علم الفلك والتنجيم من المنظور الشرعي

Abstract

This research is directed to the study of astronomy and astrology from an Islamic perspective. This research consists of three main parts. The first part consists of two chapters; the first chapter deals with the development of astronomy while the second chapter examines the nature of astronomy and its epistemological significance. The second part consists of two chapters. The first discusses the development of astronomy in Malaysia. The second chapter discusses the scientific and practical aspects of astronomy in its application in worship and its relevant rules as practiced in Malaysia. The third part consists of three chapters which include the definition of astrology, its evolution, the relationship among the celestial objects and astrology and the extent of its effects on life. Henceforth, the subject matter will be explained in the light of the criteria provided by modern science and Islamic law. This research also attempts to present a clear picture of astrology and astronomy in order to avoid confusion between them. The research concludes that astronomy is one of the most important disciplines of knowledge related to shariah in Islam, as it is clear from the attention given to it by Muslim scholars of the past and present time. This discipline of knowledge has a strong connection with mathematics and physics. Astronomy was not unfamiliar to the discourses of Muslims scholars in the past, for it existed in the texts of the primary sources of Islam: The Qur’an and Hadith. The third century of Hijra saw a tremendous growth in the development of Islamic astronomy as Muslim scholars contributed to its development from the Greeks. In the Malay world the contributions and the efforts of Malay scholars in spreading, developing, teaching and promoting it is undeniable. On the other hand, astrology as an act or practice which often involves prediction by means of magic, sorcery and charlatanism and applied for enchantment and attaining material benefit is prohibited in Islam. However, prediction based on empirical research, deductive and inductive methods is not necessarily astrological in nature although the two may seem similar.