BY: DR FIRDOOS WANI
“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” —Dave Meurer
Marriage is a fundamental institution, and the most beloved Prophet (SAW) has often cautioned Muslims from defiling it by creating vices or resorting to display. In Islam, marriage is both a sacrament and a civil contract. The parties (including the bride) may propose their own terms and conditions so long as they do not violate Shariah. The Islamic Prophet (SAW) said that a person who marries completes fifty percent of his faith. However, engaging in mishaps such as consulting an astrologer might cost one his or her faith.
People consult an astrologer before embarking into a marriage to see whether the stars of the prospective pair are compatible. The astrologer collects the names, birth dates, and mother’s names of the prospective bride and groom, as well as their respective moms. Then he performs some mathematical calculations and reaches a conclusion. Such individuals are unaware that using astrology or numerology to predict the future is prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) condemned those who practised divination.
“The Salaah (daily prayer) of whoever approaches a fortune-teller and asks him about anything will not be accepted for forty days and nights.” [Narrated by Hafsah (RA) and reported by Muslim (Sahih Muslim).
The penalty in this hadith is just approaching and questioning the astrologer, regardless of whether one doubts the veracity of his claims. If one doubts the veracity or falsity of astrological knowledge, he doubts if anybody other than Allah knows the unseen and the future. Allah has plainly stated: “With Him are the keys to the Unseen, and no one knows it but Him.” [Surah al-An`aam 6:59
“Say: None in the heavens or earth knows the unseen except Allah.” [Surah an-Naml 27:65]
If, however, a person believes in the predictions of their horoscope, whether spoken by an astrologer or written in astrology books, he falls directly into Kufr (disbelief), as stated by the Prophet (SAW): “Whoever goes to an oracle or fortune-teller and believes what he says has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.” [Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA) and reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawood. This hadith actually relates to a fortune teller, but it also applies to an astrologer. Both claim to have insight into the future. The astrologist’s assertion is just as incompatible with Tawheed as that of a common fortune-teller. He asserts that the characters of people are determined by the stars, and that their future acts and life events are inscribed in the stars. This Jahilya behaviour derives from a lack of faith and genuine knowledge. Because of this, it is shared by both illiterate and so-called “educated” individuals. It is so widespread that it is difficult to find a “educated” someone who does not recognise his sign.
POSTSCRIPT: Muslims must consider the life of the Prophet (SAW). He got scores of His pious companions (RA) married. He never matched their horoscopes with possible brides. He would inquire whether they had something to offer as dower (Mehr). There are other qualities to look for in a prospective bride or groom besides the stars. No coercion should exist in a marriage. In actuality, compelled marriage is prohibited. Similarly, consulting an astrologist to match the stars of prospective marriages is prohibited. Muslims should take attention.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: “Verily, Allah alone has knowledge of the Hour, sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. No one knows what he will get tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Indeed, Allah – Knowing, Knower “(31:34).
The author is doctorate in English can be reached [email protected]
