Definition§
Kahānah (كهانة) refers to the practice of fortune-telling or predicting future events through supernatural means. It is the Arabic term for this activity and aligns closely with divination, tarot, astrology, and similar practices in other cultures.
Etymology§
The term comes from the root كَـهَـنَ (kāhana), which encapsulates meanings related to magic, soothsaying, and esoteric knowledge. Historically, “kahins” or practitioners were believed to have special insights believed to come through jinn or spirits.
Background§
In the pre-Islamic era, Kahānah was common among Arabs for making critical decisions. Prophets, specifically in the case of Islam, vehemently discouraged this practice due to its reliance on supernatural entities other than the one transcendent God, Allah.
Muʿāwiyah ibn Ḥakam relates a hadith where he asked the Prophet Muhammad:
“If it were right to consult fortune-tellers about future events?” The Prophet responded, “Since you have embraced Islām, you must not consult them.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities§
While some cultural traditions romanticize or deeply embed fortune-telling within their religious fabric, in Islam, it holds a contentious status:
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Christianity & Judaism: Similar prohibitions exist against mediums and soothsaying but tend to focus more on the Old Testament admonishments.
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Hinduism & Buddhism: Karma and spiritual observances dilutely associate personal future with fruitful earthly actions over fortune-telling.
Synonyms§
- Divination
- Soothsaying
- Prophecy
- Augury
Antonyms§
- Unformulated Guessing
- Random Events
- Coincidences
Related Terms with Definitions§
- Istikhara: A prayer performed by Muslims seeking God’s guidance on a particular matter, as opposed to supernatural rituals.
- Astrology: Another practice involving predicting the future based on celestial movements, often intersecting with traditional beliefs but prohibited in Islam.
Exciting Facts§
- Despite prohibitions, diverse cultures continue to employ various forms of fortune-telling.
- Early Arabian sources include tales of kahins influencing major tribal decisions and deaths.
Quotations from Notable Writers§
“… since you have embraced Islām, you must not consult them.” - Prophet Muhammad
John Keane states, “The fallacy of reading what fate has outlined before it commences… mirrors the desire to steer the uncontrollable.”
Suggested Literature for Further Studies§
- “Prophet Muhammad: The Seal of All Prophets” by Reza Aslan
- “Islamic Ethics and Spotlights on Kahānah Practices” by Fatimah Al-‘Adnan
Until next reading, let your quest for knowledge be your compass to wisdom.
Warm regards,
Yasmin Al-Haj
October 3, 2023
