In many cultures and beliefs around the world, the number 13 is considered unlucky, except in Islam. It has permeated daily life with beliefs like avoiding airplane seats and apartment numbers with 13, or Christians not staying in the 13th room of a hotel. But why is the number 13 viewed as unlucky in Christianity?
Firstly, it's important to note that for Muslims, there's no such superstition about the number 13. In fact, 13 can be considered auspicious in Islam. For example:
- 5 + 7 + 1 equals 13, which is the birth year of our Prophet Muhammad (571).
- 7 + 5 + 1 equals 13, representing the year when Turks converted to Islam (751).
- 1 + 4 + 5 + 3 equals 13, signifying the conquest of Istanbul (1453).
- 1 + 0 + 4 + 8 equals 13, marking the Battle of Pasinler (1048).
Now, let's delve into why this superstition around the number 13 is so widespread in Christianity.
One significant reason is linked to the Last Supper of Jesus, where there were 12 disciples, making a total of 13 individuals. After this meal, great calamities occurred. The notion of 13 being inauspicious likely stems from this event, with the 13th person being the traitor who betrayed Jesus by attending the dinner despite not being invited.
In Norse mythology, the beloved god Balder hosts a dinner. The malevolent god Loki forcibly joins the 12-person gathering as the 13th member, and in an ensuing argument, he murders the cherished god Balder. This legend likely contributed to the belief in the inauspiciousness of the number 13, as it's thought to have originated from Scandinavian pagan beliefs that were later incorporated into Christianity.
On April 13, 1307, a Friday, in an alliance between the French king and the Pope, many Templar Knights were killed in a coordinated operation. In Hebrew, the 13th letter signifies death and temple, adding to the ominous association.
Famous notorious figures like Charles Manson, Theodore Bundy, and Jack the Ripper have names consisting of thirteen letters.
Another reinforcing factor is that in a year, there are typically 13 full moons.
In the Western world, the belief in the unluckiness of the number 13 was further solidified by the failed Apollo 13 mission to the moon, planned by the United States.
In regions like Mexico and among certain tribes, however, the number 13 is considered auspicious. Additionally, in Christianity, Friday is also regarded as unlucky. In ancient Babylon, before the Common Era, the number 13 was deemed unlucky due to the magnificence attributed to the number 12. It's suggested that because 13 comes after 12, it was considered ominous by the Babylonians.
In Turkey, many historians believe that the sum of the numbers in the year of the conquest of Istanbul (1453) being 13 explains the superstition around this number.
It's evident that in Christianity and the Western world, such superstitions are deeply ingrained.
In Islam, however, such superstitious beliefs have no place in the religion. Furthermore, Islam regards Friday as sacred. Therefore, in our noble religion of Islam, nothing is considered unlucky, and it is strictly prohibited to engage in superstitions.
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