Believing in Zodiac Signs and Astrology

Question

Is it okay if I read my horoscope every day?

Bottom Line

Only Allah knows the unseen horoscopes pretend to, and that makes them shirk.

Quick Answer

No. Believing in horoscopes or zodiac signs is haram. Astrology, fortune-telling, and zodiac predictions claim knowledge of the unseen, which belongs only to Allah. Even reading them “for fun” is discouraged, because it normalizes shirk and opens the door to dangerous ideas.

Key Takeaway

• Horoscopes and astrology claim knowledge of the unseen, which belongs only to Allah.
• They are tied to witchcraft and fortune-telling, which the Prophet ﷺ condemned.
• Astronomy for calendars and navigation is encouraged, but astrology is forbidden.

Detailed Answer

Horoscopes and zodiac signs fall under astrology, which Islam strictly prohibits. They claim to predict personality traits, future events, or destiny based on the stars. This is false, since only Allah knows what lies ahead, as He says in Qur’an 27:65:

“Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen except Allah.”

The Prophet ﷺ made this even clearer. He said in Sunan Abi Dawud 3905:

“Whoever learns anything of astrology has learned a branch of witchcraft.”

And in Musnad al-Bazzār 3578, he ﷺ warned:

“He is not one of us who practises augury, tells fortunes, or practises witchcraft.”

The scholars reached a unanimous agreement: astrology, horoscopes, and fortune-telling are haram. They also explained the difference: true astronomy used for navigation, prayer times, and calendars is not only lawful but praiseworthy, as long as it is free of superstition.

Modern Harm

Modern research shows horoscopes are not only spiritually corrupt but also socially harmful:

• Barnum Effect: People believe vague, general statements apply to them personally, which makes horoscopes feel “true”
• Exploitation: The global astrology industry profits from insecurity, valued at billions annually
• Psychological harm: Reliance on horoscopes is linked to anxiety, poor decisions, and addictive behavior.
• Scams: Many services upsell charms or “spiritual cleansings,” causing financial loss and confusion.

Thus, horoscopes mislead both spiritually and mentally, pulling believers away from tawheed.

What This Means for You

As a Muslim, you cannot believe in or casually read horoscopes. They belong to fortune-telling, not faith. Your guidance and future lie only in Allah’s Hands, not in zodiac signs or star charts.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Naml 27:65: Only Allah knows the unseen.

Hadith

2. Sunan Abi Dawud 3905: Astrology is described as a branch of witchcraft.
3. Musnad al-Bazzār 3578: Condemnation of fortune-telling and augury.

Secondary Sources

4. Tafsir al-Qurtubi (27:65): Only Allah knows the unseen.
5. Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari: Links astrology and fortune-telling to sihr.
6. Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim: Commentary on the prohibition of consulting astrologers.

Modern Research & Reports

7. Furnham & Schofield (1987): The Barnum Effect explains why horoscopes feel convincing.
8. Market Research Future (2021): Astrology industry profits from insecurity.
9. Frontiers in Psychology (2020): Astrology linked to anxiety and poor decision-making.