among the angels is greater than its influence. The same is true of the influence of natural bodies on earth. Likewise, the influence of human hearts through supplication and other means is among the greatest influences, as Muslims agree, as do the Sabians who practise astrology and people of other nations. Thus, in the general course of events, it is only one component of the cause.

Even if we suppose that it is an independent cause, or that it necessarily entails the complete cause, knowledge of it is impossible because of the rapidity of its motion. Even supposing that it could be known, the location of its influence cannot be precisely determined, for there is no reason why a solar eclipse should affect one region rather than another. And even if we suppose that it is an independent cause, that all its conditions have been fulfilled, and that it is known, there is no doubt that even small righteous deeds—prayer, zakah, fasting, pilgrimage, maintaining family ties, and other acts prescribed by religious law—counteract what that cause would otherwise bring about.

For this reason, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded us to pray, supplicate, seek forgiveness, free slaves, and give charity when an eclipse occurs. He also informed us that supplication and affliction meet and struggle with one another between heaven and earth. Astrologers acknowledge this, to the point that their leading authority, Ptolemy, said:

“The clamour of voices in temples of worship, offering manifold supplications in every tongue, unravels what the revolving celestial spheres have bound.”

Thus, if a cause of good arises, the acts prescribed by religious law—prayer and zakah—strengthen and support it; and if a cause of evil arises, such deeds repel it. The same applies to a servant’s seeking his Lord’s guidance when considering a matter, as