for it is likewise known that the graves of the prophets are never to be exhumed and that the earth around them is not impure. Yet the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said of himself:

“O Allah, do not allow my grave to become an idol that is worshipped,”

and he also said,

“Do not turn my grave into a recurring festival.”

It is therefore clear that his prohibition in this matter is of the same nature as his prohibition of praying at sunrise and sunset: at those very times the unbelievers prostrate themselves to the sun. He blocked the means and cut off the avenue by forbidding prayer during those moments—even though the worshipper would be praying only to Allah and invoking no one but Him. Likewise, he forbade turning graves into places of worship, even if the person praying there addresses his prayer solely to Allah and calls upon none but Him, lest it lead in the end to invoking the occupants of the graves and directing worship to them.

Both deviations have in fact occurred. Some people prostrate themselves to the sun and other celestial bodies, address them with various supplications and glorifications, wear garments and rings they think befit each star, and seek out, according to their imaginings, the particular times, places, and incenses they believe are suitable.

Such practices are among the gravest causes of idolatry, through which many of the early and later generations went astray. Indeed, they have even become widespread among those who lay claim to Islam. One well-known author produced a book on the subject entitled The Hidden Secret on Sorcery and Conversing with the Stars, adopting the creed of the idolaters of India and of the Sabeans, as well as the pagan Arabs and others, such as Tamṭam and his ilk.