until they asked the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, about them. Another example is the man who said:

“When I die, grind me to dust and scatter me in the sea; perhaps I may elude Allah,” and similar cases.

Such people are not to be declared disbelievers until the proof has been established against them through the prophetic message, as Allah Most High says:

“So that people would have no argument against Allah after the messengers.”

Allah has pardoned this community for mistakes and forgetfulness. We have discussed the principles underlying this answer at length in their respective places, and this fatwa does not allow for further elaboration. Allah knows best.

He—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked:

About someone who believes that the heavenly bodies influence existence, or says that he has a star in the sky and that he prospers when it is auspicious and suffers when it is otherwise. He cites as evidence the words of Allah Most High:

“And those who arrange affairs,”

and His words:

“So I swear by the positions of the stars.”

He says that this is the craft of Idrīs, peace be upon him, and claims that the star of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was in Scorpio and Mars. Is this part of the religion of Islam or not? Even if it is not part of the religion, what is required of someone who says it? Are those who denounce such people counted among those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, or not?

He answered:

Praise be to Allah. The stars are among Allah’s signs: they point to Him, glorify Him, and prostrate themselves before Him, as He Most High says:

“Do you not see that to Allah prostrate all who are in the heavens and all who are on earth