Superstitions by Ahmad Kasravi reveals the passion of a man of reason who led an overall campaign against what he viewed as decadent ideas and beliefs in all aspects of society, including religion. While his criticism is mainly aimed at such beliefs in the culture of his own society, including the superstitious beliefs inculcated in the people by Shi’ite clerics, he also decries certain Western practices, such as palm reading and summoning the spirits of the dead, which were imported to Iran at the time. Worthy of note is the fact that Kasravi was murdered for the expression of such criticism.

This book expands our understanding of the ills that have plagued many societies, not only in the Middle East but also beyond.