Astrology is the study of influence of movements of stars, etc. on human affairs, whereas Astronomy is a science of heavenly bodies
It
is needless to mention that one need not to dilate into the science of
the heavenly bodies, as it is very crystal clear and as sure as the Sun
rises in the east at a particular time
and sets in the west at a particular time. So in the case of another
heavenly body-Moon, which also has its fixed rotation. This is evident
in the Holy Qur'an.
“And
the Sun runneth on unto a resting place for him .That is the measuring
of the mighty, the wise. And for the Moon, we have appointed mensions
till she returns like and old shrivelled palm leaf. It is not for the
sun to overtake the Moon, nor doth the nights outstrips the day. They
float each in an orbit.” (Surah X X X VI. verse 38,39,and 40). These verse prove the well ordained for well knit mechanism of Allah’s creation.
At another place He says, “He
is who appointed the Sun a splendor and the Moon a light and measured
for her stages that he might know the number of the years, and the
reckoning. Allah has created not (all) that save in truth. He detaileth
the revelations for people who have knowledge (Surah X verse 5).” He further commands, “He
is the cleaver of the day break, and he hath appointed the night for
stillness, and the Sun and the Moon for reckoning. That is the measuring
of the mighty, the wise “(Surah VI verse 96).
We find
that in the Holy Quran, in several verses, Almighty has asked and
encouraged mankind to look into and ponder over the objects of his
creation, including the heaven, the stars and the Moon, in orders the
understand his signs and thereby his supreme might, glory and greatness.
“Say
(O Muhammad) : Behold what is in the heaven and the earth! But
revelations and warnings avail not folk who will not perceive.” (Surah
Yunus : verse 101).
“Say
(O Muhammad) : Travel in the land and see how he originated creation,
so will Allah produce a later creation, for Allah has power over all
things.” (Surah Al-Ankabut : verse 20).
“Do
they not reflect in their own minds? Allah created not the heaven and
the earth, and that is between them, save with truth and for a destined
end; you are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their
Lord (At the Resurrection)! (Surah Al-Rum : verse 8).
“And
verily in the heaven we have set mansions of the stars and we have
beautified it for beholders.” (Surah Al-Hijri; verse 16).
“And
he hath constrained the night and the day and the sun and Moon to be
services unto you, and the stars are made subservient by His command.
Lo! herein indeed are portents for people who sense.” (Surah Al-Nahi :
verse 12).
It
is further observed that the Quranic narration into practice is
observed in the Sun and the Moon eclipse at appropriate time and the
day,as also occurrence of the seasons.
It is therefore, irrational to call Astronomy a science and Astrology hocus pocus.
Mention
in regard to Astrology or the influence of plants and stars is found in
the Holy Quran in connection with Pharaoh, who was warned of the birth
of Prophet Moses (A. S.) which took place.
As
a consequence of the prediction by the court astrologers of King
Namrood who Predicted birth of Prophet Ibrahim (A. S.) so much so that
they predicted accurately the conception of Prophet Ibrahim (A. S.) in
spite of the best efforts of the King Namrood to prevent it.
Can there be doubt to regard Astrology as a science which is just application of Astronomy ?
Astrology
is more than 6000 years old and the movement of the plants and stars
are very accurately measured; there cycles are fixed by the ancient
seers. Hence, the commentaries prove it’s prior existence.
There
have been many occasions in the past 2,000 years when astrological
predictions have come true. Hippocrates predicted a plague swept the
city, Alexander the Great was warned by the astrologers to flee from the
walls of Babylon where his evil stars prevailed, but like Hitler he
took their advice only when it suited him, entered the city, and met his
end.
Hippocrates,
the father of modern medicine, opined “A physician who was ignorant of
Astrology was not worthy to be called a physician. He had no right to
heal anyone.”
One
of the jurists of repute, Imam Shafee (R. A.) actually learnt this
science at the hands of experts. He had once upon a time predicted birth
of child to a person after seeing his chart with a mole in his left
thigh, within twenty – seven days and shall remain alive for 24 days and
shall expire.
This
was related by Hajr Allama Ibn Asqalani (R. A.) Imam Shafayee who was
also expert in the science of Physiognomy, as he could read Imam
Bukhari, when asked by his teacher, Imam Hameedee. (Naq – she – Kokan,
Mumbai, December, 1987 issue, Page 6).
Another
Muslim scholar Allama Maudoodi, Justifies Palmistry as one of the
branches of Astrology, for channellising human resources, while replying
to various enthusiasts reproduced in the magazine Tajalli published
from Deoband, in the issue of October and November, 1972 on page 72 of
this issue.
Some
of our learned theologians equate Astrology with the knowledge of the
unseen (IIme-Gaib).IIme-Gaib is revelation which is corroborated by
another verse “this is of the tidings of things hidden.” (Surah III,
verse 44).
Yet another scholar Maulavi Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, writes in
his commentary on verse no. 59 Surah, VI that the key of unseen and
treasures are only with Allah, and only Allah endows endows out of it
whom he so wishes and hence, it can not take the peace of Astrology
which is based on calculations of the planets and stars. As such, it can
not be equated with the knowledge of the unseen (IIme-Gaib).
It
is a matter of much regret that in this age of amazing scientific
advancement, the Muslims are lagging behind and have left it to others
to make scientific investigations in the field of Astronomy, space and
other related sciences. Pursuit of such knowledge, it would be seen from
the verses quoted in this article is in keeping with the teachings of
the Holy Qur'an and uphold the truth of the revelations made therein.
Indeed,
Muslims scholars and scientists have made significant contributions in
the field of astrology in the past. But the present offers a greater
challenge and opportunity.
Achievement
of such knowledge not only gives greater insight into the objects of
Allah’s creation, Which he terms as his signs, but also helps to develop
greater conviction and faith in the supreme glory and greatness of
Almighty Allah, the Creator.
