Do not fall into the trap of believing in Prophecies!
Spirituality is a huge part of us Muslims. The happiness we feel from reading the Quran is one example of when we experience it. Likewise, we feel tranquillity and higher concentration while praying in a congregation in the Masjid. In addition, many women feel pride when they wear their scarf in an especially modest way during Ramadan. All of these are all otherworldly feelings that are too good to describe. However, where is the limit to which we can attribute our happiness and success to our own perfection or Allah (swt)’s satisfaction?
It is one thing to believe in the Unseen (which we cannot see, including the jinn, angels, and future). It is another thing to believe that we understand it beyond what is taught to us. A few examples of ‘prophecies’ that are invalid because they are based on incorrect beliefs includes: crystal globes, horoscopes, astrology including star signs (not to be confused with astronomy, which is a proven science), using ancient religions as a guide, or even modern religions other than Islam.
A few interpretations of dreams are based on pagan beliefs, and decisions made from them set the interpreter to failure. In fact, if one looks at the way people feared the end of the world in the year 2012 much of the theories were rooted in the ancient Mayan civilisation that ended years ago. The Mayan religion did not hold the belief of the world ending at this date, yet this did not stop conspiracists from making claims of their own. The golden rule that Muslims must abide by is that if Allah (swt) did not say that an event will happen, nor is there a logical reason for us to decide that it will occur, then it is not befitting to make claims on such.
It is suitable that false prophesying is a sin due to its misleading nature. Even the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty nights.” Narrated by Muslim (2230). This is despite if what the soothsayer is saying becomes true or if they are using ‘Islamic’ evidence as reference. The signs of the day of judgement are clear, and anything that extrapolates from this is involving oneself in haram.
Written by Nour Jamal