The Reality of Astrology in Islam: Astrology Uncovered
Astrology has long fascinated human race by offering divinelike explanations for personality traits, life events and even predictions about the future. While many cultures have accepted astrology as a form of guidance, Islam however, offers a different perspective on its validity and implications.
In this article we will delve into the clear stance of Islam
about astrology, explore its foundations, permissibility, and how does Quran
and Hadith talk about this matter.
What Is Astrology?
Astrology is the study of celestial bodies such as stars and
planets, based on the belief that these celestial bodies influence events on
Earth and individual destinies. Practitioners of astrology use horoscopes (star
charts based on the alignment of these celestial bodies at the time of a
person’s birth) to predict future occurrences or explain personality traits.
At a first glance astrology might appear to be a harmless
form of guidance and fortune telling but in essence its implications go deeper
when viewed from an Islamic perspective. This harm comes from the assumption
that celestial entities have independent powers, a concept that can conflict
with the core belief of Islam that Allah only has the independent power.
What is Islam’s View on Astrology?
Islamic teachings are deeply rooted in monotheism (“Tawheed”)
which emphasize that Allah alone governs the universe, and without his will
nothing has its inherent power. We as Muslims believe that even the quenching
power of water comes from Allah’s will. Hence, any claim that celestial bodies
control human destinies or life events undermines this core principle and can
conflict with the core belief of monotheism. Furthermore, the Qur'an and Sunnah
provide clear guidance on the validity and dangers of astrology.
Below are two verses from Quran that can are related to
astrology and fortune telling:
Surah Al-Anam (6:59): “And with Him are the keys of
the unseen; none knows them except Him.”
This verse highlights that knowledge of the unseen, whether
in the past long ago, in the present or in the future, is exclusively within
Allah’s domain. Astrology, on the other hand, by claiming to predict future
events, infringes on this divine entitlement which only belongs to Allah
Almighty.
Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:13): “And He has subjected to
you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth - all from Him.
Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.”
Here, the Qur'an emphasizes that celestial bodies were
created to serve humankind, not to control or dictate their lives. Another
notable thing here is that some people might say, astrologers predict future by
giving thought on the signs in the heavens (e.g celestial bodies). Here Quran
is mentioning about the scientific pondering (Astronomy) about celestial bodies
not fortune telling (Astrology).
Below are two authentic Ahadith about Astrology and fortune
telling:
Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2228): The Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) said: “Whoever acquires knowledge of any branch of
astrology has acquired a branch of magic. The more he increases in this
knowledge, the more he increases in sin.”
This Hadith explicitly warns against astrology, equating it
with magic (“sorcery”), which is forbidden in Islam. The far you go with this
knowledge that far you may go away from the core beliefs of Islam, ultimately ending
up believing that celestial bodies have power to harm or benefit you.
Sunan Abu Dawood (3905): The Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) said: “The astrologers are liars, even if they tell the
truth.”
This Hadith points out to the unreliability and deceitful
nature of astrologers even by any means if they are able to tell you the truth.
They might be able to tell you part of the truth, but the complete truth is in
Allah’s knowledge which nothing and nobody can get complete hold of.
What is the Purpose of Celestial Bodies in Islam?
Islam recognizes the importance of celestial bodies and
assigns them divinely intended roles but not a means of predicting future
events. The Qur'an frequently mentions the sun, moon, and stars as signs
(“Ayat”) of Allah’s existence and power. These signs are meant to strengthen
the relationship with our creator not a means to stray away from Him. Let’s
look at following two verses from Quran:
Surah Yunus (10:5): “It is He who made the sun a
shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases - that
you may know the number of years and account [of time].”
This verse clarifies that celestial bodies such as sun and
moon were created for practical purposes such as timekeeping and navigation and
not for determining human fate.
Surah Al-Mulk (67:5): “And We have certainly
beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made them what is thrown at
the devils.”
This verse provides clarity into the reason behind the
creation of stars, which serve both as adornments for the sky and as tools for
repelling devils for protecting human beings.
What is the Difference between Astrology and Astronomy in Islam?
Islam promotes scientific study of celestial bodies i.e. Astronomy,
as it allows believers to reflect on Allah’s creation and better understand the
universe. On the other hand, astrology’s theoretical nature, assigning
independent power to celestial bodies, and claims of predicting and control
over the human fate conflict with core Islamic principles.
Let’s take the following verse from Quran:
Surah Al-Imran (3:190): “Indeed, in the creation of
the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are
signs for those of understanding.”
Astronomy enables Muslims to appreciate the signs of Allah and to strengthen the relationship with Him. It also aids in practical applications such as determining prayer times, timekeeping and determining the Islamic Lunar calendar.
Dangers of Believing in Astrology
When Islam warns about a certain thing, it is often because
it has more harm than benefits. Islam
does not validate astrology for its spiritual, psychological, and societal
harms as listed below:
Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah):
Believing that stars, planets or any other celestial bodies influence
life events equates to attributing divine powers to creation rather than the
Creator. This constitutes shirk which is at the top of the list of gravest sins
in Islam.
Furthermore, belief in Astrology weakens the believer’s reliance on Allah and promotes
dependence on hypothetical predictions resulting in divergence from true faith.
Misinformation, Deception and Exploitation:
Astrologers often exploit the fears and hopes of individuals
to spread falsehoods that creates undue anxiety or overconfidence in them. The
only purpose of these astrologers is to keep their customers visiting them, and
for that, fears is often the best tool that works wonders for them.
They will use common fears and insecurities of any human
being and amplify these fears to such an extent that these people would find
themselves constantly in need to contact these Astrologers. In some cases, the
placebo affect of these fears can cause some real damage to the individuals.
Loss of Personal Responsibility:
Believers in Astrology may end up blaming celestial forces
for their actions, circumstances and situations. This not only undermines the Islamic
Principle that humans are responsible for their deeds, but people with such
beliefs will find themselves stuck in a rut not knowing where to take responsibility
and where to correct themselves.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Islam clearly condemns astrology as a means
of predicting the future and as a source of independent power that influence
human lives. On various occasions, the Qur'an and Sunnah put emphases on the
fact that only Allah has knowledge of the unseen and only Allah has ultimate
control over the universe. These celestial bodies serve valuable purposes, such
as aiding humanity, reflecting Allah’s majesty, and means for believers to ponder
upon Allah’s signs.
In Islam, believers (Momineen) are encouraged to place their
full trust in Allah, seek His guidance through prayer and adhkar, and rely solely
upon the wisdom revealed in the Qur'an and Sunnah. By doing so, we will be able
to uphold the principles of Tawheed and avoid the spiritual harms associated
with astrology, sorcery, palm reading and any other form of predicting future. I
will leave you with a saying of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) that will guide you regarding many such things in your life. The Prophet
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not
make you doubt.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2518)