inspirationandhowmanyasignwithin

You’re browsing your local newspaper and reach the zodiac page. Would it do any harm to take a wee peak at your horoscope for today?

You’ve just met someone new, and in an effort to get to know you better, they ask, “What’s your sign?” How do you respond?

The word “zodiac” has different meanings depending on the field: In astronomy it refers to a kind of twelve-link chain in the sky, with the sun’s yearly path at its centre. These twelve links or divisions correspond roughly to the boundaries of twelve famous constellations. In astrology the word “zodiac” refers to the names of the twelve constellations themselves.

Let’s have a look at each one.

The Zodiac in Astronomy

Astronomy is the natural science whose object is the study of any material objects “out there” beyond Planet Earth. Even amateur astronomy buffs report that studying celestial objects like planets, stars, galaxies, and even gases provides an unparalleled sense of awe, dwarfing their problems and bringing a sense of grandeur and tranquility into their lives. Alhamdulillah— our creation is marvelous and worth contemplating!

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. [Quran, 3:190]

The stars, planets, sun, and moon are not only spectacularly grand and beautiful, they’re also a vital source of information for travellers, mariners, climatologists, and many others.

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]

The Zodiac in Astrology

Astrology is a means of divining earthly events according to the position and movement of the stars, sun, and moon. The zodiac has twelve constellations based on ancient Greek myths, one of which is assigned to you according to your birth date— this is your “sign,” something that’s supposed to give astrologers the capacity to describe your personality and chart your life’s journey for you in advance.

The following aya dismisses this whole concept on two levels: 1). The stars are Allah’s creation, material objects that He can also destroy at will, and they bear no connection with any celestial beings. 2). You can’t know your destiny until it happens or unless Allah Himself shows it to you, and trying to divine it is contrary to Islam. We should be more concerned with the state of our deens than with external events in the dunya.

And when the stars fall, scattering,

And when the seas are erupted

And when the [contents of] graves are scattered,

A soul will [then] know what it has put forth and kept back. [Quran, 82:2-5]

The Quran is quite clear that Allah is the one and only master of the universe. The universe and everything in it bears the stamp of His divine beauty and majesty. The stars have no control over or influence on your destiny. The stars, in fact, are His worshipers!

Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; 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]

And the stars and trees prostrate. [Quran, 55:6]

The Quran goes one step further by condemning divination (foretelling the future with the use of physical objects), putting it right down there with drunkenness, gambling, and sacrificing to idols.

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. [Quran, 5:90]

You could argue that studying your horoscope and using it to plan your daily activities is not worship, exactly, but please consider that following your horoscope means giving your time and thought to something and using that something to plan your day. If that isn’t worship, it comes dangerously close. Basing your goals and strategies on the zodiac is evidence of a belief totally at odds with the Quran.

Following your horoscope means making idols of things Allah has created.

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.’ [Quran, 14:35]

Besides, the signs of Allah are so rich with meaning and consolation that we have no excuse for turning to pagan traditions!

And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is [already] with you, and be not the first to disbelieve in it. And do not exchange My signs for a small price, and fear [only] Me. [Quran, 2:41]

The final word belongs to Surat Al-Fatihah. How can anyone recite these beautiful words in salat and then turn to a horoscope for guidance?

It is You we worship and You we ask for help. [Quran, 1:5]

 

May your mind be instructed and your heart enriched,

The Understand Quran Academy Team

 

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