Islam and astrology

The term "astrology" derives from the Greek words astron (star) and logos (study or discourse). Its roots lie in ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, with formal development occurring in Hellenistic Egypt. The Arabic equivalent, ʿilm al-nujūm, translates to "the science of the stars."

Astrology refers to the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. In early Islamic history, astrology (ʿilm al-nujūm, lit. 'the science of the stars'), was "by far" the most popular of the "numerous practices attempting to foretell future events or discern hidden things", according to historian Emilie Savage-Smith. Some medieval Muslims took an interest in the study of the apparent motion of the stars...

The study of the stars, or astrology, has long been a bridge between the visible and the invisible, the earthly and the celestial. In the rich intellectual milieu of medieval Islam, where scientific inquiry often intertwined with spiritual contemplation, ʿilm al-nujūm was not merely a predictive art but a profound philosophical pursuit. Scholars like Emilie Savage-Smith highlight its pervasive influence, noting its popularity as a means to discern hidden truths and future trajectories. This practice echoes the Hermetic axiom "As above, so below," suggesting a fundamental interconnectedness between the cosmic architecture and the minutiae of human experience. Mircea Eliade, in his exploration of shamanism and archaic religions, often points to humanity's ancient impulse to read the signs in the heavens, a practice that predates written history. For many, the celestial clockwork offered a sense of divine order and a framework for understanding fate and free will. The precise calculations of planetary movements were seen as a way to map the divine will onto the human realm, a cosmic cartography that could guide action and offer solace. It represents a sophisticated attempt to find pattern and purpose in the vast, often chaotic, expanse of existence, a yearning to be in harmony with the grand symphony of the universe. The practice, while often dismissed in modern secular discourse, continues to resonate with a deep-seated human desire for meaning and orientation within the immense cosmic drama.

RELATED_TERMS: Divination, Hermeticism, Cosmology, Jyotisha, Celestial mechanics, Fate, Esotericism, Neoplatonism