Tarot cards are fascinating. The colorful imagery, the mysterious symbols, the promise of insight into life’s big questions—it’s no wonder they’ve captured the attention of so many people, including Muslims. But here’s the catch: tarot card readings are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. Yet, despite this, many Muslims find themselves drawn to them, whether it’s secretly watching YouTube tarot readings or even owning a deck themselves. Why is that? And what does Islam say about it?
Why Are Tarot Card Readings Considered Haram?
In Islam, anything that involves divination—tarot, astrology, numerology, or attempting to predict the future or gain hidden knowledge through supernatural means—is strictly prohibited. Tarot cards fall into this category because they claim to reveal insights about your life, your future, or your destiny. But as Muslims, we believe that only Allah (SWT) knows the unseen (ghayb). Relying on tarot cards for guidance can lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah), as it shifts trust away from Him and onto something created by humans.
Some argue that tarot isn’t about predicting the future but rather about self-reflection and understanding the present. While that might sound harmless, the origins of tarot are rooted in mysticism and fortune-telling. Even if you’re using tarot cards for introspection, the slippery slope of curiosity can lead to deeper involvement in practices that contradict Islamic teachings.
The danger lies in the temptation. What starts as innocent curiosity—maybe pulling a card or two to see what it says—can slowly grow into reliance on the cards for answers. Over time, this can weaken your tawakkul (trust in Allah) and open the door to other forbidden practices.
How To Move Away From Haram Practices Like Tarot
If you’ve dabbled in tarot or feel tempted to try it, don’t beat yourself up. Curiosity is natural, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your faith. Here’s how you can redirect that energy toward a more spiritually fulfilling life:
Educate Yourself: Learn more about why practices like tarot are forbidden in Islam. Understanding the reasoning behind the ruling can help you resist the temptation and stay grounded in your faith.
Turn to the Quran and Hadith: The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are the ultimate sources of guidance. Spend time reading and reflecting on them. The more you fill your heart with Islamic wisdom, the less room there is for practices that don’t align with your faith.
Strengthen Your Tawakkul (Trust in Allah): Remind yourself that Allah is the best planner. He understands what’s truly good for you, even in moments when you can’t see it yourself. Instead of seeking answers from tarot cards, turn to Him in prayer and trust that He will guide you through life’s challenges.
Seek Halal Alternatives: If you’re looking for guidance, consider istikhara (the prayer for guidance) or speak to a knowledgeable scholar. If you’re drawn to the introspective aspect of tarot, journaling or self-reflection through an Islamic lens can be a great alternative.
Repent and Make Dua: If you’ve engaged in tarot readings, sincerely repent and ask Allah for forgiveness. Make dua for steadfastness in your faith and protection from anything that might lead you astray.
The Forbidden Fruit Isn’t Always Sweet
It’s human to wonder about the future and seek answers to life’s big questions. Tarot cards might seem like an easy way to satisfy that curiosity, but they come at a cost. As Muslims, we believe that true guidance and clarity come only from Allah. While the allure of tarot is undeniable, the peace and certainty that come from trusting in Allah’s plan are far greater.
So, if you’ve ever felt tempted by tarot, remember this: the answers you’re looking for are already within your reach—through prayer, patience, and trust in Allah. The future might be unknown to us, but it’s never unknown to Him. And that’s the most comforting truth of all.
