Am I Sinful If I Used Astrology-Related Apps Mistakenly?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I downloaded an app in which a cartoon character told me that I (i.e., probably my character in the game) was going to have a good day, for an astrologer tells it. I did not know about this. Neither was it apparent from the app that it involved astrology. I repented.

Will my prayer still be unaccepted for 40 days because I purposely did not get into astrology? But after I came to know, I delayed uninstalling the app. Will I be sinful for delaying uninstalling for a few minutes because I wanted to use the app and ignoring the astrological element?

Answer

I pray you are well.

Don’t worry, and have a good opinion of Allah. Your response was the correct response: ceasing and repenting, and the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us, “He who repents from a sin is just like the one who has no sin.” [Ibn Majah]

To be honest, it’s unlikely that an actual astrologer was consulted. It’s probably just something in the script the app makers used. Continue to avoid it.

May Allah protect us from what is displeasing to Him.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008, he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital, and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.