After the rise of Islam the whole of the Arab world was united in a kingdom that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to South East Asia. Despite the fact that the predominantly nomadic peoples observed the position of the stars when travelling to help ascertain their location, and the existence of simple star worship, no system of divination had yet been developed. the idea that all existence on Earth is predetermined in the heavens, did complement some aspects of Islamic teaching.īefore the rise of Islam in the Arabian world astrology remained at a fairly rudimentary level. However, the branch of astrology that believed in determinism, i.e. But as it descended he said: "I do not love those who descend." And watching the moon rise he said: "Truly, that is my God." But when the Moon descended he said: "If my God does not lead me I am also akin to this mistaken people." And as he watched the Sun rise he said: "Hark, that is my God, for it is the greatest being." But as the Sun set he said: "Oh, my people, I no longer wish to partake of your idolatry, I turn to face the one who created Heaven and Earth." "In the darkness of the night Abraham saw a star and spoke: "That is my Lord". For example, in Abraham sura 6 verses 77-80 it is clearly stated that: Although astrology wasn't explicitly forbidden in the Koran, it didn't enjoy a particularly good reputation.
This ambivalence can be traced back to the prophet Mohammed who doesn't appear to have made any clear statements on the subject, and this has left considerable room for interpretation. There were also differing attitudes among theologians regarding astrology. There were times when it flourished, but such times were often followed by periods of disinterest or persecution. In this respect, a more appropriate term might be 'Islamic astrology'.Īrabian and Islamic cultures had an ambivalent attitude towards astrology.
Since then the branch of astrology referred to as Arabian hasn't remained restricted to the Arabians as an ethnic group but has been adopted and influenced by other ethnic groups that converted to Islam. Ottoman astronomers at work at the Istanbul Observatory Īrabian astrology only really came into its stride in the 7th century around the time of Islam.
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