Global InformationIslam and astrology information
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Astrology refers to the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.[1] In early Islamic history, astrology (ʿilm al-nujūm, "the science of the stars"), was "by far" the most popular of the "numerous practices attempting to foretell future events or discern hidden things", according to historian Emilie Savage-Smith.[2]
Some medieval Muslims took an interest in the study of the apparent motion of the stars. This was partly because they considered the celestial bodies to be essential, and partly because the dwellers of desert-regions often traveled at night, and relied upon knowledge of the constellations for guidance in their journeys. After the arrival of Islam, Muslims needed to determine the time of the prayers, which direction the kaaba would face, and the correct orientation of the mosque, all of which helped give a religious impetus to the study of astronomy and contributed towards the belief that the heavenly bodies were influential upon terrestrial affairs as well as the human condition in life.
Islamic jurisprudence, the Quran, the Hadith, Ijma (scholarly consensus) and Qiyas (analogy) lay out the guidelines for the stance that Islam takes on astrology. The determination on the concept is further subdivided into that which is either halal (allowed) or haram (forbidden).
- ^ "Astrology | Definition of astrology in English by Oxford Dictionaries". Oxford Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on June 30, 2017. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ^ Savage-Smith, Magic and Divination in Early Islam, 2004: p.xxxvii