Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
Islam prohibits giving names for ancestral rituals before marriage because these acts contradict belief in Allah’s exclusive knowledge of the unseen. Associating such practices with faith can lead to Shirk, one of the gravest sins. Instead, Muslims should seek guidance through Salat al-Istikharah, a prayer that aligns decisions with Allah’s wisdom.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
The Prohibition of Un-Islamic Rituals
As Muslims, it is essential to steer clear of practices and individuals whose beliefs contradict the core principles of Islam. Engaging in activities such as attempting to communicate with the dead, consulting spirits, or claiming to possess knowledge of the unseen directly opposes Islamic teachings. These acts not only defy reason but also go against the fundamental belief that only Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, knows the unseen.
The Quran explicitly states:
{With Him are the keys of the unseen—no one knows them except Him. He knows what is in the land and the sea; not a leaf falls without His knowledge, nor a grain in the darkness of the earth or anything—green or dry—but is ˹written˺ in a perfect Record.} (Al-An`am 6:59)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was further instructed to say:
{Say, ‘I have no power to benefit or protect myself, except by the Will of Allah. If I had known the unseen, I would have enriched myself with good, and no harm would have touched me. I am only a warner and a bearer of good news to those who believe.’} (Al-A`raf 7:188)
Why Consulting Spirits and Soothsayers Is Forbidden
Islam strictly prohibits seeking knowledge of the unseen through forbidden means, as it violates the fundamental belief in Allah’s exclusive authority. Turning to spirits, fortune-tellers, or soothsayers for answers constitutes Shirk (associating partners with Allah), one of the gravest sins in Islam. The Quran emphasizes this point clearly:
{Say, ‘None in the heavens or the earth knows the unseen except Allah.’} (An-Naml 27:65)
“He alone knows the unseen, and He does not reveal His secrets to anyone, except to a messenger whom He has chosen.” (Al-Jinn 72:26-27)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sternly warned against relying on soothsayers or anyone claiming to possess knowledge of the unseen. Such people often deceive others by exploiting superstitions or manipulating jinn, ultimately leading believers astray from the true path of Islam.
Engaging in these practices offers no spiritual benefit and only serves to misguide. Instead, Muslims should focus on strengthening their bond with Allah through prayer, supplication, and studying the Quran. Proper guidance comes from Islamic teachings and trusting Allah’s infinite wisdom.
The Islamic Way to Seek Guidance Before Marriage
For significant decisions, such as marriage, Islam provides a clear and pure approach: performing Salat Al-Istikharah (the prayer for guidance) and relying on Allah’s decree. This method ensures our choices align with Allah’s wisdom, bringing peace and clarity.
- Is Istikharah a Viable Solution for Family Issues?
- Can You Offer Istikharah to Stay in Marriage?
- Istikharah Signs of Response: What to Expect Next
- What Is Istikharah Dua?
Almighty Allah knows best.