The scholars explain that this ability was exclusive to that prophet—one of his miracles—and that no one else can match him in it, because it was uniquely his. The purpose of the ḥadīth, therefore, is to negate any claim that drawing lines in the sand carries real significance; it was a distinctive sign granted only to that prophet, and the exclusive gifts and miracles of the prophets are not shared by anyone else, peace be upon them. Accordingly, the report refutes the assertions of today’s line-drawers and sand-geomancers: the “truths” they claim are nothing but lies, for no-one can emulate that prophet’s line. Allah knows best.
Question: Practices such as sand-geomancy, coffee-cup reading, or palm-reading—common among some charlatans today—does their sin fall solely on those who perform them, or does it also extend to whoever visits them or believes them?
Answer: Without doubt, these are superstitions—pre-Islamic delusions and acts of associationism. They are all works of Satan and pathways to shirk. It is impermissible for a Muslim who believes in Allah and the Last Day to visit such people or to believe them. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever goes to a soothsayer or a fortune-teller and believes what he says has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad ﷺ.” Therefore, one must not go to them, question them, or accept their words. A believer must rely on Allah, place full trust in Him, keep his heart attached to Him, and beware of anything that would corrupt his religion, undermine his creed, or lead him astray from the straight path.