Unveiling Kahānah: The Islamic Stance on Divination
Definition
Kahānah (كهانه) refers to the practice of divination or foretelling future events. Within Islamic theology, it is considered unlawful and is strongly discouraged.
Etymology
The word “Kahānah” originates from the Arabic root “كَاهِن” (kāhin), which means “soothsayer” or “diviner.” In pre-Islamic Arabia, kāhins were individuals believed to communicate with spirits and predict future events.
Background
Kahānah was a prevalent practice in the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period), where people relied on diviners to foresee events, make decisions, and interpret omens. However, with the advent of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad strongly discouraged and condemned these practices, emphasizing reliance on God alone.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Across different cultures, divination has taken various forms, like astrology, tarot reading, and oracles. While many cultures embrace these practices, Islam categorically forbids them, similar to orthodox Christianity and Judaism, which have also contained stringent prohibitions against such practices due to their potential to mislead and distract from divine reliance.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Istikhārah (استخارة): A legitimate Islamic practice of seeking guidance from God.
- Rammal (رمال): A fortune-teller.
- Jāhilīyyah (جاهلية): The age of ignorance before the advent of Islam when idolatry and superstition were widespread.
Quotations
- A Hadith by Muʿāwiyah ibn Ḥākim: “I said to the Prophet, ‘O Messenger of God, we used to do some things in the time of ignorance of which we are not sure now. For example, we used to consult diviners about future events?’ The Prophet said, ‘Now that you have embraced Islam you must not consult them.’"
- Another Hadith by ʿĀyishah: “The people asked the Prophet about diviners, whether they spoke true or not. And he said, ‘You must not believe anything they say.’ The people then said, ‘But, O Prophet! they sometimes tell what is true?’ The Prophet replied, ‘Because one of the genii steals away the truth and carries it into the diviner’s ear; and the diviners mix a hundred lies to one truth.’”
Exciting Facts
- Prohibition in Quran: Though specific verses forbidding divination do not exist, the Quran’s emphasis on Tawheed (the belief in the oneness of God) inherently disallows seeking knowledge from any source other than Allah.
- Communicating with Jinn: Islam teaches that some diviners might communicate with Jinn (spiritual beings), further complicating and discrediting the practice.
- Sahabah’s (Companions’) Approaches: Prominent Sahabah, like Umar ibn Khattab, were known to vehemently oppose any form of divination.
Suggested Literature
- Al-‘Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah by Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi
- The Reliance of the Traveller by Ahmad Ibn Naqib al-Misri
- Hadith: Collections such as Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which document numerous narrations of the Prophet Muhammad addressing superstition and divination.
References
- Narrated by Muʿāwiyah ibn Ḥākim: Sahih Muslim.
- Narrated by ʿĀyishah: Sahih Bukhari.
- Definition sources based on classical Arabic dictionaries and Islamic jurisprudence literature.
Explore these profound doctrines and immerse yourself in understanding the wisdom and ethics embedded in Islamic teachings.
Inspirational Thought: “True enlightenment stems not from speculation about the future, but from the unwavering belief in the wisdom and providence of the Almighty.”
Farewell. Author: Fatimah Al-Karimi Published on: 2023-10-05
