DESTINY AND HOROSCOPES 🔮
Fate from the Quranic Perspective and a Critique of Astrology
One of the oldest questions in human history is: "Are the events in my life destiny, or the result of my own choices?" This question has been answered differently in many religions and cultures, and the concept of "fate" in particular has often led to discussions about human will, responsibility, and freedom.
In Islamic culture, the concept of Qadar (fate/destiny) has, over time, extended beyond the framework drawn by the Quran, taking on a dogmatic structure through mythological, metaphorical, and even astrological interpretations. In parallel, the understanding of astrology (müneccimlik), which means reading the future through stars, has produced a false form of knowledge in the name of "fate" and become widespread among the populace.
This article will address both the concepts of Qadar and astrology solely from a Quran-centric perspective, redefining them in the context of Allah's knowledge, human freedom, and the relationship with trial.
1. Is the Traditional Understanding of Qadar Quranic?
The traditional belief in Qadar can largely be summarized as "Allah having written everything in eternity, and humans simply living out this predetermined script." However, this understanding is not found in the Quran. This idea has been influenced more by Judeo-Christian theologies, ancient Greek fatalistic philosophies, and even Persian mystical understandings.
In the Quran, Qadar is not a predetermined script but a process. Humans bear the responsibility for their choices and will. Allah, in this process, tests, reveals, and evaluates His servant.
2. Does Allah Know Everything? Absolutely! But When and How?
Allah's knowledge is limitless; however, the Quran clearly states that this knowledge unfolds within the process. The way Allah knows who people are is by testing them. This is not about playing out a script written in eternity but revealing through experience.
🔸 Fatir 38:
"Indeed, Allah is Knower of the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts." ➡️ Allah knows the intention and thought within people. This is the internal inclination that has not yet manifested externally.
🔸 Al-An'am 60:
"And it is He who takes your souls by night and knows what you have committed by day." ➡️ Allah knows what has happened. But the emphasis is on what He has seen, not on having written what will happen beforehand.
🔸 Al-i Imran 140–142:
"And that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take from among you martyrs." ➡️ He tests in order to know. Knowledge is within the process; it emerges as a result.
🔸 Muhammad 31:
"And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allah] and [make evident] the patient." ➡️ Allah wills that what the servant will do is learned through experience.
The phrase "liya'lama / so that He may know" in these verses indicates that Allah's knowledge carries a wisdom based on outcomes. The test is a process of unveiling the unknown.
3. What is Qadar According to the Quran?
In the Quran, Qadar is not a predetermined film strip that a person lives through, but a journey that takes shape according to one's own choices within the framework of the possibilities created by Allah.
🔹 Bakara 155:
"And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits." ➡️ Allah does not plan what happens; He merely presents the test. Our reactions are ours.
Qadar is not a script written by Allah, but a process shaped by our reactions and choices.
4. Astrology, Qadar, and Superstition Connection
Astrology is the claim to read destiny by looking at the stars. This understanding is built upon the desire to access knowledge of the unseen (Ghaib). However, the Quran explicitly states that knowledge of the unseen belongs to Allah alone:
🔸 Jinn 26–27:
"[He is] Knower of the unseen, and He does not disclose His [knowledge of the] unseen to anyone, except whom He has approved of messengers."
🔸 Yunus 36:
"And most of them follow not except assumption. Indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all."
Astrology, in this respect, is:
Making judgments based on assumption.
Delegating human will to the stars.
An attempt to learn the unseen from sources other than Allah.
Therefore, according to the Quran, astrology is invalid both in terms of knowledge and belief.
5. Free Will and Responsibility in the Quranic Understanding of Qadar
The Quran states that humans possess free will and will be held responsible for every choice they make with that will:
🔸 Isra 13:
"And [for] every person We have fastened his fate to his neck."
This statement indicates that fate is not imposed from outside but a journey written by the person themselves.
In the Quran, "Qadar" is an area of responsibility, not an area of passive submission.
6. Dangers of a Misunderstood Concept of Qadar
Traditional belief in Qadar and astrology:
Passifies humans.
Blames Allah for mistakes.
Turns the world of trials into a universe of scenarios.
Casts a shadow on Allah's justice.
With such an understanding, a person would say:
"Whatever I do, Allah had already written it."
This idea demolishes the system of trial, will, and justice presented by the Quran.
✅ Conclusion: Qadar and Astrology According to the Quran
Within the Quranic framework:
Qadar is not a pre-written script but a test that unfolds through experience.
Allah evaluates the process shaped by the servant's actions, not the future.
Astrology is based on assumption and superstition; knowledge of the unseen belongs exclusively to Allah.
The true understanding of Qadar gains meaning through the triad of free will + trial + responsibility.
"And that man can have nothing but what he strives for." (Najm 53/39)
According to the Quran, Qadar is written not in the stars, but in conscience and choices.
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