What is the legitimate ruling regarding the science of the secrets of letters (ʻilm asrār al-ḥurūf), which predicts a person's character by knowing their name and their mother's name, especially since it does not rely on astrology and does not cause harm?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
Learning alchemy (al-Sīmiyāʾ) or the science of the secrets of letters (ʿilm asrār al-ḥurūf) is forbidden, because it is a type of superstition and sorcery. It was not known in the early period of the Muslim nation, nor in the blessed generations, nor was it known among the people of truth and guidance. Rather, it emerged among the extremist Sufis and their claims of unveiling the veil of the senses and the appearance of miracles and supernatural feats.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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