Is Astrology Allowed in Islam?
Last updated on February 19th, 2026 at 11:36 am
Certain aspects of modern culture have become increasingly popular. Some of these are not even allowed in Islam, but since they have become the new norm, Muslims follow them blindly. Among a few of these, daily horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, and other similar acts are now being used popularly. People have begun to rely on these to get guidance, entertainment, and reassurance.
But being a Muslim, we must always look into the deeper meaning behind these new “Cool” trends and ask whether Astrology is allowed in Islam? To answer this question properly, we need to understand what astrology is and the Quran and Sunnah’s views on it.
What Is Astrology?
Astrology is the study of stars and planets, and to learn about their movements and positions. According to astrologers, these movements and positions affect a human being’s personality, future events, and behavior. The subject of astrology includes the following:
- Reading horoscopes
- Believing zodiac signs can affect your fate
- Consulting astrologers to make life decisions
- Matchmaking based on star signs
It is important to note that astrology is different from astronomy. Astronomy is the science of celestial bodies and is not opposed by Islam. Astrology, on the other hand, is to make predictions about the unseen in the future.
Who Has Knowledge of the Unseen?
As Muslims, we all know that only Allah (Glory be to Him) has the true knowledge of the unseen. In the Quran, Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
Indeed, God has knowledge of the Hour, and He will send down rain, and He knows what is in the wombs, and no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow. And no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.ٌ۳۴ۧ
Only God has the knowledge of the Hour. He sends rain from the heavens, and knows what is in the mothers’ wombs. No one knows what he will do on the morrow; no one knows in what land he will die. Surely God knows and is cognisant.
The only thing that this ayah clarifies is that all of the hidden matters, outcomes, and future events belong only to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). When any astrologer claims that planets and stars can show your future or change your destiny, then it goes against the core belief of Islam.
What Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Say About Astrology and Fortune-Telling?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has always condemned any knowledge that comes from astrologers or fortune tellers. He has even warned us against any person who practices these acts. He strongly warned against seeking knowledge from astrologers and fortune tellers.
In one instance, He ﷺ said:
“Who goes to a fortuneteller and believes what he says, he has disbelieved in that which was revealed to Muhammad.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 639]
Astrology and fortune-telling belong to the same category, as both claim to have access to hidden knowledge. Even reading horoscopes or playing games related it just for fun is discouraged. The reason for this strong defiance is to avoid such acts being normalized in society and to avoid relying on someone or something other than Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
On another instance, Safiyya reported from some of the wives of Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ), Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) having said:
He who visits a diviner (‘Arraf) and asks him about anything, his prayers extending to forty nights, will not be accepted.
This hadith is one such example of how strictly Islam is against fortune-telling and astrology. Such teachings help us protect tawheed and belief in Allah’s oneness.
Is Astrology Considered Shirk?
To answer this question, let us first define shirk. In Islam, shirk means that we associate partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) or believe that someone possesses his divine qualities. Therefore, Astrology becomes a major act of shirk when anyone begins to believe that the stars and planets can control future events, decide fate, and possess knowledge of the unseen. On the other hand, it can be a minor shirk if someone follows horoscopes and zodiac traits casually because they are still placing their trust in someone other than Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Whether it is a minor shirk or a major one, one thing that is for sure is that astrology weakens the faith and goes against the basic teachings of Islam. Scholars across generations and from different schools of thought agree on one single thing: practicing and believing in astrology is haram.
Why Are People Drawn to Astrology?
In life, we often face tough times or uncertainty; it is during these moments of weakness that people often turn towards astrology. It helps them with:
- A sense of control
- Comfort during anxiety
- Easy answers to complex emotions
- Identity through zodiac traits
Islam recognizes that any human being can encounter difficult situations and therefore redirects us toward healthier and spiritual options such as twozikr, and trust in Allah (Glory be to Him). All such practices help spiritually strengthen and reconnect the hearts to Allah (Glory be to Him) in ways astrology never could.
What About Zodiac Personality Traits?
Some people claim that zodiac signs are simply personality types. However, this is problematic too. According to Islam, the character is shaped by our upbringing, the choices we make, and our faith. Constellations can never help decide our personality. If someone reduces personality to zodiac signs, then that means removing personal responsibility and replacing it with celestial assumptions.
Allah (Glory be to Him, the Most High) has created every person in a unique manner. Our purpose is discovered through worship and actions, and not just planetary movements.
The Islamic Alternative: Tawakkul and Dua
Instead of relying on stars and planetary movement, Islam advises us to place our complete trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). This belief in our Creator and his oneness is called Tawakkul. When anyone faces uncertainty, they should perform the following acts:
- Make a sincere dua
- Pray Istikhara
- Increase dhikr (zikr)
- Seek guidance from the Qur’an
- Consult knowledgeable people
Here are some ways to move forward in life while remaining real and spiritually grounded.
How to Break Attachment to Astrology
If you are one who already relies on astrology and zodiac signs in their daily routine, detaching from such habits can be difficult. This can be particularly difficult when it has become a routine and a source of comfort. But Islam guides us in find clarity and peace without relying on these worldly matters.
- Strengthen your connection with Allah (Glory be to Him). Instead of checking daily horoscopes, recite a dua and indulge in dhikr.
- Remove triggers of horoscopes and zodiac signs from your life. Unfollow any social media pages that you follow, mute any zodiac content, and remove yourself from conversations around the topic.
- Remind yourself of one simple truth: your life is not written by the stars; your future only unfolds by the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) alone.
- Replace astrology with Islamic acts such as reciting the Qur'an, making tasbih, and regularly asking Allah (Glory be to Him) for guidance.
Remember, detaching from astrology is a part of spiritual growth and will happen gradually. No matter how small your act, it will be valued and rewarded.
The Final Say
The final conclusion is No! Astrology, including zodiac signs, is strictly prohibited in Islam and goes against the teachings of our holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Whether the act is done willfully or casually, it opens doors to mistrust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
According to Islam, there is something that is much more powerful than these worldly affairs. Only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) alone has control over our present and future. He is the only one who can listen to our prayers and guide our paths. All of us must return to Him, and we must never rely on others for guidance or comfort.
