meet and contend between heaven and earth.” Thus, supplication and similar deeds repel affliction descending from heaven.

If you say:

Among ordinary people—even those associated with scholarship—are some who categorically assert that celestial movements do not cause anything whatsoever to occur. They may even believe that admitting this possibility or affirming it constitutes the forbidden astrology concerning which the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever acquires a branch of astrology has acquired a branch of sorcery; the more he learns of the former, the more he acquires of the latter.”

This was reported by Abū Dāwūd and others. Some may also appeal to their understanding of his words:

“They do not eclipse because of anyone’s death or birth.”

They believe that the cause meant here is a final cause—that is, that they do not eclipse in order for death or life to result?

I reply:

This assertion is ignorance, because it is a statement made without knowledge. Allah has forbidden a person to deny what he has no knowledge of, and has forbidden him to say about Allah what he does not know. He has also declared that it is Satan who commands people to speak without knowledge. He says:

“Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge.”

And He says:

“He only commands you to evil and indecency, and to say about Allah what you do not know.”

And He says:

“Say: My Lord has only forbidden shameful deeds, whether open or secret, sin, unjust aggression, associating with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and saying about Allah what you do not know.”

For this is not stated in the Book of Allah or the Sunnah of His Messenger, nor has any scholar asserted it