In the thick of the battle of the Islamic sharia to free minds from the errors of illusions and myths, as well as the falsities of soothsaying and divination, it has nullified all the customs of the pre-Islamic era that pertained to this practice. The sharia has adopted a strict stance regarding this issue through clarification, warning, advising and notification in order to maintain the originality of the message of Islam and purify it of all aspects and manifestations of polytheism and paganism. The stance of sharia on astrology comes in the forefront of these measures.
Astrology is the means pursued by many irrational people so as to know what Allah Almighty conceals from His creatures about the hidden unseen and the unknown future. From a long time ago, they started by following up the movement of the stars in their orbits and observing their positions in the east and the west. Then they eventually reached the utmost of deviation when they claimed that these celestial objects can influence earthly events.
When we refer back to the texts of the Quran and the Sunnah and examine them, we find that the proofs that discuss this topic are as various as the issues that are relevant to astrology.
The texts start by presenting the right conception of the reasons behind creating the starts as well as the wisdom behind this. Then they refute the claim of the ability of the stars to influence and change, and clearly state the arenas of the unseen, whose knowledge is exclusively specific to Allah Almighty. Moreover, there are specific texts dealing with astrology in particular. Here we will discuss these texts, seeking help and power from Allah, the Exalted.
Wisdom behind creating the stars:
The stars are part of the overall system of the universe, which Allah Almighty has created in truth, not in vanity, play or falsehood. The Creator, the Almighty, has clarified this in numerous Quranic verses. Allah says (what means):
• {And We did not create the heavens and earth and that between them in play. We did not create them except in truth, but most of them do not know.} [Quran 44: 38-39]
• {And We did not create the heaven and earth and that between them in play. Had We intended to take a diversion, We could have taken it from [what is] with Us – if [indeed] We were to do so.} [Quran 21: 16-17]
• {And We did not create the heaven and the earth and that between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve, so woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire.} [Quran 38: 27]
Undoubtedly, the way Allah, the Exalted, has created His creatures reflects His perfect ability, which necessitates that the impacts of His beautiful names and sublime attributes are reflected on His creatures.
This is the general wisdom behind creating the stars. Additionally, there is specific wisdom behind the creation of the stars, which Al-Bukhari may Allah have mercy upon him alerted to in his book Saheeh Al-Bukhari. He narrated a Mu‘allaq report on the authority of Qatadah may Allah have mercy upon him which reads: “Allah has created these stars for three purposes: adornment of the heavens, protection against every rebellious devil and landmarks for guidance.” The verses of the Noble Quran assert these three matters. The stars are adornment for heavens as indicated by the statement of Allah Almighty (which means):
• {And We have placed within the heaven great stars and have beautified it for the observers.} [Quran 15: 16]
• {Have they not looked at the heaven above them – how We structured it and adorned it and [how] it has no rifts?} [Quran 50: 6]
• {Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars.} [Quran 37: 6]
The stars act as a compass by means of which travelers are able to identify the different directions during their journey. Allah says (what means):
• {And it is He Who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darknesses of the land and sea.} [Quran 6: 97]
• {And landmarks. And by the stars they are [also] guided.} [Quran 16: 16]
The stars are also used to protect the heavens against every rebellious devil. Allah Almighty says (what means): {Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars. And as protection against every rebellious devil. [So] they may not listen to the exalted assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side, repelled; and for them is a constant punishment, Except one who snatches [some words] by theft, but they are pursued by a burning flame, piercing [in brightness].} [Quran 37: 6-10]
It is necessary to consider the difference between the meanings of words used by the sharia for these celestial bodies and their concepts in the contemporary science of astronomy.
Texts indicating that knowledge of the unseen is specific to Allah:
Astrology is mainly based on claiming knowledge of the unseen. Many verses in the Quran, however, refute this claim and stress that the knowledge of the unseen is specific to Allah Almighty and that the secrets of the unseen are kept hidden by Him from His creatures, except a little part thereof which He has enabled some of His creatures to have access to. This fact is confirmed by many Quranic verses, including the verses where Allah Almighty says (what means):
• {He Has [knowledge of] the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth.} [Quran 18: 26]
• {And to Allah belong the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth and to Him will be returned the matter, all of it.} [Quran 11: 123]
{Say, "None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except Allah…."} [Quran 27: 65]
The unseen is a door whose keys are with Allah, the Exalted, alone. Allah says (what means): {And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him.} [Quran 6: 59]
Verses of the Quran stress decisively and in a way that is not open to misinterpretation, that none of His creatures knows the unseen. The Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, do not know the unseen, and they frankly exclude themselves from this. Allah says (what means): {[Be warned of] the Day when Allah will assemble the messengers and say, "What was the response you received?" They will say, "We have no knowledge. Indeed, it is You Who is Knower of the unseen"} [Quran 5: 109]
All the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, starting with Nooh (Noah) may Allah exalt his mention and ending with Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) verbally stressed this fact.
Allah Almighty quotes Nooh may Allah exalt his mention as saying (what means) : {And I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen…} [Quran 11: 31]
Allah Almighty also quotes Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) as saying (what means):
• {..."I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen…} [Quran 6: 50]
• {...And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me..."} [Quran 7: 188]
• {Say, "I am not something original among the Messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me."} [Quran 46: 9]
Likewise, the angels, may Allah exalt their mention, do not know the unseen. Allah Almighty reports their words through His saying (which means): {They said, "Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You Who is the Knowing, the Wise."} [Quran 2: 32]
The Jinn, to whom sorcerers and soothsayers attribute knowledge of the unseen, are not an exception to this rule. They continued to work under the command of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) may Allah exalt his mention for a long time after his death about which they were ignorant. Allah Almighty says (what means): {And when We decreed for Sulayman (Solomon) death, nothing indicated to the Jinn his death except a creature of the earth eating his staff. But when he fell, it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating punishment.} [Quran 34: 14]
This indicates that knowledge of the unseen is not accessible to anyone, whether he is a favored angel or a sent messenger. There is no way to know about the unseen except as much as the portion which Allah Almighty allows whomever He wills of His creatures to know. Allah says (what means): {[He Is] Knower of the unseen, and He does not disclose His [knowledge of the] unseen to anyone, except whom He has approved of Messengers.} [Quran 72: 26-27]
Texts indicating that managing the affairs of the universe is specific to Allah Almighty:
Some astrologers claim that the positions and movements of the stars influence earthly events. They regard this influence a form of managing the affairs of the universe. It is known that none can do this except Allah Almighty, who says (what means):
• {And [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.} [Quran 7: 54]
• {Say, "Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or who controls hearing and sight and who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges [every] matter?" They will say, "Allaah," so say, "Then will you not fear Him?"} [Quran 10: 31]
This universe with all its details is in need of Allah, the Owner of Majesty and Honor, Who has made managing the affairs of the universe evidence of His perfect care towards His creatures and His perfect Knowledge of everything. Allah says (what means): {Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.} [Quran 2: 164]
The occurrence of matters and change of events depend on the Power of Allah and His Will, which He enforces upon all His creatures. Allah says (what means): {And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted Is Allah and high above what they associate with Him.} [Quran 28: 68]
The creatures own neither power nor strength for themselves, then how can they own this for others and with which ability can they influence others? Allah says (what means): {But they have taken besides Him gods which create nothing, while they are created, and possess not for themselves any harm or benefit and possess not [power to cause] death or life or resurrection.} [Quran 25: 3]
Texts on the sharia ruling on astrology:
There are some reported sharia texts that discuss astrology and clarify its relevant rulings and issues. Since it is included in the practice of divination and is part of the world of magic and sorcery, astrology is prohibited under the sharia and is ranked as one of the grave major sins.
It is narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas may Allah be pleased with them that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Whoever seeks knowledge from the stars has sought one of the branches of sorcery, of which he gets more as long as he continues to do so." [Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah with a sound chain of narrators]
Since astrology is a branch of sorcery, it is included in the following threat. It was narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Three types of people will not enter Paradise: the one who is addicted to alcohol, the one who severs kinship ties, and the one who believes in sorcery." [Ahmad]
This blameworthy attachment to the stars is a remnant of the pre-Islamic era which has continued until our times. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) expressed his fears in this regard, so he warned his Ummah (nation) against it. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Malik Al-Ash‘ari may Allah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: "My Ummah (nation) has four characteristics that belong to the pre-Islamic era which they will not abandon: boasting of noble ancestries, casting doubts about the integrity of peoples' lineage, seeking rain by stars and wailing." [Muslim]
It was also narrated on the authority of Abu Umamah may Allah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: "What I fear most for my Ummah at the final stage of life is belief in the stars, disbelief in Fate and the injustice of rulers." [At-Tabarani]
The existence of a relationship between the movement of the stars and rain was one of the Arabs' ancient claims. They used to ask the stars for rain, whether directly or indirectly. They used different forms of asking for rain from the stars, so the relevant sharia ruling differs accordingly. Whoever supplicates the stars and asks them for rain has associated others with
Allah in worship, since he dedicates a type of worship to others besides Allah Almighty. This is a type of major shirk (polytheism), as it is indicated by many texts. Allah, the Exalted, says (what means):
• {And do not invoke besides Allah that which neither benefits you nor harms you, for if you did, then indeed you would be of the wrongdoers.} [Quran 10: 106]
• {And whoever invokes besides Allah another deity for which he has no proof – then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.} [Quran 23: 117]
Whoever claims that the stars have the ability to send rain associates others with Allah in lordship, since his action contradicts the fact that creation, sovereignty and managing the affairs of the universe exclusively belong to Allah Almighty.
Other practices, however, are considered minor shirk (polytheism) and one is not ruled an apostate due to them. For example, someone believes that the stars influence the fall of rain but does not send it. Such a belief is a form of minor shirk because the stars are not a cause for rainfall, whether by virtue of religious or universal evidence. In some hadiths, these beliefs are called kufr (disbelief) in terms of denial of favors. This will be explained later.
The overall sharia texts that are reported regarding this issue revolve within the scope of this classification. It was narrated on the authority of Zayd ibn Khalid Al-Juhani may Allah be pleased with him that he said:
The Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) led us in the Subh (morning) prayer at Al-Hudaybiyah, after a rainy night. When he had finished praying, he turned to the people and said, "Do you know what your Lord Has Said?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said, "This morning, one of My slaves became a believer in Me, and one became a disbeliever. As for the one who said, 'We have been given rain by virtue of Allah and His Mercy,' he is a believer in Me and a disbeliever in the stars. But as for the one who said, 'We have been given rain by virtue of such and such a star,' he is a disbeliever in Me and a believer in the stars." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
It was also narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah may Allah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: "It has never rained upon a people except that some of them became disbelievers by saying, 'We hae been given rain by virtue of such and such a star!''' [Muslim]
In the Quran, Allah Almighty says (what means): {And make your provision that you deny [the Provider]?} [Quran 56: 82] It was said that the reason behind the revelation of this verse is that some of the Companions may Allah be pleased with them attributed rain to the stars by saying "Such and such position of a star sent rain!" [Muslim]
Then this verse was revealed to indicate that attributing the blessing to other than Allah is a form of denial and ingratitude. Such statements also contradict reality. That is why they are expressed in the noble verse with the words {That you deny [the Provider]?} . The prominent scholar of this Ummah, Ibn ‘Abbas may Allah be pleased with them interpreted the verse as: "And you show your gratitude for His blessings by denial!"
It was also narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah may Allah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said:
There is no infection, nor hammah (refers to an Arab tradition described variously as a worm which infests the grave of a murder victim until he is avenged, an owl or the bones of a dead person turned into a bird that could fly), nor (belief in) stars, nor Safar (the month of Safar was regarded as unlucky during the pre-Islamic era). [Muslim]
Imam As-Suyooti, may Allah Have mercy upon him, explained this hadith by saying: "Do not say, 'We have been given rain by such and such a star.'"
Thus, belief that the stars influence the fall of rain is forbidden under the Islamic sharia, since it is a belief and action of the people of the pre-Islamic era. It also reflects a form of ingratitude to Allah when the blessings that He bestows upon His salves are attributed to other than Him. It is a word which implies major shirk when the sayer means that other than Allah give these blessings. If he just believes that the stars influence the fall of rain, this is minor shirk, because there is neither religious nor universal evidence to prove that the stars can do this. So, the forbiddance in this regard is to block the means that could lead to shirk and to protect Islamic tawheed (monotheism).
The scholars excluded a form where it is permissible to attribute rain to the stars which they called 'the time relation'. It is to link "the times" of the fall of rain with the positions of the stars, according to experience. They allow one to say: "We have been given rain at the time when such-and-such a star is in such-and-such a position." This means the time of the fall of rain, not the influence of stars on the fall of rain. As evidence, they quote the incident when ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab may Allah be pleased with him went out to supplicate Allah for rain along with people in the year of the drought. He said to Al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib may Allah be pleased with him: "O ‘Abbas, how much time remains for the Thurayya (Pleiades star) to appear?"
He answered: "O Commander of the Believers! Those who have knowledge about it claim that it will show on the horizon in seven days." After only seven days, it rained. [Al-Bayhaqi]
Ash-Shafi‘i may Allah have mercy upon him said:
With the statement "O 'Abbas, how much time remains for the Thurayya to appear?" ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab may Allah be pleased with him wanted to teach them that Allah has preordained the fall of rain at certain times, which they knew based on experience, just as they knew that Allah has preordained heat and cold at certain times, based on experience.
We conclude this topic with a logical argument mentioned by the scholars while refuting the claims of those who believe in astrology. They said:
What would an astrologer say regarding a ship, boarded by one thousand men with different conditions and positions, including the king and ordinary people, the scholar and the ignorant, the rich and the poor, the old and the young, with different fortunes, various birthdates and degrees of stars, and, then, they all drowned in the same hour. If the astrologer would say that they were drowned by the influence of a certain star while they boarded, this means that such a star nullifies the influence of all the other different stars, which entails that judging fortune based on zodiac degrees is groundless and that they can in no way indicate who is happy and who is wretched. If
Astrology is the study of the relationship between the movements of the stars and their influence on people and events. From an Islamic perspective, Astrology is divided into two branches - polytheistic and lawful.
Polytheistic Astrology
Can you imagine claming that the stars and planets have such domineering power that they can steer people's lives and destinies? That they are the determining factor of good or bad luck? This form of polytheism, experienced by those to whom Abraham, peace be upon him, was sent, insinuates ascribing partners to Allah in worship. It also presumes a relationship between stars, planets and events that take place on Earth by which, the future can be predicted. It claims knowledge of the unseen based on speculations and conjectures when such knowledge is unique to Allah Alone.
As Muslims, we know that the stars and planets cannot be used as indicators of happiness or misery, life or death. Allah says in the Qur'an:
"(He Alone is) the All-Knower of the ghayb (unseen), and He reveals to none His ghayb (unseen), except to a Messenger (from mankind) whom He has chosen. (He informs him of unseen as much as He likes), and then He makes a band of watching guards (agnels) to march before him and after him."
(Al-Qur'an 72:26-27)
Ruling
Muslims are not allowed to learn or teach polytheistic astrology because the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, regarded it as a branch of magic, which is prohibited by Islamic law. Allah says in the Qur'an:
"They followed what the devils gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Solomon. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Harut and Marut, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, 'We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).' "
(Al-Qur'an 2:102)
It also involves learning something that has no benefit. If a Muslim were to learn it for a career, all associated gains would be unlawful. And, anyone who teaches it to others, spreads falsehood.
Astrology in Popular Culture
Polytheistic astrology has dramatically spread in recent years, and it has become a means of distorting people's belief in Allah. Private institutes have been founded, books, magazines and newspapers are published, under various titles such as What's in the Stars for You?, Constellationsand many others in order to advertise such a seductive commodity that often appeals to the uneducated public.
A true Muslim should stay away from this type of astrology because if he does not, it is likely to exclude him completely from the fold of Islam.
Lawful Astrology
This is the scientific study of stars for determining and fixing time division such as months and seasons and determining and fixing compass directions. In modern times, this can be called astronomy, and this is lawful because it is perceived by the senses and fixed calculations, which can help determine the times of prescribed prayers, and other religious duties that should be observed at certain times.
Divine Wisdom Behind the Creation of the Stars
Allah has informed us of His intended purpose for the stars:
"And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps."
(Al-Qur'an 67:5)
"And landmarks (sign posts during the day) and by the stars (during the night), they (mankind) guide themselves."
(Al-Qur'an 16:16)
" ... and We have made such lamps as missiles to drive away the shayatin (devils)."
(Al-Qur'an 67:5)
Because this subject is often overlooked, many Muslims may not be aware of the ruling of astrology. It would be easy to find it amusing to check on one's horoscope or discuss which 'sign' you were born under. But, as with many elements of today's popular culture, we must force ourselves to refocus our lives, and live every day to please Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, in case it may be our last. Spending idle time on such foolishness is not only wasteful, but it is a sign that we are venturing away from the straight path.
he said that they were not drowned by the influence of any of the stars, this nullifies belief in astrology altogether.
