Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If anyone acquires any knowledge of astrology, he acquires a branch of magic of which he gets more as long as he continues to do so.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 3905 | Book: Divination and Omens (Kitab Al-Kahanah Wa Al-Tatayyur)

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith categorically prohibits the study and practice of astrology, classifying it as a branch of magic (sihr). The wording "he acquires a branch of magic" indicates that astrology is not merely discouraged but is fundamentally unlawful in Islamic law.

Classical scholars explain that astrology involves claiming knowledge of the unseen through celestial bodies, which constitutes shirk (associating partners with Allah) as it attributes divine power to creation. The phrase "he gets more as long as he continues" warns of the compounding spiritual danger - each engagement deepens one's involvement in prohibited knowledge and distances one from divine guidance.

This prohibition extends beyond professional practice to include casual horoscope reading and belief in astrological predictions, as all involve attributing effects to other than Allah. True Muslims should seek knowledge only from the Quran and Sunnah, placing complete trust in Allah's decree without resorting to forbidden means of divination.