Could I please get the Islamic ruling on ilm e hisaab i.e., the ability to understand a person’s character/personality just by knowing their name? Whether this is permitted or not and why.

Jazakhallah 

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

Ilme Hisab is like astrology where someone studies the influence of the stars to determine the character or personality of a person. Astrology is something, which is unlawful in Islam.

Qataadah said: “Allah created these stars for three purposes: to adorn the heavens, to stone the devils and as signs by which to navigate. Whoever seeks anything else in them is mistaken and does not benefit from them, and he is wasting his time and effort in seeking something of which he has no knowledge.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Not only is the practice of astrology unlawful in Islam but also visiting an astrologist and listening to his predictions, buying books on astrology or reading one’s horoscope is also forbidden.

Saaidah Hafsah Radiallahu Anha narrates that the Prophet of Allah Salllallau Alahi Wasalam said, “The Salah of whoever approaches a fortune-teller and asks him about anything will not be accepted for forty days and nights.” (Sahih Muslim)

Saaiduna Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Salllallau Alahi Wasalam said,   “Whoever approaches a fortune-teller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad Salllallau Alahi Wasalam ” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham