share our tradition mompisok the KadazanDusun death ritual. Before you read more, I would like to remind that this story is for sharing purpose only and I don't have any intention to force anyone to believe it.

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In the Iban culture, they believe in the 7 birds omen. If they don't believe any of these birds omen, they believe that it will bring that bad luck charm.
The 7 types of birds are Ketupong, Bejampong, Embuas, Pangkas, Beragai, Papau, and Nendak.

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"If you never listen to the call of the Omen birds, no amount of charms will make your work prosper". And he adds, "These omen birds are all my son-in-laws; Ketupong, Bejampong, Embuas, Pangkas, Beragai, Papau, and Nendak". Those are the words of Sengalang Burong, the most powerful deity in traditional Iban faith.

Whether you choose to believe it or not, these ancient tradition of respecting the calls of the Omen birds have made the Iban tribe to prosper, expand and thrive to become one of the most populous ethnic in the island of Borneo.

When it comes to waging war, headhunting, paddy harvesting, or even building a new "rumah panjai", the Iban believes that upon seeing or hearing these Omen birds, it is a potential warning signs given from the deity, in order for them to be extra vigilant and cautious. On the contrary, it could also signify good luck and positive energy. It all depends on which Omen birds that gives out the call.

Fast forward to the present time, there isn't much awareness among the younger Iban generations regarding this almost forgotten heritage. Still, it stays as among one of the most important aspect of Iban culture other than Ngepan, Tuak, Ngajat and so on.
1. Ketupong
The eldest and has the most authoritative and deliberative power (In Iban terms: ngasi, bekuasa)

Looks small but aggressive with human.

When heard during paddy harvesting season, it's a sign of bad omen: Bad things will happen to the owner's paddy field.

Similarly if Ketupong is seen at a young paddy field (Umai Temuda), it means that the harvest is going to be bad: Not a good location for paddy planting
2. Beragai
Can present with either good or bad omen, depending on the accompanying sound of its' brother.

When heard alone, it's a good omen: Very good harvest, paddy will be plentiful.

When heard before Bejampung, it's a bad omen: The person hearing it will soon face hardship alongside his/her family.
3. Bejampung
In Iban culture, Bejampung is very keen sighted (mata lansik) and sharp hearing (pending lansik).

Often called by Shaman (Lemambang) to assist in ritual.

Brings good or bad omen in forms of fire

If it enters a house, a bad sign that the house will be engulfed by fire.

If it is found at "Umai Bukit" (Hill Paddy Field), a good sign that the field will be cleansed with ease (umai deka angus ditunu).
4. Pangkas
A sub-species of Woodpecker (Burung Belatuk / Kutuk).

Mostly only Bad Omen.

Bad omen when heard during harvesting (ngetau): The harvested paddy will not sustain for a long time (deka rua diempa).

If heard during headhunting (Ngayau), it shows that the killing of enemies might not be affective (pala munsuh enda ulih pumpung).
5. Ketupong
The eldest and has the most authoritative and deliberative power (In Iban terms: ngasi, bekuasa)

Looks small but aggressive with human.

When heard during paddy harvesting season, it's a sign of bad omen: Bad things will happen to the owner's paddy field.

Similarly if Ketupong is seen at a young paddy field (Umai Temuda), it means that the harvest is going to be bad: Not a good location for paddy planting.
6. Beragai
Can present with either good or bad omen, depending on the accompanying sound of its' brother.

When heard alone, it's a good omen: Very good harvest, paddy will be plentiful.

When heard before Bejampung, it's a bad omen: The person hearing it will soon face hardship alongside his/her family.
7. Bejampung
In Iban culture, Bejampung is very keen sighted (mata lansik) and sharp hearing (pending lansik).

Often called by Shaman (Lemambang) to assist in ritual.

Brings good or bad omen in forms of fire

If it enters a house, a bad sign that the house will be engulfed by fire.

If it is found at "Umai Bukit" (Hill Paddy Field), a good sign that the field will be cleansed with ease (umai deka angus ditunu)

Source : Ricky Nel Frank ( Mister Borneo 2017 - London Qualifier ) Borneo Hornbill Festival. You can follow his journey from his facebook account here : Ricky Nel Frank

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The 7 Omen Birds Of The Iban Tribe, That You Should Know

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"If you never listen to the call of the Omen birds, no amount of charms will make your work prosper". And he adds, "These omen birds are all my son-in-laws; Ketupong, Bejampong, Embuas, Pangkas, Beragai, Papau, and Nendak". Those are the words of Sengalang Burong, the most powerful deity in traditional Iban faith.

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This video explains about the superstitions belief regarding the birds omen in  (0 - 33 seconds) of the video.

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The Iban believes that sickness are caused by Antu or spirit. It was thought to be attacked by 'Antu Grasi' or demon huntsman.

The 'manang' or the shaman will perform a ritual to treat the wound caused by the demon huntsman.

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Long time ago, the Iban believed that a variety of illnesses were caused by 'antu' or demonic spirits.

According to Iban ethnologist Benedict Sandin, one such sickness was known as 'pansa utai' or 'pansa bulu babas'. It was thought to be caused by an attack of the invisible antu grasi, or demon huntsman.

"A wound made by these spirits is likely to be dangerous and a fully initiated manang (shaman) should be called upon to treat this type of spiritual injury," Benedict wrote in his paper "Mythological Origins of Iban Shamanism".

If it is not that dangerous, the manang may simply apply his 'penampal abi' or patching ointment on the afflicted part of the patient's body.

What if it is serious? The manang is likely to perform a 'bebunoh antu' rite in order to slay the demons huntsman who has spiritually wounded his patient. If the manang is afraid to perform such a 'pelian' (healing ceremony) himself, then he may suggest to the patient's family that they call a more senior, daring manang.

Stalling the attacks from antu grasi

According to Iban shamanism belief, in order to forestall attacks by the antu grasi, Iban manang and dukun warn those who experience bad dreams or encounter ill-omens that they must not work outside their longhouse for a day or more.

This was so that they would not tbe seen by the roaming demon huntsmen who invisibly hunt over the countryside. To these spirits, the souls (semangat) of those who ignore the warnings of dreams and omens appear as wild boars.

Dayak Festival in a traditional Longhouse, 1846, Dutch Borneo. Credit: Public Domain

Spirits believed to cause miscarriage

If there were a case where a woman suffered from repeat miscarriages, the cause was often believed to be the sexual assault of incubus spirits.

These spirits are called tunang utai or tunang antu. They are thought to appear at times in the form of animals or fish or eels.

To prevent such assaults, women are warned to be careful while washing their clothes in the river.

If a woman's clothes are lost, the incubus may trace them to their owner in order to have sexual intercourse with her spiritually.

Some of the animals believed to be able to court women are crocodiles, monitor lizards, deer, clouded leopards, short-tailed macaques, bear cats and cobras.

The only way to protect a woman is to employ an expert manang to kill the spirit through bebunoh antu.

Typically, a married woman is troubled by that kind of spirit dreams that she is sexually courted by a man who often appears to her in the form of her husband or a handsome young man.

Frequently, the spirit is seen early in the morning leaving the longhouse in the guise of an animal. With this, others know that a woman is being molested by a tunang spirit.

Antu Buyu

Another harmful spirit in Iban shamanism belief is the antu buyu. They represent the bad souls of old women who are thought to act like witches. These spirits disturbs and possibly even kill newborn babies.

Benedict stated, "The presence of such women is particularly associated with old, long-inhabited longhouse settlements. The antu buyu feed on rice bran (seku) left un-swept by the women after winnowing their rice along the main passage-way of the house."

Hence, bran should be carefully swept away and not left for the spirits to feed upon.

Occasionally, Iban bachelors as they walk quietly along the longhouse' gallery to court girls at night, see the antu buyu walking below the eaves of the longhouse.

It is believed that these antu buyu are on their way to look for rice bran or to frighten or kill infants as they sleep.

They also appear to grown-up children in the form of an ugly black, hairy spirit. Moreover, children who see them could become nervous and ill.

To guard a child from such danger, a manang may be called upon to perform a protective pelian.

In the end of the pelian, the manang may hang a charm made from wasps on the door or window of the family's room. This is to frighten away the antu buyu and other spirits.

Nonetheless, there are sicknesses that the manangs cannot cure. Usually, these are the afflictions caused by disobeying taboos such as causing a fire at a cemetery or forbidden islet of forest.

Mythological origins of Iban Shamanism was published in The Sarawak Museum Journal in August 1983.

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The spiritual causes of sickness, according to Iban shamanism *

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Long time ago, the Iban believed that a variety of illnesses were caused by 'antu' or demonic spirits. According to Iban ethnologist Benedict Sandin, one such sickness was known as 'pansa utai' or 'pansa bulu babas'. It was thought to be caused by an attack of the invisible antu grasi, or demon huntsman.

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Hi everyone's reading this, I have made a simple info graphic about myself and the purpose for this e-portfolio.