Riyad as-Salihin, 1670

Qabisah bin Al-Mukhariq (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "The practice of 'Iyafah, the interpretation of omens from the flight of birds, the practice of divination by drawing lines on the ground and taking evil omens are all practices of Al-Jibt (the idol, the diviner, or sorcerer)." [Abu Dawud].

وعن قبيصة بن المخارق رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏

‏العِيافة، والطِّيَرة، والطرق، من الجبت‏

‏‏.‏ ((رواه أبو داود بإسناد حسن)). وقال: «الطَّرْقُ» هُوَ الزَّجْرُ: أيْ زَجْرُ الطَّيْرِ وَهُوَ أنْ يَتَيَمَّنَ أو يَتَشَاءمَ بِطَيَرَانِهِ، فإنْ طَارَ إلَى جِهَةِ اليَمِين، تَيَمَّنَ، وإنْ طَارَ إلَى جِهَةِ اليَسَارِ، تَشَاءمَ. قال أبو داود: «والعِيَافَةُ»: الخَطُّ. قالَ الجَوْهَريُّ في الصِّحَاحِ: الجِبْتُ كَلِمَةٌ تَقَعُ عَلَى الصَّنَمِ وَالكاهِنِ والسَّاحِرِ وَنَحْوِ ذلِكَ.

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 17, Hadith 160

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadith: 1) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade these acts, lest people should get attached to other than Allah Almighty. 2) These acts are prohibited for they are means leading to associating partners with Allah Almighty and they run counter to the fundamental principles of monotheism. Note: As the Shariah prohibits the above-mentioned acts, it directs the Muslim to the proper guidance when certain matters become confusing to him. This includes the Istikhārah (guidance-seeking) prayer, which is a non-obligatory prayer that consists of two Rak‘ahs (unit of prayer). After offering this prayer, a person turns to Allah Almighty and recites the reported supplication: “Allāhumma inni astakhiruka bi‘ilmika (O Allah, I consult You by Your knowledge)...” to the end of it. The Shariah also instructs the Muslim to consult people of piety, wisdom and experience, and to think carefully before making any decision or choice. Whoever does so will be the farthest from regret.