Prayer TimesInterest in the supernatural is a natural human trait. Often, people seek to learn about their destiny, predict the future, or understand personality traits through such means. One of these is the increasingly popular science of numerology. Numerology is a mystical belief that numbers can have a positive or negative influence on nature, people, and events.
According to Islamic belief, all phenomena and changes in the world occur only by the will of Allah. Furthermore, no one but Allah knows the future or destiny. Regarding this, Surah Al-A'raf, verse 188 states:
“(O Muhammad) say: ‘I have no power over any benefit or harm to myself except as Allah wills. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I should have secured abundance for myself, and no harm would have touched me.’”
The renowned Muslim thinker Ibn Khaldun in his work Muqaddimah explains that magicians rely on the power of jinn and devils. He divides magicians into several types: some rely solely on their own abilities, while others use stars or numbers. Ibn Khaldun considered the first group to have a higher status.
Although numerology is not considered outright magic, its reliance on numbers shows its connection to magical practices.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller, magician, or soothsayer and asks him about something and believes what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.”
On making predictions with numbers, Ibn Khaldun said: “All of this is nothing but false conclusions. They (numerologists) use this method to deceive those whose minds are not fully developed.”
Historically, some Shiite and extreme Sufi groups have practiced this science. In the Muqaddimah, it is mentioned that this arose from their desire to access the unseen.
Sharia strictly forbids engaging in numerology and similar mystical practices or seeking their guidance. This is because they bring no benefit in this life or the Hereafter. Spending time on such things is a waste. Moreover, believing in predictions based on numbers and doubting Allah’s power and destiny is considered a grave sin.
Hasan Amankul,
Deputy Head of the Department of Sharia and Fatwa
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.