Answer
Short Answer:
- We can not predict the future. Belief is a conviction that resides in the heart of a Muslim. One of the beliefs of a Muslim is that no one besides Allah can know the Unseen. Allah is the sole Knower of the Ghaib.
- Also, it is forbidden for any Muslim to try to find out the Unseen. This is one of the major sins in Islam. Going to any source in order to predict one’s future, constitutes a major sin.
- Therefore, please delete such an app from your Facebook profile/account.
- Also, avoid sharing or partaking in its use, in any way. You may also warn other Muslims against using it, using kind words of wisdom.
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Asalaamu alaykum, and thank you for sending in your question to our website.
May Allah reward you, sister, for your desire to adhere to the rules of Islam. I am glad that you have such a praiseworthy level of taqwa (consciousness of God). This is a trait that Allah really loves, and blesses His chosen slaves with.
In order to answer your question, first we should start with the basics. That is, what does Islam say about trying to find out the Unseen, called “Al-Ghaib” in Arabic.
Can Muslims Use Social Media Apps that Predict the Future?
Allah says in the Quran:
“Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (unseen) except Allah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected.” [27:65]
Sister, it is imperative that a Muslim guard their belief in the basic Islamic creed. Belief is a conviction that resides in the heart of a Muslim.
One of the beliefs of a Muslim is that no one besides Allah can know the Unseen. We can not predict the future. Allah is the sole Knower of the Ghaib, as the above Quranic verse exhorts.
Also, it is forbidden for any Muslim to try to find out the Unseen. This is one of the major sins in Islam.
The devils among jinn and mankind mislead people using the pretext of knowing the Unseen. The proof for this is in the hadith below.
It was narrated that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
“Some people asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about fortunetellers.
He said:“They are nothing.”
They said: “O Messenger of Allah, sometimes they tell us something and it is true.”
The Messenger of Allah said: “That is a word of the truth that they learn from the jinni which he whispers into the ear of his familiar, but they mix a hundred lies with it.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
The Ruling on Modern Fortune-Telling Methods
Usually, efforts to seek knowledge of the future start in innocent fun, when one is young. Youngsters do it because of curiosity about their future. This is especially true when they are among friends.
Most human beings fantasize about their future fortunes. However, this curiosity leads them towards the major sin of trying to know the Unseen.
Trying to find out one’s future eventually leads to disbelief. This is because it is man’s weakness to rely on physical, discernible means to outcomes. It is part of the test of the life of this world.
A believer should rely on and turn to Allah only, as the source of all provision, benefit, and loss. When they, instead, turn to tangible means to determine their destiny, they get misled.
Whether it is such social media apps, tarot cards, seances, zodiac signs, or horoscopes, — all are forbidden. Even if a Muslim uses them “just for fun”, intending to not believe in what they say.
The same rule applies to visiting palmists, practitioners of witchcraft & voodoo, or exorcists.
Conclusion: Drop the Use of Such Apps
I suppose you had an inkling already sister, about the Islamic ruling regarding this matter. As the hadith you quoted in your question indicates, use of such apps is forbidden in Islam.
Going to any source in order to predict one’s future, constitutes a major sin. We can not predict our future.
Therefore, please delete such an app from your Facebook profile/account. Also, avoid sharing or partaking in its use, in any way. You may also warn other Muslims against using it, using kind words of wisdom.
May Allah bless you with even higher ranks of faith, my young sister.
And Allah knows best.
I hope that this answers your question.
Salam. Please stay in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
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