"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"
Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu
Astrology
By Muhammad Abdur-Rahman
From al-Jumuah Magazine
By Muhammad Abdur-Rahman
From al-Jumuah Magazine
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 Astrology
and Lawful Astrology.
POLYTHEISTIC ASTROLOGY
Can you imagine claming that the stars and planets have such domineering power that they can steer peoples 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 Allâh 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 Quran: "(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." Surah al-Jinn: Ayah 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 Quran:
"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).' " Surah al-Baqarah: Ayah 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 peoples 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?", "Constellations" and 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 Islâm.
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." Surah 67: Ayah 5.
"And landmarks (sign posts during the day) and by the stars (during the night), they (mankind) guide themselves." Surah 16: Ayah 16.
" ... and We have made such lamps as missiles to drive away the Shayatîn (devils)." Surah 67: Ayah 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 ones 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 taala, 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.
Read More...
The Islamic Ruling on Horoscopes
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveIslam_LiveIslam/message/1189
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.
No comments:
Post a Comment