What does Islam say about learning astrology?

Bismillahi Ta’ala

Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah

In Islam, ilm al-Nujoom is a science which tackles with the stars, celestial planets and their movements. This ilm al Nujoom is also sometime called ilm al-falakiyaat. In the English counterpart we have two different fields under this one science.

• Astrology
• Astronomy

Of these two, we use astronomy part of ilm al-Nujoom to understand the physical realities of these creations of Allah. Moreover, we use the mathematical observation regarding these physical realities for calculation of many phenomena which may assist us in our religious requirements.

Using Astronomy to assist in determining Islamic rulings is both desirable and commendable, such as knowing the times of prayer or determining the direction of the Qibla. Conducting various experiments to meet needs or provide convenience through astronomy, and drawing conclusions from those experiments, is also permissible

As for Astrology, then it is part of the ilm al-Nujoom which goes beyond our defined theological understanding and contends that these creations of Allah somehow have an affect and influence on events in worldly matters. Believing that these astronomical bodies and their movements have a real, independent influence on worldly matters or events, or considering the speculative guidance derived from celestial bodies as certain and absolute is a corruption of beliefs. Hence, impermissible.

In conclusion, learning astronomy is permissible and can even be meritorious if done to fulfill a religious need. Whereas, belief in Astrology is a corruption in belief, and learning it does not have any worldly or ukhrawi (post-world) advantage, hence impermissible.

Wallahu A’lam

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmud