It is inherent in human nature that one cannot exercise patience beyond a certain limit while waiting for something. The cup of patience in his trembling hands is always on the verge of overflowing. He is restless to know the immediate outcome of each of his actions and every single movement. He wishes to turn over every page of the divine decree in the gusts of his impatience—just to see what lies within.
Overall, human beings are much like that student who, after taking a university exam, cannot sit calmly and patiently waiting for the day when the results are announced to reveal whether he has succeeded or not.
Instead, he remains persistently engaged in trying to discover the outcome ahead of time.
Human knowledge is very limited—he does not know what the next moment holds—but in his desire to know the future, he turns to conjectural sciences and ends up treating mere assumptions as truth.
Unseen knowledge is not obtained from any knowledge, yes, it is certain that some sciences based on occult sciences give indications which may be right or wrong.
Upon these subtle and hidden signs, the impatient human being has built a grand edifice of various sciences in an attempt to uncover the mysteries of the future. Numerology (Ilm al-Adaad), astrology (Ilm al-Nujoom), Vedic astrology (Jyotish), geomancy (Ilm al-Raml), cryptology (Ilm al-Jafr), physiognomy (Qiyafah), and dream interpretation (Ta’beer) are all links in this same chain.
It is essential to understand that Ilm al-Adaad, Ilm al-Jafr, and Ilm al-Raml have lost their original essence over time. In modern studies, astrology has been associated with them, despite never having been a true part of these sciences.
During the reign of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, a certain astrologer gained widespread fame for his knowledge and skills. The Caliph, upon hearing of his reputation, summoned him to his court. In a lighthearted manner, he asked, “Tell me, how many years do I have left to live?”
The astrologer calculated and humbly replied, “Only two years remain.”
As soon as he uttered these words, a wave of despair and sorrow washed over the Caliph’s face. His trusted Prime Minister, Ja’far Barmaki, a wise and astute statesman, noticed the change in the Caliph’s demeanor. He realized that if this fear and anxiety continued to grip his mind, the empire’s stability could be shaken within days.
A clever idea struck Ja’far. He immediately turned to the astrologer and said, “You are lying!”
“You claim that the Caliph has only two years left? Then tell me, how long do you have to live?”
The astrologer confidently replied, “I have plenty of life ahead of me—at least ten more years. There is no danger to my life anytime soon.”
Ja’far smirked and said, “Let’s put your astrology to the test right now. We shall see whether you have ten years left—or even ten minutes!”
With that, he signaled to the executioner. In the next moment, the astrologer’s head was severed from his body.
Seeing the fate of the astrologer and his so-called astrology, the Caliph felt a sense of relief and regained his composure.
Dear Readers! A hint is enough for the wise.
In the present age, whether it is those who claim to perform Istikhara for others or those who attempt to determine a patient’s condition through numerical calculations—none of these practices have any connection to the knowledge of the unseen (Ilm-e-Ghaib).
However, when it comes to seeking Allah’s guidance in any matter, we have been commanded to perform Istikhara ourselves.