Pre-Islamic Age of Ignorance:  During the Jahiliyya period, one of the beliefs that had an indisputable place and practice among the Arabs was the belief in drawing lots with divination arrows called “Ezlâm” to determine whether things would be good or bad, beneficial or harmful.  When they wanted to undertake important matters such as going on a journey, engaging in trade, or marrying a woman, they would draw fortune arrows to understand whether the outcome would be favorable or not, or in cases of lineage disputes, blood feuds, determining the age of a minor[594] , and other similar important matters. These arrows were kept in a bag held by the guardian of Hubal, the greatest idol of the Quraysh. Those who wished to draw a fortune arrow would come before the idol of Hubal, give the guardian one hundred dirhams, and the guardian would draw an arrow for them from the bag. There were seven arrows in the bag. The following lines were written on these arrows: “My Lord commanded me,” “He forbade me,” “It is yours,” “It is not yours,” “It is attached to you,” “Akl,” and “Gufî.” Each of these arrows conveyed the following meanings: If it said “My Lord commanded me,” the task was carried out. If it said, “He forbade me,” it was postponed for a year. If it said, “It is from you,” the child’s lineage was clear. If it said, “It is not from you,” the child’s lineage did not belong to him. If it said, “It is attached to you,” the child’s lineage was unknown. If it said, “Akl,” it was determined to be a wise person. If it said, “Gufl,” the arrow was empty. To determine the akil who will pay the blood money, the drawing of arrows is repeated until an arrow marked “Akl” is drawn. The result obtained by drawing these arrows is binding. ([595])

ISLAM: Seeking your fortune with divination arrows is forbidden to you. These are fısk (deviating from the path). 

Nowadays: When we consider the purpose of this pre-Islamic custom, we see that it is practiced today in various forms almost everywhere in the world. These actions are performed in order to obtain knowledge of the unseen or to believe that matters are resolved within the sphere of faith. Some people look at or have their fortunes told. When criticized, these people respond by saying, “We look at it for fun, we don’t believe in fortune-telling, but we don’t stay away from it either.” As Muslims, we are not obliged to act according to our own understanding. Even if it is truly for entertainment purposes or even if one does not believe what is said, engaging in this action means acting on something that is forbidden, which means taking Allah’s (swt) commands lightly. This situation is not limited to fortune telling. Psychics, fortune tellers, or so-called “cinci” are all included in this scope. Society is full of people who believe that “money will come from an unexpected place” or that “they will find relief within three days.” We hear that not only ignorant people, but also rich, educated, knowledgeable, or influential people in the country’s administration are interested in these things. Their purpose for going to these places is the same as in the days of ignorance: to obtain information about whether a journey, trade, or choice of spouse will be beneficial. It is difficult to find a rational aspect in the effort to obtain information about the future from the formation or remains of solid or liquid substances. According to Islam, knowledge of the unseen realm, which is invisible or incomprehensible, that is, the realm that cannot be perceived by reason and the five senses, belongs solely to Allah. The Holy Quran states this situation as follows.

ALLAH (c.c.) says:

Knowledge of the unseen belongs only to Allah. ([597]) Say, “None in the heavens or on earth knows the unseen except Allah.” [598]  The keys to the unseen are with Allah. He alone knows them. [599]

[594]  Diyat: Paying the required diyat for a murder

[595]  Ali Çelik, Islam in the Golden Age in All Its Aspects, Volume 4, p. 74

[596]  Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 3

[597]  Surah Yunus, Verse 20

[598]  Surah An-Naml, Verse 65

[599]  Surah Enam, Verse 59