Fortune-Telling
Fortune-telling is the belief that some people possess the ability of telling
other people what will happen to them in the future by using magical or mystical methods. These rulings also apply to people who claim knowledge of the unseen, such as geomancers, palmists, shell-diviners, etc.
A fortune-teller uses devils who eavesdrop in the Heavens; Allah says in the
Qur'an: 'Shall I inform you (O people!) Upon whom the devils) descend' They
descend on every lying, sinful person. Who lends an ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the Unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars.' (26:221-223)
This knowledge of what the angels may have said is then passed to thepeople who are often prepared to believe what the fortune-teller says. The problem is that what people believe is true, has been embellished or changed, omitting the truth.
Ruling:
Fortune-telling is considered 'Shirk Akbar' (the major and serious form of
polytheism) for two reasons. First, it implies the acquisition of knowledge of
the Unseen, which is unique to Allah, (alone). 'Say: 'None in the Heaven and the Earth knows the Ghaib (unseen) except Allah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected.'
(Qur?an 27: 65).
This means that any one who believes that he possesses such knowledge is
certainly claiming the acquisition of a Divine attribute that Allah (alone)
possesses. Second, it involves using devils and holding fast to them, a ritual
that can only be perfected when the performer is in complete submission to that damned species. This is a form of polytheism.
The Danger of Attending Fortune-Telling Assemblies
In recent years, the number of fortune-tellers has dramatically increased, only being outnumbered by those who attend their assemblies and believe what they are told. Some people are fascinated and impressed by observing those who cannot miss the opportunity to make fortunes out of imparting their fabrications. People who attend fortune-telling assemblies are divided into three groups:
Those who go to fortune-tellers to ask them about the future without truly
believing in their falsehoods and without having the slightest intention of
disclosing their falsehood to the public. People in this group are sinful and
their prayers are not accepted for forty days.
Those who believe in the prophecies of the fortune-tellers and go to ask them about the future. These people are regarded as disbelievers since they deny the truthfulness of the Qur'an: 'Say: None in the Heavens and the Earth Knows the Ghaib (Unseen) except Allah.' (27: 65)
Those who go to fortune-tellers and only ask them in order to examine the
truthfulness of their prophecies; then disclose their deceit to the public.
These types of people publicize that fortune-tellers only offer misguidance that can make believers go astray.
However, if someone uncertain that he is capable to take on such a task and
accomplish it perfectly, he should not attempt it. Such a weighty undertaking
could pose a risk to himself, and result in failure that may likely tempt people
even further.
From: Al JUMUAH VOL 12/13 ISSUE 12/1
