What Is The Islamic Ban On Astrology?

Astrology is generally considered unlawful in Islam, as it is based on numerous authenticated hadiths that forbid it. Some scholars in Sufism argue that astrology may be permissible in Islam because it is based on statistical knowledge and not an illusion or demonic practice. However, true believers should abstain from activities related to fortune-telling. Astronomy is not only prohibited but also involves visiting an astrologer, listening to their predictions, believing in predictions, buying books on astrology, or reading.

Early Muslims relied on the sun and moon to determine important matters, such as the direction of Mecca and fasting times. Astronomy is a science and permitted, while astrology is a pseudo-science and unlawful to pursue. Astronomy deals with the study of the heavens to understand the universe. The difference between meteorology and astrology is that meteorology is based on science, while astrology is based on superstition. Relying on superstition is harmful and forbidden in Islam.

Islam encourages reliance on Allah and discourages seeking guidance from sources other than divine revelation. Astrology, horoscopes, superstition, and fortune-telling are actions of ignorance that Islam shows as false and explains as acts of witchcraft. Most Islamic theologians refute astrology due to the laws of physics disproving the astrological claims of planetary effects. Astrology is haram because it makes predictions and no body can predict Allah and his plan for us. People believe in these practices too much, supplanting a basic Islamic principle of people being based on their character. Astrology and horoscopes are considered haram in Islam as they are an act of polytheism and make a person depend on something other than Allah.

Will Allah forgive for believing in zodiac signs?

Shirk is a sin that Allah does not forgive, and it is worse than any other sin, including eating pork or drinking alcohol. Reading horoscopes is not just a harmless fun, but a form of shirk that can have serious consequences in the afterlife. It is akin to idol worship and is strictly forbidden in Islam. Reading horoscopes is not just a fun activity, but a form of shirk that seeks knowledge of the unseen, which is only known by Allah.

It is akin to idol worship and is not something to be taken lightly. Therefore, reading horoscopes and believing in them is not a harmless pastime but a serious sin that can have serious consequences in the afterlife.

Why is astrology forbidden in Islam?

It is strictly prohibited to seek fortune tellers’ opinions on “storytelling” from oracles, psychics, astrologers, or numerologists, as they lack the requisite knowledge about the future and the divine powers to predict.

How did Muslims use astrology?

Medieval Muslims were fascinated by the study of astrology due to its importance in guiding the journeys of desert-dwellers and the knowledge of constellations. The advent of Islam prompted Muslims to determine the time of prayers, the direction of the Kaaba, and the correct orientation of the mosque, giving religious impetus to the study of astronomy. Astrology, a discipline within astronomy, deals with the influence of heavenly bodies on terrestrial affairs and the human condition.

The principles of these studies were rooted in Arabian, Persian, Babylonian, Hellenistic, and Indian traditions, developed by the Arabs after establishing a magnificent observatory and library of astronomical and astrological texts in Baghdad in the 8th century. Throughout the medieval period, the practical application of astrology was subject to philosophical debate by Muslim religious scholars and scientists. Astrological prognostications required precise scientific expertise, which motivated the study and development of astronomy.

Is it OK to believe in astrology in Islam?

The earliest Islamic stance against astrology can be traced back to individuals such as Abd al-Jabbar and Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi, who sought to justify the causal influence of celestial beings on terrestrial life forms. Historical texts like Kitab al-Daraj provide evidence of the presence of astrology in early Islam. However, even before these individuals, historians and theologians like Al Hashimi sought to justify the role of astrology in influencing Islamic adherents’ religion.

Al Hashimi, through philosophers like Masha Allah, explored the possibility of the influence of stars on one’s morality and religion in general. He cited Masha Allah’s idea that the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s birth was a result of a coming together of celestial objects, essentially pointing to the inherent birth of Muhammad as a result of astrological events. Both Masha Allah and Al Hashimi draw upon similarities but draw upon their inherent stance in pointing to the planets, stars, and other celestial beings as the primary means by which divine rule is exercised, i. e., how God emanates control over all life forms.

Early Muslims relied on the sun and moon to determine important things such as the direction of Mecca, fasting times for Ramadan, and the beginning and end of each month. They used astrology and the position of the planets to predict the health and well-being of individuals, with eclipses in Libra, Aquarius, or Gemini being predictions of worldwide plagues, and comets or shooting stars being predictions of famine and sickness.

Many interpretations of the Quran point to astrology as that which goes against the fundamental principles preached by the Islamic religious tradition. Astrology ultimately points to the role of celestial beings in influencing terrestrial life and the everyday lives of individuals, ultimately hindering their destiny. Various excerpts from the Quran are interpreted to disprove this theory, with the Quran in Surah Al-Jinn suggesting that any such presence of extraterrestrial influence on mankind is not plausible and is therefore haram (forbidden) in Islam.

The Hadith, a reference to the instructions and practices of Muhammad, encourages adherents of the Islamic faith to embody the concept of astrology. Muhammad made various claims regarding the legality/illegality of astrology with regards to the Islamic religious tradition, such as the belief that rain is a bounty bestowed only by Allah (God). The Hadith makes specific mention to the stars, suggesting that those who suggest rain originates as a result of a star are a disbeliever in Me (Allah).

This works to fundamentally embody the concept of astrology and the consequent belief in the idea that celestial beings have an influence on anything other than what enshrined in the Quran and Hadith as shirk (blasphemy), leading one to leave the fold of the religion.

Can Muslims read astrology?

A Muslim believes in God and the Prophet’s message, believing everything he has told is true. They cannot combine this belief with palmistry, astrology, or any method of predicting the future, as it contradicts their faith. Therefore, a Muslim should not read horoscopes, which are often published in newspapers and magazines. Even the editors of these publications do not believe their horoscopes, as they are aware of the trick they use. This highlights the importance of adhering to the teachings of Islam.

Is it sinful to believe in astrology?

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus states that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This contradicts biblical wisdom, as chasing after false gods is a sin. There is no biblical evidence that God has given authority to stars or astrologists. Pursuing predictions about our destiny or personality takes power from God and gives it to something other than God, which is biblically sinful. A horoscope cannot change what God has already ordained before we were even created. A study by YouGov found that 37 of Americans under 30 believe in astrology, making it crucial to provide a biblical understanding of astrology to teens.

What does Allah say about astrology?

The prohibition of zodiac signs in Islam is based on hadiths and transmissions from Ibn ‘Abbas and al-Bazzar. Abu Dawud narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that anyone learning astrology has learned a branch of witchcraft. Al-Bazzar narrated that the Messenger of Allah is not one who practices augury, fortune-telling, or witchcraft. He stated that anyone who claims to know the unseen is either a fortune-teller or acting like one, as Allah is the only One who has knowledge of the unseen. Allah states that “none in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghayb (Unseen) except Allah”.

Is astronomy haram in Islam?

The Holy Qur’an is a revelation that encourages people to think about the world around them and the signs of Allah. It contains scientific knowledge that has taken centuries to discover, and it is believed to be divinely originating. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the actual word of Allah, the Most High. A proper understanding of the Qur’an requires an understanding of science, as it encourages reflection on the works of creation to realize the greatness of Almighty God.

There is a distinction between Astronomy and Astrology, which are often confused as meaning the same. Astronomy is a science and halal, while Astrology is a pseudo science and haram. Astronomy studies the heavens to understand the underlying principles governing planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe in general. Astrology claims to predict the destinies of persons based on the actions of planets. There has been no contradiction between Astronomy and the Qur’an.

The Qur’an deals with various areas of science, including earth geology, animal and vegetable kingdom, human reproduction, and Astronomy. This article focuses on the position of Astronomy in Islam, emphasizing observed facts over theories. Theories can be subjective and may be modified, changed, or rejected based on observational data. Understanding the underlying principles behind the universe provides a deeper sense of awe and appreciation for the One who created it.

What does the Quran say about astronomy?

In the Islamic tradition, Allah is believed to have created the sun, moon, and stars, which are regarded as subordinate to His authority and moving according to His will. He is the sole Creator of all things and possesses absolute authority and control over all creation. We praise Allah, the Lord of all creation, and all that exists within it.

Is believing in zodiac signs haram?

In his teachings, the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) explicitly forbade the use of astrology or the science of stars as a means of predicting one’s own self-perception.

Do Muslims believe in astrology?

The Hadith, a collection of Islamic religious teachings, is a significant part of the Islamic faith. It outlines the instructions and practices of Muhammad, who criticized the legality and illegality of astrology. According to Abu Dawud, seeking knowledge from the stars is considered witchcraft, which is inherently forbidden in Islam. The Hadith also emphasizes that rain is a blessing bestowed only by Allah, and any belief that rain is a result of other beings is considered disbelief.

The Hadith also mentions the stars, stating that those who suggest rain originates from a star are considered disbelievers in Allah. This concept of astrology and the belief in celestial beings’ influence on anything other than what is enshrined in the Quran and Hadith constitutes shirk (blasphemy) and leads one to leave the fold of the religion.

Second-century Islamic scholar Imam Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam and cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, views astrology as fundamentally forbidden in the Islamic religion. He warns followers not to learn the science of stars except for guidance on land or sea, as it leads to divining and an astrologer is a diviner. This aligns with the Quran, which points to stars and astrology as only a means of navigation.

However, prominent scholars like Ibn Arabi and Ikhwan argue that planets are not considered God but do suggest each prophet with a specific planet/celestial being. Prophet Idris, also known as Enoch, was gifted with great knowledge of the stars and used his gift to meditate upon God’s grandeur and teach others. He believed that the stars and moon contributed to mankind and founded the study of the stars.

Different sects of Islam offer varying perspectives on the concept of astrology.