Is Astrology Permissible in Islam?

Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured Topics: Astrology, Islam Channel: Opinion Views: 222114
222114

Islam, like Christianity and Judaism, condemns fortune-tellers and praise genuine sciences. In The Holy Koran, Surah Al-Maida commands "Forbidden also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision; all that is disobedience of Allah and sin", Quran 5:3. In this case, the critical question involves the application of astrology. Is it used to find propitious times in our lives or to benefit as a helping profession in social and psychological sciences? According to some scholars in Sufism (Islamic Mysticism) astrology may be permissible in Islam because it is neither illusion nor demonic practice. Instead, astrology is based on statistical knowledge which motivates people for further research and comprehension of the human condition. 

In Islamic teachings, every prophet was gifted with diverse miracles. Prophet Idris, also known as Enoch in the Old Testament, was blessed with his immense knowledge of heavenly sciences. As compared to modern science, he had a more complex knowledge of astronomy. Some Sufi schools consider him as the founder of the science of the stars, also called "ilm al nujum" in Arabic. Historical records illustrate his birth in Babylonia and his migration to Egypt later in life. History also collaborates that astrology was first born in Babylonia and then spread to Egypt. Prophet Idris was supposedly known to be the first person to educate mankind that living creatures are under the influence of cosmic rays. Meanwhile, we should also realize that most Islamic theologians would disagree with this view. It is also believed that he laid the foundations of science and philosophy from which ancient Greek philosophers benefited. 

However, it is important to make distinction between ilm al nujum and astrology. Although they both involve heavenly objects and theirs influences on us, they differ in certain ways. The science of Prophet Idris may have involved stars in the universe and some complex mechanism which required deep calculations. Perhaps that's why; people refer to astrology as the influences of stars despite the fact that in today's horoscopes, the heavenly objects take place in our solar system as the sun being the only star. In that sense, deep scientific knowledge of Prophet Idris in regard to stars was probably lost throughout history.  

Prophet Muhammad, like other messengers, denounced fortune-telling as a demonic practice although some Muslims, especially the ones embracing Sufism, differentiate astrology as being a scientific study unlike crystal balls or other means of soothsayers. During the life of Prophet Muhammad, they asked him about his thoughts regarding fortune tellers. He responded that "Even if it comes true, they are still lying". But one person insisted that some predictions are very accurate and wondered why we could not trust them. His explanation about true predictions involved the supernatural beings called the Jinns. 

The word Jinn means "hidden" in Arabic. In The Holy Koran, they are described as beings created from smokeless fire. Jinns are the descendants of Satan like Humans are descendants of Adam but most of them are very deceptive and dangerous for humans. When God has a certain event planned in our lives, he commands the angels to create the conditions to fabricate them. Before implementing God's plan, Angels discuss about this future event. In some cases, jinn sneaks up and overhear the future event and passes this information to the fortune-tellers through Tarot, I-ching or any other objects. Of course, the Jinns don't intend to be favorable of humans; therefore, they muddle up the truth of future events with deception. As a result, the truthful events overheard from Angels are embellished with lies to cause confusion. This may seem like a fairy tale to many people but after years of experience, Philip Imbrogno, a paranormal researcher with a degree in astronomy, consider the Jinn very seriously. 

In Islamic nations, fortune-tellers make a very good living despite the fact that their work is condemned by the religion. They simply have no idea of astrological chart calculations and the complicated interpretations of them. The most crucial information they need is the name of consulter's mother. Once they acquire that, they are able to provide some accurate analysis of the present state of the person as well as few specific predictions. For instance, a fortune-teller may predict that on May 7th, your sister will receive a good job offer from a multinational company and her new manager will be a short man in his mid 40s with brown hair and big moustache. Indeed, the event may shockingly come true even if you never share this prediction with your sister. It is wrong to assume that few predictions may come true as mere chance because the particular events are too specific to be considered as lucky guesses. 

Even the most prominent astrologers can't get this precise in describing people and events simply because astrology is not designed for concrete predictions. Obviously, the reason behind the accuracy of some predictions is more than just a simple lie. Indeed, it is related to their involvement with Jinn. Incidentally, while a few shockingly precise predictions may come true, most of their prophecies are still false. In Turkey, one of the most popular forms of fortune telling is to read the patterns of coffee grains in a cup. One drinks the coffee, then swirls the remaining muddy portion in the cup. Then the coffee cup is placed upside down on a saucer to dry. Consulter must also tell his/her mother's name to the fortune teller. A few minutes later, the fortune teller picks the coffee cup and gives the reading.

Perhaps astrology may not be considered as the trick of the devil because unlike tarot or I-ching, it involves deep chart calculations, complex house systems and years of serious study to become an expert. However, a particular occurrence from the life of Prophet Muhammad can be considered evidence of his opposition of theoretical views of the influence of heavenly bodies. Prophet Muhammad's only son died around the age of two, coincidently during a solar eclipse. It was perceived by the Arabic community that solar eclipse symbolized a bad omen. Prophet Muhammad wanted Arabs to eradicate the pre-Islamic era paganism and superstitious beliefs. Distraught by the death of his son, he gathered his community and told them that solar eclipse is an irrelevant event and does not occur in correlation to someone's birth or death. The experience of Prophet Muhammad is considered proof that there is no celestial influence or synchronicity between such phenomenon and human events. 

At first, one may construe the comments of Prophet Muhammad concerning this particular event as clear example against astrology. But let's try to understand what may be the reason for his objection. When Arabs associated the solar eclipse as the sign of a bad omen, there was no rational base supporting this. One may argue that astrology is irrational too since the laws of physics contradict it. However, there is at least some statistical evidence confirming certain tenets of astrology. For instance, French psychologist and statistician Michel Gauquelin's study results called "The Mars Effect", was approved by Marvin Zelen, who was the chairman of the department of biostatistics at Harvard University. 

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Most Islamic Theologians refute astrology since the laws of physics disprove the astrological claims of planetary effects. In modern astrology, the position of heavenly bodies is perceived as signs for certain human behavior or occurrences. Astrologers view aspects like a clock not being the maker of the time, but simply as the indicator of time. In my view, this is a thoughtful argument against skeptics who discredit astrology especially since it is incompatible with the laws of physics. On the other hand, this argument does not help us to comprehend the inexplicable phenomena. For instance, person with healthy mind may feel wonderful in the morning and then feel so disheartened later in the day without a comprehensible explanation by modern psychology. A modern astrologer may see it as synchronicity between hard astrological aspect and the depressed moment but actually that wouldn't really explain what causes the sudden depression. Though it may sound like fiction to skeptics, it is more logical to consider that the undetectable cosmic rays continuously influence our psyche throughout the day. Like the narrator asked in a documentary called Riddle of the Zodiac, "Is the universe perhaps made of stranger stuff"? 

In fact, the universe is probably made of stranger stuff. That's why; physicists try to understand the dark matter and dark energy in the universe. When astronomers discovered that stars spin around the galaxy approximately the same speed even if they are far from the center of galaxy, new scientific perspective has emerged beyond the Newton's laws of physics. Astronomers finally admit that it is time to believe in something invisible and undetectable in the universe. 

Although mainstream psychiatry and psychology consider astrological profiles as vague descriptions which may be suitable to anyone, there are a considerable number of academicians fascinated by the accuracy of their natal charts. Some of these academicians have remarkable success in their careers so obviously they are not gullible people who can easily be deceived by pseudo sciences. While modern psychology has helped patients around the world, a significant number of people differ that modern psychology do not provide adequate understanding of their problems for a fulfilling a resolution. Stanislav Grof M.D., PhD is known to be a psychiatry professor who embraces astrological psychology as a helpful profession. He criticizes modern psychotherapies as being superficial help and strikingly remarks that modern psychology is considered superficial while archetypal astrology should be embraced as a genuine profession. Most importantly, we need to emphasize that astrology alone is not supposed to be used solely to diagnose or treat people but as a combination along with other critical scientific procedures.

Probably from the standpoint of Islamic view, making comments about the future may only be limited to archetypal ones. As a matter of fact, psychological astrologers employ astrology for archetypal predictions; not concrete ones. Dr. Glenn Perry, a psychological astrologer, believes it is wrong to advise people to do or not to do certain things on the basis of transits. In this sense, transits may be a valuable tool for a behavioral consultant to help people attain self-growth and find purpose in their lives. This view is more acceptable since it allows things to fall into the natural course of events.  

From an Islamic perspective psychological astrology may be the only acceptable form of astrological consultation while the predictive astrology is viewed as fortune-telling. But even psychological astrology faces difficulties in the sight of many Islamic theologians. After all, it doesn't conform to the traditional scientific rules. Some Muslim scholars may recognize astrology as a study which portrays accurate personality profiles but they may still think it is impermissible since God forbids this particular practice. Certain things, especially knowledge of future events, must remain hidden to us for a  reason we may not think of. I think Surah Anam (6:59) from Koran may support this view: "With Him keys of the unseen, the treasure that none knows but Him".

In my view, Islamic Theologians should be open to debate over these issues regarding astrological psychology. An objective research conducted by unbiased theologians may result in incorporating astrological psychology into Contemporary Islamic philosophy. 

Finally, I want to formulate an interesting observation that coincide the image of Islam and astrology today. Islam has a negative representation due to the unpleasant depictions by some violent, uneducated and fundamentalist Islamic followers. True followers of the religion condemn this sort of behavior and make an effort to establish the real Islam in the minds of non Muslim community. Likewise, astrology also suffers from a bad image because of misrepresentation by fortune-tellers. Real astrologers who may also hold various academic positions promote the true philosophy of astrology, not the one practiced by fortune-tellers.

After the Big Bang, the universe began cooling. As a result of this cooling process, heavy elements of Earth such as oxygen and carbon were formed in a star. An explosion from the star spread the elements of the origin of life. Astronomer Carl Sagan viewed the formation of elements in the early universe as a metaphoric statement that we are all made of star stuff. In this sense, the notion of the influence of stars on us is understandable.

*****

Ugur Alkan is a freelance writer. He has a B.A. in Communication and MBA in Managemet from Fort Hays State University, Kansas. He can be contacted at ugur_alkan [at] yahoo.com.


  Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured
  Topics: Astrology, Islam  Channel: Opinion
Views: 222114

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Older Comments:
THEMONKOFFUNK said:
FIRST OF ALL. horoscope reading and soothsaying is to astrology as terrorism is to islam, with that being said, i have recently started reading the quran and i was raised with beliefs rooted in witchcraft and magic as i am a native American, i want to express that I've read from Islamic scripture (paraphrasing) "to call others a fool without consideration makes you a fool, to associate others with satan blindly is to associate yourself with satan" astrology is not divination in any sense, the jinn openly try to apply their contortion to any philosophy of man just as islam has been perverted to the point where people born in a place where it is not common associate it with sinners who like to commit genocide, hell if you read the quran it tries to sway you that some of the sins of man (like polygamy and slavery) are acceptable, but as we learn more about the premise (general unabated morally virtuous practice and belief) we see that some of the quran itself is actually in fact swayed by the contortion of the jinn. believe what you want but do not condemn the ideas of others without proving it sin because you may well be commiting sin with your condemnation to begin with.
2018-02-28

HATORISACHIYO2014 said:
I'm pretty sure 99% of the commenters never finishes reading this article. Do you ever heard of 'psychological astrology'? Read the article again.
2017-08-22

ALIA FROM CANADA said:
I have no opinion as to whether astrology is acceptable Initial Islam but I thank you
for a balanced, intelligent article on the issue. It is rare to find one and I hope it has
influence on the thought process (on all subjects!) of those who read it.
2014-06-26

MHA FROM USA said:
Astrology is also classified as Haraam (forbidden) based on the Hadeeth of Ibn 'Abbaas in which the Prophet(pbuh) said, "Whoever acquires knowledge of any branch of astrology, has acquired knowledge of a branch of magic.The more he increases in that knowledge, the more he increases in sin." Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 3,p. 1095,no. 3896)

Not only is the practice of astrology Haraam (forbidden) as mentioned earlier, but also visiting an astrologist and listening to his predictions, buying books on astrology or reading one's horoscope are also forbidden! Since astrology is mainly used for predicting the future, those who practise it are considered fortunetellers.Consequently, one who seeks his horoscope comes under the ruling contained in the Prophet(pbuh)'s statement: "The Salaah(prayer) of whoever approaches a fortuneteller and asks him about anything will not be accepted for forty days and nights".(Sahih Muslim,Vol. 4,p, 1211,no. 5540)

If one is in doubt about the truth or falsehood of astrological information, he is in doubt about whether or not others know the unseen and the future besides Allah.This is a form of Shirk(i.e.associating partners with God, associating divine qualities to men etc) because Allah has clearly stated:
"With Him are the keys to the unseen and none knows it except Him".The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, Verse 59
"Say: None in the heavens or earth knows the unseen except Allah."The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 27, Verse 65
If, however, one believes in the predictions of their horoscope, whether spoken by an astrologist or written in books of astrology, he falls directly into Kufr (disbelief) as stated by the Prophet(pbuh) "Whoever approaches an oracle or fortuneteller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad."(Sunan Abu Dawud,Vol. 3,p. 1095,no. 3895)
2013-12-22

MR.X FROM INDONESIA said:
Astrology teach u how to forecast/read the future, but Quran tell u how ur future will be able to change for better or for worst.

So which one do u choose? Forecast or better/worst knowledge

Sorry for not much detail on this.
2013-04-03

MATHEW JAMES FROM USA said:
The original 48 constellations confirm Islam. If you are interested check out the facebook webpage called The Original Prophecy. It outlines the story written in our night sky and . If possible maybe this story can be checked out by knowledgable Muslims to see if it is correct.
2011-11-29

MAZAR ISLAM FROM PAKISTAN said:
AOA

Where as it is commendable that Islamicity tries bring
interesting articles about islam...BUT one should go far away just
be modern or to be acceptable as to go out of bounds of Quran
and Sunnah.

I DID NOT EXPECTED ISLAMICITY WOULD LINK SUCH ARTICLES.
Please read carefully before you link. THE AUTHOR HAS all kind
of JARGONS and NAMES to fool others that he has some genuine
basis for this article

May ALLAH(SWT) guide us all..Amin
2010-04-15

BEYYAH ABDUL-KABIR FROM U.S. said:
I think your mixing up astrology with astronomy..where astrology is definatlly forbidden in islam and suggesting otherwise knowingly is comitting biddah (making somehting haram halal or making halal haram and adding to or detracting from the diyn) Astronamy on the other hand is a practicle form of science..
May Allah aza wa jal guide the editor's and grant us the hiddayah to point out these errors,whether they be in ingnorance or in maliciousness. Ameen
2010-04-13

WEDA FROM USA said:
I agree, that astrology is a complex form of studying of the stars and the solar system, however; according to our shariya and the quranic knowledge any form of fortunetelling is "haram" forbidden in Islam.
We as the modern Muslims should not encourage any muslim brothers and sisters to even give a thought about astrology or any other nonesense products of shaytan.
If any, we should always encorage our brothers and sisters, who have difficulties to pray and to be patience. Allah will take care of everything as he always has.
2010-04-12

SALMAN FROM CANADA said:
ASA,
True astrology is something very different from magic and divination. Those commenting on the article would be wise to read it and understand that distinction before making judgements against the author and the site.
WS
2010-04-12

SABRINA FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
I believe that while the stars and the planets and their movement is evidence of Allah's creation, it should not be relied upon more that faith in Allah. I do look up my horoscopes and I do understand that being too dependent on this brings you to a place of despair. Many astrologers have different opinions but not diverging ones.

I think the main reason I lean towards Islam is that astrology takes the autonomy away of us human beings, only Allah has set this challenge of life to us all and only we can decide what we do between now and our mortal death.

I think the same can be said of dependance on any religious scripture. Over emphasis or twisting of the guidance will result in a loss of true meaning and guidance. It is up to us to bring Islam into action by being kind, disciplined, reflective in prayer and all things and protective of women, children and the elderly the world over.
2010-04-12

SAM FROM USA said:
Islam is totally against astrology by all means. I think the editors at
Islamicity should be more careful in selecting articles so as to not
misguide the many readers about Islam and its basic tenets.
2010-04-11

DR. S.A. HAQUE FROM USA said:
Modern Science and religion both denounces astrology. The study of nature of science, a philosophical component of teaching science, has wide discussion on astrology. By far there has been no connection between the astrolgy and the future event. Some might usestatistics and/or only favorable data to prove the point. But it's deception of knowledge.

The rule of falsification (Karl Popper)on which science is predominantly based has clear indication that astrology is not science, not based on human philosophy.

This is my personal suggestion that Islamicity should have peer review before publishing any article. This will help disseminate proper knowledge to general population.
2010-04-10

SYED SAJJAD ALI FROM PAKISTAN said:
Lack of research on the part of author. Also own opinions are portrayed as those of scholars. here
is the reason why its Haram :

Sunan Abu Dawud Hadeeth. Book:29. Divination and
Omens (Kitab Al-Kahanah Wa Al-Tatayyur). No.3896.
Chapter : Astrology.
Narated By Abdullah ibn Abbas : The Prophet (pbuh)
said: If anyone acquires any knowledge of
astrology, he acquires a branch of magic of which
he gets more as long as he continues to do so.

Quran 2 102 : .........whoever purchased the magic
would not have in the Hereafter any share. And
wretched is that for which they sold themselves,
if they only knew.




2010-04-09

JOSEH FROM USA said:
well,as far as i know, astroloogy is tantamount to shirk. Although the write doesnt nessaccerily advocating astrological ideology but saying it might be partialy embraced in islam is shirk. it's important to follow Quran and sunna. These are only freedom one could ever have. How about those muslims that use tesbih, Quran and clean sand to predict something? anyone knows?
2010-04-09

YOHAN YISHAI FROM BHUTAN said:
I agree with MS
2010-04-09

MS FROM US said:
I only read the heading but from my understanding of Islam, I can only say astrology is at the same level as Tarots. Just more sophisticated lies for the palate of the slightly "less gullible". If you can use REASON to project future events, cause-and-effect associations, that is allowed by Allah. Yet we can't possibly know all variables and can only say with 100% reliability that the future is only known to Allah. Tarot, palmreading, astrology can all be clasified as deceptions which are really very dangerous. Small deceptions can be hugely dangerous. We as muslims, as humanity in general should use intellect, scientific study, reason, follow morality, obedience to God, mercy, kindness, justice, double/triple/multiple-tiered mercy and mercy again...to resolve our conflicts, to lead comfortable and peaceful lives. Not astrology/tarot/palm-reading or other sophisticated deceptive modes. Do you agree?
2010-04-09