The Islamic Perspective on Consulting Astrologers and Soothsayers for Naming a Newborn
Consulting Astrologers and Soothsayers for Naming a Newborn
Question: In our community, when a child is born, we go to a person and seek their suggestion for a name. This individual provides a list of names that they claim would suit the child, advising us to choose one from the list. My question is, is this practice permissible in the light of Islam?
Questioner: Nabeela Jameel, Saudi Arabia
Answer:
In some communities, it is common to consult astrologers and soothsayers for naming a newborn. These individuals suggest names based on stars, planets, zodiac signs, the date of birth, and the movement of celestial bodies. Such practices are prohibited in Islam, unlawful, and a form of shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Firstly:
Islam instructs us to name a newborn on the seventh day after birth. We should give our children good names, and among the best names are those of the Prophets, Messengers, Companions, and the righteous predecessors. Any of these names can be chosen. It is not necessary to choose a name that is unique in the entire village, as is the trend nowadays. Even if there are many children with the name Abdullah or Fatima in a village, there is no harm. Any name with a good meaning and without any Islamic objection can be given.
Secondly:
In Islam, taking a good omen (optimism) is permissible, while believing in bad omens (pessimism) is shirk. Taking bad omens contradicts reliance on Allah (tawakkul) and is against the principles of monotheism (tawheed). A true believer should never indulge in bad omens, whether in naming or in any other matter.
Some hadiths regarding the prohibition of bad omens and the encouragement of good omens:
1. Narrated by Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.” (Sahih Bukhari: 7405)
2. Narrated by Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There is no Tiyara and the best omen is the Fal," Somebody said, "What is the Fal, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He said, "A good word that one of you hears (and takes as a good omen). (Sahih Bukhari: 5755)
3. Narrated by Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) liked good omens and disliked bad omens. (Sahih Ibn Majah: 2864)
Believing in bad omens is shirk:
Narrated by Abdullah bin Mas’ud:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Taking omens is polytheism; taking omens is polytheism. He said it three times. Every one of us has some, but Allah removes it by trust (in Him). (Sahih Abi Dawud: 3910)
These hadiths teach us that we should not take bad omens in any situation. Unfortunately, many in our society believe in superstitions and take bad omens in various matters, thereby spoiling their deeds.
Thirdly:
For naming a newborn, there is no need to consult an astrologer or soothsayer. If you need help selecting an Islamic name, you can ask knowledgeable scholars for names of Prophets, righteous people, and pious individuals. However, it is impermissible and a form of shirk to consult someone who predicts the future, engages in divination, or uses stars to make suggestions, like the astrologers and soothsayers during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ). Consulting such individuals and acting on their advice makes one guilty of disbelief (kufr), and Islam disassociates itself from such actions.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever goes to a soothsayer and believes in what he says, or has relations with his wife during her menstrual period, or has anal intercourse with her, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad (ﷺ).” (Sahih Abi Dawud: 3904)
Since this is a major sin, those involved must repent and refrain from such actions in the future.
Fourthly:
The Prophet (ﷺ) would sometimes change the names of Companions if they had bad meanings and would take good omens from certain names. For example, during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, when Suhail bin Amr came as a representative of the Quraysh, the Prophet (ﷺ) took a good omen from his name, saying, "Your matter has become easy." (Sahih Bukhari: 2732)
Thus, it is permissible to take good omens from meaningful names. Islamic names are the best names, and taking good omens from them is allowed. However, one must always maintain good thoughts (husn dhan) in all aspects of life and avoid anything contrary to reliance on Allah (tawakkul), such as bad omens or superstitions.
In conclusion, visiting astrologers, palmists, or fortune-tellers to name a child is strictly prohibited in Islam. These people deceive innocent believers, not only robbing them of their money but also of their faith. True believers must not risk their faith by consulting such individuals.
And Allah knows best.
Shaikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (Hafizahullah), Jeddah Dawah Center