Astrology

Assalamualaikum w.b.t (Peace be upon you)

Hi there, I'm Sagittarius. You?

Let's talk about astrology. Specifically, the horoscope. No, this entry won't be telling about your sign. What were you thinking when you read the daily horoscope in the newspaper? To some people, it's a must to read the horoscope column. They would wonder 'how their day will be', 'will they meet his/her new love' or for business minded people, will they have luck in their business today, and lots of other people's behavior. To make it worse, some people even start a relationship based on horoscope readings. They believe, their soul are compatible with Taurus, or their relationship won't last longer if they met with a Leo, just to give a few examples.

Do you like to read the horoscope? I do, but not the kind of daily horoscope. I love to read 'Astrological personality traits 'type. Which one are you? Aries, Pisces, Sagittarius? Ask yourself are you happy when you read your traits? I guess most of you are. I know you like to read 'You are a very caring person', or 'You are easy to get along with and you lead a cheerful life' and whatsoever. What about ' the Virgo individual is reliable, industrious, intelligent, and practical, adhering to standards that are quite high in virtually all aspects of their lives'. Very details eh?

Let's face the truth. Do you realize that the moment you started to read the horoscopes, you are not actually seeking your true personality. You are actually COMPARING and looking for the points that MATCH yourselves. For example, let's take a look at Pisces personality. "If you have found a romantic partner in a Pisces, you have a caring, loyal, understanding partner indeed, who truly cares about you at a deep level.  Pisces needs to be needed and if all elements are in place, he will stay with his partner for life, for better or for worse.  He will work hard to provide the best for his family and will never complain as long as he feels his efforts are worthwhile. Pisces has an uncanny sense of what his partner is thinking, an will try to head off problems before they arise - a nice trait to have in a partner.  Pisces is a creative soul and will likely have a home-based hobby or two, and showing interest in what interests him will go a long way towards cementing your relationship with your Pisces partner. "

You will look into yourself, and most of you will agree. 'Haah la...It's true I'm a loving guy, and yeah, I'm good in cooking too'. If that's so, then there's no meaning in looking for your true personality......if that's what you believe. It's already written right?

Astrology in Islam

Basically, Islam forbids it's believers to read or even worse, believing in the astrology forecast. Yusuf Al-Qardawi, Muslim famous scholar once said: Those who denied what they read (horoscope), their Solat (prayers) will be disqualified for 40 days. Even worse, if they read the forecast and even believe it, they will be declared a heretic. Allah said in the Quran: And verily We have beautified the world's heaven with lamps, and We have made them missiles for the devils, and for them We have prepared the doom of flame (Al-Mulk: 5). Imam Bukhari r.a (famous Sunni Islamic scholar) in his book, Sahih Bukhari reported : "Allah created the stars for three main reasons. First, as a decoration for the skies. Second, as a medium to be thrown at satan and finally, as a guide for navigators. Whoever use the stars other than mentioned above, they're just wasting their time". Learning the star (Astronomy) for the research purposes is allowed in Islam.

Let's take a look of the answer given by an Islamic Scholar in an online forum.

There are two related terms that are often confused with one another, astronomy and astrology. Astronomy refers to the science that is concerned with the observation of the motions of heavenly bodies and reducing these observations to mathematical order, while astrology refers to the study of the supposed effects the movements of these celestial bodies have on human affairs.

According to jurists, it is lawful to study astronomy, for it is useful in predicting the beginning of months and seasons, determining the direction of Prayer, and navigating. They agree that this branch of science be used in determining the beginning and end of the month of Ramadan.
As for astrology, this is haram (unlawful) and nothing but lies. The Unseen is known only by Almighty Allah.

Responding to the question, Dr. Husam al-Din Ibn Musa `Afana, a Professor of the Principles of Fiqh at Al-Quds University, Palestine, states the following:

“First of all, it is worth noting that the Arabs knew astronomy a long time ago. They would predict time through observing the movements of stars.
According to the scholars of Shar`iah, there are two terms confused in many people's minds when it comes to dealing with the question in hand. These terms are astronomy and astrology. Astronomy is the science that deals with studying the movements of the celestial bodies and reducing observations to mathematical order. That science is useful in determining time, seasons, the direction of Prayer, etc.

Astrology, on the other hand, is concerned with studying the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs.

Astrologists believe that the movements of stars have an influence on people's lives. Both Muslim astronomers and [religious] scholars refuse the prophecies of astrologists. (excerpted from a lecture given by Dr. Yusuf Marwah under the title “Astronomy and the Beginning of the Lunar Months”)

According to scholars of Shari`ah, it is lawful to study astronomy; they accept that it is used in determining the beginning and end of the month of Ramadan.

The late renowned scholar Sheikh Ibn Raslan said: “The science of astronomy through which the movement of the sun and thus the direction of Prayer is detected is not prohibited in Islam.”

On the other hand, scholars agree that astrology is a prohibited field to deal with. Imam Ibn Taymiyah said: “Astrology that is concerned with studying the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs is prohibited by Almighty Allah’s Book, the Sunnah, and the unanimous agreement of the Muslim scholars. Furthermore, astrology was considered forbidden by all Messengers of Almighty Allah.”

The great Saudi scholar, Ibn `Uthaymeen, said: “Astrology is a kind of sorcery and fortune-telling. It is forbidden because it is based on illusions, not on concrete facts. There is no relation between the movements of celestial bodies and what takes place on the Earth.”

Before the advent of Islam, people would think that the sun and moon might eclipse when a great figure died. During the Prophet’s lifetime, it happened that the sun eclipsed on the same day when the Prophet’s son Ibrahim died. The people then thought that it had eclipsed because of the Prophet’s son’s death. On knowing this, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led them in the Eclipse Prayer and then delivered them a speech saying: “The sun and moon are but signs of Allah; they do not eclipse because so-and-so died or was born.”

This hadith indicates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) denied all relation between the movements of the heavenly bodies and events on the Earth. Besides, people who believe in the prophecies of astrologists are easily exposed to a labyrinth of illusions, pessimism, and psychological problems.

There is much evidence from the Sunnah that prohibits resort to or belief in astrology. Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that Almighty Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who has acquired some knowledge of astrology has acquired some knowledge of sorcery; the more he acquires of the former the more he acquires of the latter.” (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah)

Commenting on this hadith, Ash-Shawkani, a great scholar, said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) compared between astrology and sorcery because sorcery was known to be forbidden; and so, he who would get some knowledge of astrology would do something forbidden and would be sinful. (Nayl Al-Awtar, vol.7, p.207)

It was also reported by Ibn `Abbas that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who uses astronomy for something other than what Almighty Allah has made lawful would be practicing sorcery. Astrologists predict knowledge of the future, and he who does so is a sorcerer, and sorcerers are disbelievers.” (See Meshkat Al-Masabeeh, vol. 2, p. 1296)

Also, Ibn Mihjan reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “I fear on account of my nation three things after my death: (I fear that) their imams (leaders) would oppress them, (that) they would believe in astrology, and (that) they would disbelieve predestination.” (Reported by Ibn `Asakir and Ibn `Abdul-Barr)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who goes to a fortune-teller to ask him about something, his Prayer will not be accepted for forty days.” (Reported by Muslim)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who goes to a soothsayer or a fortuneteller and believes what he says exhibits disbelief in what has been sent down to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) (from Almighty Allah).” (Al-Albani said in Sahih At-Targhib wa At-Tarhib, vol. 3, p. 172, that this is an authentic hadith.)

Contemplating the last two hadiths reported by Abu Hurayrah, it is to be noted that mere going to fortune-tellers is a sin that incurs upon a Muslim who commits it that his prayer is not accepted for forty days, and that believing what fortunetellers say renders a Muslim a disbeliever in what has been sent down to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This is because Allah Almighty says: “Say (O Muhammad): None in the heavens and the earth knoweth the Unseen save Allah; and they know not when they will be raised (again).” (An-Naml: 65)

Allah Almighty also says: “(He is) the knower of the Unseen, and He revealeth unto none His secret, save unto every messenger whom he hath chosen, and then He maketh a guard to go before him and a guard behind him That He may know that they have indeed conveyed the messages of their Lord. He surroundeth all their doings, and He keepeth count of all things.” (Al-Jinn: 26-28)

To sum up, astrology is based on lies and deceit; it has no scientific basis. The astrologists’ usage of computers to convince people that what they do is technological and scientific is nothing but deceit. There is no scientific proof that there is a relationship between the appearance of a star in a specific time and the character and behavior of someone born at that time.

History proved that astrologists are liars in many situations. For example, when the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mu`tasim wanted to conquer `Amurayah, the astrologists then advised him not to do so at the time he had chosen, but he disregarded what they said. He marched with his army towards `Amurayah and won a great victory.

In this age also, many prophecies of the astrologists were proved to be false. For example, some had foretold that the world would come to an end by the year 1986 A.D., and nothing of the kind took place. Likewise, some had foretold that there would be earthquakes and wars at certain times, and when such times came, nothing happened.

To conclude, celestial bodies are signs of Allah’s Omnipotence and ultimate capability. They have no influence at all on the happiness or misery of people. True is the saying that astrologists are liars even if what they have foretold proves to be true.”

(Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503547696)



Big hit huh in Malaysia

In Malaysia, this horoscope phenomenon is so famous, that in July 2009, a local newspaper reports, less than a year, more than 10,000 Malaysians joined a workshop conducted by Dr. Azizan Osman, a meta-physicists in Malaysia. He said, the knowledge in numerology (number based forecasting) can also be used to determine your suitable life partner.He was said to show interest in numerology since secondary school. He was then began learning it from his first mentor, a non-Muslim Canadian, T Harv Eker in Singapore. He gained his Science Metaphysics PhD from Gordon University, Florida.

It's a no wonder why ONLY (I repeat, ONLY) Malaysian facebook users joined the 'Hanya dengan log in facebook, duit RM100 akan terbang melayang-layang dari langit dan terus masuk ke poket anda' scam. It's funny though. I just wondering, did Dr.Azizan got his PhD because he believed his numerology. Work people if you wanna be rich. No, I don't get jealous with it.

Care to be a successful person like me? Let's change your money problems into how to gain extra money. Anyone?

Stop chasing numerology illusions fellas!!..There are lot's of other '-logy' in this life. Go learn about living organisms in bioLOGY. Go learn and deepen your understanding in theoLOGY. Save your surroundings and nature by understanding ecoLOGY. Be a productive person or an inventor by knowing the terms technoLOGY. Know the details of diseases in pathoLOGY. You can do some research about your family lineage and history through geneaLOGY. Know which herbs are best consume by our body through herboLOGY.See, there are other '-logy' available in this world fellas. I know, it sounds cool to add '-logy' at the end of a word. The '-logy' suffix carry the meaning, the field of study. But that doesn't make you a professor or a specialist lad...


Mostly sweet things

Most of the horoscope reading are so sweet. That's what attract the readers, because they are pleased with the forecasts.

Let's take Virgo for example.

"Virgo in any relationship will be a diligent, hard worker who once embedded in the friendship will go the extra mile when needed.  Virgos are fairly critical and can tend to be nit-picky, but if you understand and accept this, they will be good friends who will amaze you with their wit and creativity.  Be careful not to step on your Virgo friend's ego, as they may go into a tailspin.  Many a Virgo has retreated to alcohol and drugs to lick open wounds.  All in all, however, your Virgo friend will be an asset and an ally who will allow you to take the lead if you have proven to be a trusted entity in their lives."

Let's make it a little bit realistic.

"Virgo in any relationship will be a hot tempered person, who once embedded in the friendship will go the extra mile to make others respect them. Virgos are bossy, love to bad-mouth and can tend to be extremely picky, but if you understand and accept this, they will be good friends who will amaze you with their problems and their obstinate . They can be a bit clumsy sometimes. Be careful not to step on your Virgo friend's ego, as they may erupt like a volcano. Many Virgo has retreated to alcohol and drugs to lick open wounds. They love to spend unnecessarily. Today they get their salary, by tomorrow they'll be half of it left. All in all, however, your Virgo friend will be an asset and an ally who will allow you to take the lead if you have proven to be a profitable entity in their lives". Who would wanna read such reading?

Effects on Society

If you're in a cold war with your best friend, you might believe it's because your star and his/her star are not matched. If you failed your exam, you might think it's because your reading said "You might not excel in study, but you are invincible when it comes to sport". If you love to spend your money unnecessarily, you have your star to blame. If your child became prodigy at an early age, you would think it as good luck of your child's star. If you don't stand out among your peers, or even worse, you're the black sheep in your group, you wouldn't argue much as you believe, it's your nature to stay low and play safe. If you're in love with a girl you've been waiting for 10 years, but was rejected just after you have the chance to confess to her, you'd believe, her star is not your suitable match.

See, how many 'IF' I've given here. Too many 'if' would mean a lot of uncertainties here. How could you depend on such uncertainties to live? This is why may people find it's so hard to change, and they gave up, and just lead a dull life, doing the same thing everyday again and again. Wake up lad! We are the writers, not the actors. Even if the writer, we're not a freelance writer. We can't do whatever we want. We have the director, the Creator who creates everything. There are reasons why human were created. The more you believe in those reading, the more you WILL be just like what you read. Am I right? It's psychology. People tends to be like what they were told to, especially things that pleased them. Agree with me? We'd feel happy when we read stuffs like "You are a hardworking and very reliable person", but we sometimes don't realize, our job performance are decreasing, in reality. "You are quite charming and attract people around you", yet you're alone.   

p/s: Someone wrote in his/her blog. You better shut down your blog if no one comment on your entry. No, I'm not asking your sympathy.