By Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Not only is the practice of astrology is Haraam, but also visiting an astrologer and listening to his predictions, buying books on astrology or reading one's horoscope are also forbidden. Since astrology is mainly used to predicting the future, those who practice it are considered fortunetellers. Consequently, one who seeks his horoscope comes under the ruling contained in the Prophet's peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him statement:
"He who visits a soothsayer ('Arraf) and asks him about anything, his prayers extending to forty nights will not be accepted"
[Saheeh Muslim Book 026, Number 5540]
The punishment in this hadeeth is simply for approaching the asking the astrologer, even if one is in doubt about the truth of his statements. 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 Allaah. This is a form of shirk because Allaah clearly stated:
"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record."
[Surah Al-An'am Verse 59]
Say:
"None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (unseen) except Allaah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected."
[Surah An-Naml Verse 65]
If, however, one believes in the predictions of their horoscope, whether spoken by an astrologer or written in books of astrology, he falls directly into kufr (disbelief) as stated by the Prophet peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him:
"Whoever approaches an oracle or fortuneteller and believes in what he says, he has nothing to do with what has been sent down to Muhammad peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him."
[Sunan Abu Dawood Book 29, Number 3895]
Like the previous Hadeeth, the Hadeeth literally refers to the fortuneteller but it is just as applicable to the astrologer. Both claim knowledge of the future. The astrologer's claim is just as opposed to the Tawheed as the ordinary fortuneteller. He claims that people's personalities are determined by the starts, and their future actions and the events of their lives are written in the starts. The ordinary fortuneteller claims that the formation of tea leaves at the bottom of a cup, or lines in a palm tell him the same thing. In both cases individuals claim the ability to read in the physical formation of created objects knowledge of the unseen.
Belief in astrology and the casting of horoscopes are in clear opposition to the letter and spirit of Islaam. It is really the empty soul, which has not tasted real imaan (belief) that seeks out these paths. Essentially these paths, represents a vain attempt to escape Qadr (fate). The ignorant believe that if they know what is in store for them tomorrow, they can prepare from today. In that way, they may avoid the bad and ensure the good. Yet, Allaah's messenger peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him was told by Allaah to say:
"Say (O Muhammad peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allaah wills. If I had the knowledge of the Ghaib (unseen), I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe."
[Surah Al-A'raf Verse 188]
True Muslims are therefore obliged to stay far away from these areas. Thus, rings, chains, etc., which have the signs of the zodiac on them should not be worn, even if one does not believe in them. They are part and parcel of a fabricated system which propagates kufr and should be done away with entirely. No believing Muslim should attempt to guess his sign. Nor should he or she read horoscope columns in newspaper or listen to them read. And, any Muslim who allows astrological predictions to determine his actions, should seek Allaah's forgiveness and renew his Islaam.
May Allaah protect us from the evils of reading horoscopes.
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