The Islamic Stance on Astrology

The Islamic Stance on Astrology

Astrology is the science of stars, meaning deriving conclusions about earthly events based on celestial conditions.

Astrology is categorized into three types:

The First Type: This is unanimously considered disbelief among Muslims. It involves the belief that the entities in the lower world are influenced by the planets. This is the doctrine of the Sabians who believed in the active and selected influence of the planets. Abraham, the friend of Allah, was sent to these astrologers.

The Second Type: It involves deducing earthly events based on the movements, conjunctions, and separations of planets. Proponents argue that this happens by the will and decree of Allah. Undoubtedly, this is prohibited as Allah has not made these creatures a cause for such events.

The Third Type: It Involves learning the positions of the sun and moon to determine the direction of the Qibla, prayer times, seasons, and similar matters.

Some scholars disliked delving too deeply into these sciences, fearing excessive involvement. However, others, like Ahmad and Ishaq, permitted it.

Qatada said: "Allah created these three categories of stars: as decoration for the sky, as missiles against devils, and as signs for guidance. Whoever interprets them differently has erred and spent wealth in ignorance."

Allah says:

[الملك: 5] (وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَاهَا رُجُومًا لِلشَّيَاطِينِ)

[And indeed, We adorned the lowest heaven with ˹stars like˺ lamps, and made them ˹as missiles˺ for stoning ˹eavesdropping˺ devils.] 67:05.

[النحل: 16] (وَعَلَامَاتٍ وَبِالنَّجْمِ هُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ)

[Also by landmarks and stars do people find their way.] 16:16

The Forbidden Astrology:

Among the prohibited practices of astrology are learning about zodiac signs, claiming knowledge of luck and fortune, and attributing events to specific constellations. This is a widely rejected and forbidden act.

The unseen is known only to Allah. He says:

[النمل: 65] (قُلْ لَا يَعْلَمُ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ الْغَيْبَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ)

[Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “None in the heavens and the earth has knowledge of the unseen except Allah.] 27:65.

[الجن: 26، 27] (عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ فَلَا يُظْهِرُ عَلَى غَيْبِهِ أَحَدًا * إِلَّا مَنِ ارْتَضَى مِنْ رَسُولٍ فَإِنَّهُ يَسْلُكُ مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِ رَصَدًا)

[˹He is the˺ Knower of the unseen, disclosing none of it to anyone, except messengers of His choice. Then He appoints angel-guards before and behind them] 72:26-27.

Indeed, Allah enlightens His messengers about some aspects of the unseen, just as He enlightened His Messenger, peace be upon him, about the Quran and its concealed meanings. When the revelation was about to be sent down to him, Allah appointed vigilant angels to safeguard him from the influence of demons.

Among the prohibited practices of astrology are reading palms, interpreting coffee cup patterns, and deciphering lines in the sand. All of these involve claiming knowledge of the unseen, and the practitioners often engage with demonic forces.

It is forbidden for a Muslim not only to seek their services but even to approach them without genuine belief. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, stated, as narrated by Abdullah bin Abbas, that he who acquires a branch of the knowledge of astrology, learns a branch of magic (of which he acquires more as long as) he continues to do so[1].

The connection between astrology and sorcery lies in their shared aspect of claiming knowledge of the unseen and engaging with demonic entities.

This marks the end of the twenty-third lesson, with praise to Allah.