Sociology of a belief and a practice in the Comoros

Every country has its own list of superstitions, the belief that certain actions or signs will mysteriously bring about good or bad consequences; a belief in omens and signs. In Senegal, for example, "it is strongly advised to keep one's forecasts and travel plans private. Indeed, if someone knows about it, legend has it that the trip will go very badly". This is the case in Madagascar, where certain misfortunes, such as accidents or illness, are considered to be the consequence of a failure to worship the ancestors. It's a punishment inflicted by the ancestors for violating a "fady" (taboo). While superstitious belief is a cultural product of mankind, it responds only very indirectly to the principle of reality.

Autorentext

Born on 25 February 1978 into a modest family living in Ntsaoueni, in the north of Grande-Comore (Comoros), Mistoihi ABDILLAHI is a committed sociologist and the author of Honneur ou Bonheur? Grow up or die? and Traditions and Religions in the Comoros. The youngest of 9 siblings, Dr Mistoihi is now the father of 5 children.