In Astrology & Islam, Abu Zayd Kamran Ali treats a subject both prevalent and misunderstood: belief in astrology and its role in a Muslim’s life. This short, crisp refutation of astrology, whether as supposedly innocuous entertainment, personality forecasting, or as a serious system thought to direct choices, is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand what Islam says about astrology. By a careful methodology based on Qur’an, Sunnah, and ijma of scholars, the author tears down the new-age infatuation with horoscopes, zodiac signs, and planetary influence, and brings before the reader the uncompromising simplicity of Islamic tawheed.
This book is not merely academic it is urgent. In a world saturated with daily horoscopes, personality quizzes based on birth dates, and social media memes that tie identity to the stars, many Muslims especially youth find themselves engaging with astrology casually, without realizing the spiritual consequences. As’trology & Islam steps in as a necessary correction and a sincere wake-up call.
Astrology: Old Beliefs in a Modern Disguise
Astrology is not new. From the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt to the Greeks and Persians, astrology has existed for centuries as a system that claims to link human behavior with the movements of stars and planets. Abu Zayd Kamran Ali shows that what we see today in magazines, apps, and social media is simply a modern continuation of these old ideas, wrapped in new language but carrying the same dangerous implications.
The book opens by explaining how astrology functions, covering natal charts, zodiac signs, planetary power, and the belief that heavenly bodies influence an individual’s destiny. The author clearly states that these systems find no basis in divine revelation, scientific reality, or rational analysis. Most notably, he clarifies that astrology is directly contrary to the fundamentals of Islamic belief: tawheed, the unity of Allah in His Lordship, Names, and Attributes.
Qur’anic and Prophetic Clarity on Astrology
One of the best aspects of Astrology & Islam is its evidence-based approach. The writer uses plain Qur’anic ayat and true Hadith which warn us against trying to gain knowledge from the stars and attributing them to the power of God. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated, “Whoever learns anything of astrology has learned a branch of magic…” (Abu Dawood), indicating that the practice is not only discouraged it’s prohibited.
The Qur’an also identifies that Allah alone possesses knowledge of the unseen. Surah Luqman (31:34) explains: “Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs…” The verse is a straightforward rebuke of those who believe the stars or planets can predict the future, decide personality, or unlock divine secrets.
Abu Zayd goes on to describe how belief in astrology leads to shirk (giving partners to Allah) since it gives knowledge, power, or control to creation instead of the Creator. He goes on to describe how this spiritual threat is not an abstract one it has real effects on one’s belief and relationship with Allah.
The Psychology of Belief and the Deception of Entertainment
What’s so perilous about astrology today is the way it’s usually sold as innocent entertainment or self-discovery. Horoscopes are in newspapers, dating sites, Instagram accounts, and personality websites. Individuals will read them out of curiosity, usually assuming it’s just a joke. But Astrology & Islam reveals that even loose belief or acceptance of such systems short of complete conviction can plunge an individual into deep sin.
The author examines the psychological techniques which astrology employs in order to sound plausible. They are vague, complimentary statements that everyone is prone to, a human need to have control over one’s life, and a desire to seek patterns in disorder. Abu Zayd illustrates how astrology takes advantage of these inclinations in order to acquire followers, even when evidence does not support its arguments.
He also reminds readers that Muslims are not exempt from such pitfalls. If a Muslim begins to link their mood, relationships, or future with planetary positions or birth months, he or she is drifting away from faith in Allah’s qadr (divine decree) and into confusion.
Astrology and the Loss of Accountability
Another significant issue in the book is how astrology erodes personal accountability. People start shirking responsibility for their actions and decisions by blaming the stars or saying that someone does something “just because they’re a Scorpio.” This is diametrically opposed to the Islamic understanding that each individual is responsible for what he or she does and that guidance is from revelation not constellations.
Abu Zayd also speaks on the ways in which astrology can affect relationships, career, and even marriages in negative ways. Individuals may be rejected as spouses or friends based on astrological compatibility rather than Islamic character and taqwa. Such a thought undermines Islamic values and holds culture and superstition above revelation.
A Call to Protect Faith and Guard the Heart
Astrology & Islam is more than a refutation it’s a reminder. Abu Zayd Kamran Ali writes with sincerity and concern, calling Muslims to cleanse their beliefs and safeguard their hearts from concepts that undermine their tawheed. He invites readers to look to the Qur’an and Sunnah for direction and to view the stars for what they really are beautiful works of Allah, not implements of destiny.
He urges parents, educators, and community leaders to address the issue openly and not dismiss it as trivial. With the growing popularity of online astrology culture among Muslim youth, the book is an important tool in Islamic education and aqeedah consciousness.
Final Thoughts
Astrology & Islam by Abu Zayd Kamran Ali is an essential book that highlights a ubiquitous but ignored danger to Islamic faith. It describes the origins of astrology, its spiritual peril, and Islamic rebuff to it, all written in a forceful but not brutal style.
This book is a must-read for Muslims of all ages who have been exposed to astrology in the media, in conversation, or in culture and wish to understand where Islam comes down on the matter. It’s particularly useful for youth groups, Islamic schools, new Muslims, and those who work in da’wah or counseling.
By the time the reader finishes the book, there is no doubt: astrology in any form is contrary to Islamic faith. And the stars far from being our masters are a sign of Allah’s handiwork, meant to bring us to a place of wonder and humility, not subservience.
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