No, Islam generally does not allow astrology.
Islamic teachings strongly discourage and, in many cases, forbid the practice and belief in astrology. This stance stems from the belief in Tawhid (the oneness of God) and the understanding that only Allah (God) knows the unseen ( Ghaib). Attributing knowledge of the future or influence over worldly events to celestial bodies contradicts these fundamental Islamic principles.
Why Astrology is Discouraged in Islam:
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Claiming Knowledge of the Unseen (Ghaib): Islamic doctrine states that only Allah possesses complete knowledge of the future and the unseen. Astrology, by attempting to predict future events or personality traits based on the position of stars and planets, encroaches upon this divine attribute.
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Reliance on Other than Allah: Depending on astrological predictions can lead to reliance on created things (stars, planets) rather than on Allah. This contradicts the Islamic emphasis on trusting and relying solely on Allah for guidance and help.
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Association with Witchcraft: Some Islamic texts associate astrology with witchcraft or fortune-telling, which are explicitly forbidden. As mentioned in the Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud, "Whoever seeks knowledge from the stars is seeking one of the branches of witchcraft…” This highlights the severity with which astrology is viewed.
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Potential for Misguidance: Astrology can lead people to make decisions based on flawed and unreliable information, potentially leading them astray from the correct path.
Clarification of "Seeking Knowledge from the Stars":
It's important to distinguish between astrology and astronomy. Astronomy, the scientific study of celestial objects, is not inherently forbidden in Islam. The prohibition mainly targets astrology, which involves attributing divine or predictive powers to these objects.
Conclusion:
The overwhelming consensus within Islamic scholarship is that practicing and believing in astrology is discouraged, and in many cases, forbidden due to its contradiction with core Islamic beliefs about the oneness of God, knowledge of the unseen, and reliance on Allah.
