Definition and Etymology
Divination refers to the practice of seeking to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge through supernatural means. In Islamic terminology, it is known as Kahānah (كِهَانَة).
Etymology:
- The word Kahānah derives from the Arabic root “كَاهِن” (kāhin), which means ‘soothsayer’ or ‘diviner’.
- In Turkish, divination is known as “Kehanet” (كِهَانَة).
Islamic Perspective on Divination
Prohibition in Islam
Kahānah is considered unlawful (haram) in Islam. This prohibition is rooted in various sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who strictly discouraged engagement with or belief in fortune-tellers and diviners.
Prophetic Sayings (Hadith)
Mu’awiyah ibn Hākim reported a dialogue with the Prophet Muhammad about pre-Islamic practices:
- Consulting Diviners: Muʿāwiyah ibn Ḥākim asked the Prophet, “O Messenger of God, we used to do some things in the time of ignorance, like consulting diviners about future events?” The Prophet responded, “Now that you have embraced Islam, you must not consult them.”
- Taking Omens: Regarding bad omens, the Prophet said, “If from a bad omen you are thrown into perplexity, let it not hinder you from doing the work you had intended to do.”
- Drawing Lines on the Ground: When Muʿāwiyah mentioned drawing lines on the ground, the Prophet said, “There was one of the Prophets who used to draw lines on the ground, therefore if you can draw a line like him it is good, otherwise it is vain.”
Aishah, another companion of the Prophet, narrated:
- About Diviners: When asked if diviners speak the truth, the Prophet elaborated, “You must not believe anything they say.” Upon the query that diviners sometimes predict true events, he replied, “One of the genii steals away the truth and carries it to the diviner’s ear; and the diviners mix a hundred lies with one truth.”
Cultural and Historical Context
In pre-Islamic Arabia, divination was widely practiced and revered. It formed part of the larger pagan traditions that Islam sought to reform by emphasizing the reliance on Allah (God) alone.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Divine Code of Life” by Harun Yahya: This book offers an Islamic perspective on various practices, including divination.
- “Hadith: An Introduction” by Jonathan A.C. Brown: Provides detailed insights into the sayings of Prophet Muhammad.
- “Magic and Divination in Islam” edited by Emilie Savage-Smith: Explores historical and cultural attitudes towards practices like divination in Islamic civilization.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Divination (Kahānah): Rooted in pre-Islamic practices, it is strictly prohibited in Islam.
- Prophetic Teachings: The Prophet Muhammad’s sayings underscore the impermissibility of engaging with or believing in diviners.
- Reliance on God: Islam encourages believers to rely solely on God for matters of the unseen and future events, emphasizing faith and trust in divine wisdom.
By adhering to the guidance provided in Islamic teachings, Muslims avoid practices considered false and misleading, thereby maintaining a pure and unadulterated faith.
This comprehensive understanding encourages Muslims to avoid seeking knowledge of the future through unlawful means and fosters reliance on God’s wisdom and guidance.
