Astrology - Islamic Views

ASTROLOGY - ISLAMIC VIEWS

Astrology is the study of influence of movements of stars, etc. on human affairs, whereas Astronomy is a science of heavenly bodies.

It is needless to mention that one need not to dilate into the science of the heavenly bodies, as it is very crystal clear and as sure as the Sun rises in the east at a paritcular time and sets in the west at a particular time. So in the case of another heavenly body-Moon, which also has its fixed rotation. This is evident in the Holy Quran.

"And the Sun runneth on unto a resting place for him .That is the measuring of the mighty, the wise. And for the Moon, we have appointed mensions till she returns like and old shrivelled palm leaf. It is not for the sun to overtake the Moon, nor doth the nights outstrips the day. They float each in an orbit." (Surah X X X VI. verse 38,39,and 40). These verse prove the well ordained for well knit mechanism of Allah's creation. At another place He says, "He is who appointed the Sun a splendour and the Moon a light and measured for her stages that he might know the number of the years, and the reckoning. Allah has created not (all) that save in truth. He detaileth the revelations for people who have knowledge (Surah X verse 5)." He further commands, "He is the cleaver of the day break, and he hath appointed the night for stillness, and the Sun and the Moon for reckoning. That is the measuring of the mighty, the wise "(Surah VI verse 96).

We find that in the Holy Quran, in several verses, Almighty has asked and encouraged mankind to look into and ponder over the objects of his creation, including the heaven, the stars and the Moon, in orders the understand his signs and thereby his supreme might, glory and greatness.

"Say (O Muhammad) : Behold what is in the heaven and the earth! But revelations and warnings avail not folk who will not perceive." (Surah Yunus : verse 101).

"Say (O Muhammad) : Travel in the land and see how he originated creation, so will Allah produce a later creation, for Allah has power over all things." (Surah Al-Ankabut : verse 20).

"Do they not reflect in their own minds? Allah created not the heaven and the earth, and that is between them, save with truth and for a destined end; you are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (At the Resurrection)! (Surah Al-Rum : verse 8).

"And verily in the heaven we have set mansions of the stars and we have beautified it for beholders."
(Surah Al-Hijri; verse 16).

"And he hath constrained the night and the day and the sun and Moon to be services unto you, and the stars are made subservient by His command. Lo! herein indeed are portents for people who sense." (Surah Al-Nahi : verse 12).

It is further observed that the Quaranic narration into practice is observed in the Sun and the Moon eclipse at appropriate time and the day,as also occurence of the seasons.

It is therefore, irrational to call Astronomy a science and Astrology hocus pocus.

Mention in regard to Astrology or the influence of plants and stars is found in the Holy Quran in connection with Pharaoh, who was warned of the birth of Prophet Moses (A. S.) which took place.

As a consequence of the prediction by the court astrologers of King Namrood who Predicted birth of Prophet Ibrahim (A. S.) so much so that they predicted accurately the conception of Prophet Ibrahim (A. S.) in spite of the best efforts of the King Namrood to prevent it.

Can there be doubt to regard Astrology as a science which is just application of Astronomy ?

Astrology is more than 6000 years old and the movement of the plants and stars are very accurately measured; there cycles are fixed by the ancient seers. Hence, the commentaries prove it's prior existance.

There have been many occasions in the past 2,000 years when astrological predictions have come true. Hippocrates predicted a plague swept the city, Alexander the Great was warned by the astrologers to flee from the walls of Babylon where his evil stars prevailed, but like Hitler he took their advice only when it suited him, entered the city, and met his end.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, opined "A physician who was ignorant of Astrology was not worthy to be called a physician. He had no right to heal anyone."

One of the jurists of repute, Imam Shafee (R. A.) actually learnt this science at the hands of experts. He had once upon a time predicted birth of child to a person after seeing his chart with a mole in his left thigh, within twenty - seven days and shall remain alive for 24 days and shall expire.

This was related by Hajr Allama Ibn Asqalani (R. A.) Imam Shafayee who was also expert in the science of Physiognomy, as he could read Imam Bukhari, when asked by his teacher, Imam Hameedee. (Naq - she - Kokan, Mumbai, December, 1987 issue, Page 6).

Another Muslim scholar Allama Maudoodi, Justifies Palmistry as one of the branches of Astrology, for channellising human resources, while replying to various enthusiasts reproduced in the magazine Tajalli published from Deoband, in the issue of October and November, 1972 on page 72 of this issue.

Some of our learned theologians equate Astrology with the knowledge of the unseen (IIme-Gaib). IIme-Gaib is revelation which is corroborated by another verse "this is of the tidings of things hidden." (Surah III, verse 44). Yet another scholar Maulavi Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, writes in his commentary on verse no. 59 Surah, VI that the key of unseen and treasures are only with Allah, and only Allah endows endows out of it whom he so wishes and hence, it can not take the peace of Astrology which is based on calculations of the planets and stars. As such, it can not be equated with the knowledge of the unseen (IIme-Gaib).

It is a matter of much regret that in this age of amazing scientific advencement, the Muslims are lagging behind and have left it to others to make scientific investigations in the field of Astronomy, space and other related sciences. Pursuit of such knowledge, it would be seen from the verses quoted in this article is in keeping with the teachings of the Holy Quran and uphold the truth of the revelations made therein.

Indeed, Muslims scholars and scientists have made significant contributions in the field of astrology in the past. But the present offers a greater challenge and opportunity.

Achievement of such knowledge not only gives greater insight into the objects of Allah's creation, Which he terms as his signs, but also helps to develop greater conviction and faith in the supreme glory and greatness of Almighty Allah, the Creator.

If Muslims really paid heed to the Quranic teachings and acted upon them, they could no doubt become accomplished and distinguished people in all respects as individual and as a nation.