Fortune Telling

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever goes to a ‘psychic’ (‘arraf) or fortune-teller and believes what he says has disbelieved in what has been revealed to Muhammad.” [Abu Dawud]

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever goes to a ‘psychic,’ asks him about something, and believes him, will not have his prayer accepted for forty days.” [Sahih Muslim]

Going to and believing in fortune-tellers and astrologers, whatever shape or form they may take, is one of the major sins (kaba’ir/enormities). Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has forbidden us from delving into that which He has kept hidden from us. “Pursue not that which you have no knowledge of.” [Quran 17:36]

What events our future holds in store for us are part of the Unseen knowledge of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). Allah asks us to trust Him totally and put all our reliance in Him. Regardless of the turn our life takes, it is still only an exam, not the place to rejoice or grieve. It is after the results are given out, on the Day of Qiyamah, that true and everlasting celebrations or regret will take place. On earth all we have to do is be steadfast in Allah’s obedience, thanking Him when we are happy and asking Him for help when we are sad.