What are the 'divining arrows' (al-Azlam) mentioned in the Quran?

According to classical commentators like Ibn Kathir, 'divining arrows' (al-Azlam) were a pre-Islamic Arab practice of using unmarked arrows to make decisions, such as whether to travel or marry. This was considered seeking knowledge of the unseen from a source other than Allah and is strictly forbidden.

Why is using divining arrows forbidden (haram) in Islam?

Using divining arrows is forbidden because it is a form of polytheism (Shirk), as it involves seeking guidance and knowledge of the future from chance rather than from Allah. The Quran (5:90) calls it an 'abomination of Satan's handiwork,' linking it to gambling and idolatry.

What is the Islamic alternative to divination for making decisions?

The authentic Islamic alternative to any form of divination is Salat al-Istikhara, the 'Prayer of Seeking Counsel.' Taught by the Prophet Muhammad, it involves performing a two-rak'ah prayer and then making a specific supplication (du'a) asking Allah to guide one to the best decision.

Arrow (Divination) in Islam: Understanding the Prohibition of Al-Azlam

Arrow

سهم

Arrow (سهم) is mentioned in the Quran in the context of divining arrows, which are prohibited according to Islamic law.

Explore Verses Related to Arrow

🕌Al-Ma'idah5:3 🕌Al-Ma'idah5:90

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the term 'Arrow' (سهم - Sahm) in the Quran refers specifically to the practice of 'divination by arrows' (الاستقسام بالأزلام - al-istiqsam bil-azlam). This pre-Islamic Arab custom involved using unmarked arrows to seek guidance on decisions like travel, marriage, or disputes. Tafsir scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this was done at the Kaaba before the idol Hubal. The Quran unequivocally prohibits this practice in two key verses, 5:3 and 5:90. Verse 5:3 condemns it as a 'grave disobedience' (fisq), while 5:90 categorizes it as a 'defilement from the work of Satan' (rijsun min 'amali ash-shaytan) alongside intoxicants and gambling. The scholarly consensus is that this prohibition is absolute because the practice constitutes a form of polytheism (Shirk), as it involves attributing knowledge of the unseen to a random process rather than relying solely on Allah. The authentic Islamic alternative for seeking guidance is the prayer of Istikhara.

📖 Quranic Context

A significant prohibition that defines the boundary between reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and pre-Islamic polytheistic practices (Shirk).

The prohibition establishes that knowledge of the unseen and guidance in decision-making belong exclusively to Allah, and seeking it elsewhere is a violation of Tawheed (monotheism).

References: 5:3, 5:90

💭 Theological Perspective

Addresses the human desire for certainty and guidance, redirecting it from chance and superstition to divine consultation through prayer (Istikhara).

The prohibition encourages a mindset of trust, patience, and reliance on Allah, rather than anxiety and dependence on random outcomes.

It is a clear legal ruling (hukm) that protects the believer's creed from practices that undermine faith.

Avoiding such practices is a fundamental step in purifying one's faith and developing true God-consciousness (Taqwa).

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) actively dismantled the practices associated with the Kaaba's idols, including the use of divining arrows kept by the idol Hubal.

The prohibition of all forms of fortune-telling and seeking knowledge of the unseen from other than Allah.
The establishment of Salat al-Istikhara as the Prophetic method for seeking guidance in decision-making.

There is a universal and undisputed consensus among all schools of Islamic law on the absolute prohibition of using divining arrows or any similar method of chance to make decisions.

💎 Deeper Insights

The prohibition of divining arrows is not merely against a superstitious act, but a direct purification of the Hajj and the Kaaba itself. Search-grounded Tafsir from Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir reveals these arrows were physically located inside the Kaaba, near the idol Hubal, making their prohibition a central part of restoring the House to pure monotheism.

— Al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir

The Quranic term for the act, 'Istisqam' (seeking a share/division), linguistically links divination directly to gambling ('Maysir'). This is a subtle linguistic gem missed by surface-level reading. Both acts involve seeking an unearned share—one of knowledge (divination), the other of wealth (gambling)—through chance, revealing a unified divine condemnation of reliance on luck over divine decree and legitimate effort.

— Linguistic analysis from classical commentaries

Explore Verses Related to Arrow

At a Glance

📖 Quranic Context

💭 Theological Perspective

📜 Hadith Perspective

💎 Deeper Insights

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