-
AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_knowledge, page : 76
as, for example, astronomy, which is not, in itself, blameworthy, because it is of
two parts: The first is mathematical (in reference to, which) the Koran has
pronounced that (by it) the courses of the sun and the moon are reckoned. Thus
Allah said: “The sun and the moon to a reckoning.” Koran Ch. 55 verse 4. And
again: “And the moon, We have determined it in phases till it returns like an old
palm-branch.” Koran Ch. 36 verse 39. The second is astrology (ahkam) the gist
of which is that (future) events are indicated by present causes. This is similar to
how a physician is guided by the patient‟s pulse to predict the future development
of a disease. Astrology is therefore an attempt to know the course of the laws
and ordinances of Allah relative to His creatures. But the law has declared it
blameworthy. Thus the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said: “Whenever
the decrees of Allah are mentioned, withhold from discussing them; whenever
the stars are mention, desist from talk; and when my Companions are mention,
refrain from any gossip.”
He warned against it for three reasons; first because it is harmful to most people,
since if they were told that these results would ensure consequent upon the
course of the stars, they might think that it is the stars, which influence the course
of events and are also the gods who direct the world. Furthermore, in view of the
two parts: The first is mathematical (in reference to, which) the Koran has
pronounced that (by it) the courses of the sun and the moon are reckoned. Thus
Allah said: “The sun and the moon to a reckoning.” Koran Ch. 55 verse 4. And
again: “And the moon, We have determined it in phases till it returns like an old
palm-branch.” Koran Ch. 36 verse 39. The second is astrology (ahkam) the gist
of which is that (future) events are indicated by present causes. This is similar to
how a physician is guided by the patient‟s pulse to predict the future development
of a disease. Astrology is therefore an attempt to know the course of the laws
and ordinances of Allah relative to His creatures. But the law has declared it
blameworthy. Thus the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said: “Whenever
the decrees of Allah are mentioned, withhold from discussing them; whenever
the stars are mention, desist from talk; and when my Companions are mention,
refrain from any gossip.”
He warned against it for three reasons; first because it is harmful to most people,
since if they were told that these results would ensure consequent upon the
course of the stars, they might think that it is the stars, which influence the course
of events and are also the gods who direct the world. Furthermore, in view of the