The Danger of Preoccupation with New Year Predictions and the Paths of Modern Soothsaying

What is presented at the beginning of each Gregorian year under the name of "New Year predictions" is not merely passing entertainment; rather, it is a dangerous path that touches the core of the Islamic creed, and does not differ in essence from visiting soothsayers and diviners whom the Sharia has forbidden.

A Muslim should exercise extreme caution regarding the promoters of these delusions, whether through "Tarot" cards or through figures who have dominated the media scene such as Basant Youssef and Layla Abdel Latif, horoscope readers, and all those who follow in their footsteps among the pseudo-soothsayers. This phenomenon represents an open market for casting doubt on the beliefs of Muslims and diverting them from relying on Allah alone.

Sharia Evidence on the Invalidity of Soothsaying

The Holy Quran has settled the issue of the Unseen (Al-Ghayb), making it for Allah alone without partner, as He, the Almighty, said:

Say, 'None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except Allah, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected.'

(Surah An-Naml: 65)

The Prophetic warning also came severe and clear regarding those who knock on the doors of these charlatans, as the Prophet ﷺ said:

Whoever visits a diviner or a soothsayer and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad ﷺ.

(Hadith with a Sahih chain of narration)

The issue requires collective awareness and cooperation in warning against these paths that tempt people in their religion and delude them into believing in a creature's ability to access the knowledge of the Unseen which Allah has reserved for Himself.