Is tarot haram? This question echoes across Islamic forums, social media discussions, and the curious minds of Muslims worldwide—especially as interest in spirituality, esotericism, and personal development grows in popular culture. Tarot cards, often associated with divination and mysticism, raise serious questions when viewed through the lens of Islamic theology, law (Sharia), and the principles of tawhid (monotheism).
This article offers a comprehensive Islamic analysis of tarot, integrating references from the Qur’an, Hadith, scholarly interpretations, and contemporary understandings. Whether you’re a practicing Muslim, a curious observer, or someone seeking clarity on this controversial topic, this guide aims to answer your question with depth, nuance, and respect.
n Islam, any form of divination or fortune-telling is broadly prohibited. The Qur’an and Hadith both emphasize a firm boundary between the unseen (ghayb) and human knowledge.
Qur’anic References:
“Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen except Allah…”
(Surah An-Naml 27:65)
“He [Allah] is the Knower of the unseen, and He reveals His unseen to none.”
(Surah Al-Jinn 72:26)
Hadith on Fortune-Telling:
“Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and believes in what he says has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, 3904)
“Whoever visits a soothsayer and asks him about anything, his prayers will not be accepted for forty nights.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2230)
These teachings underline a critical concept: Claiming access to the unseen realm or predicting the future is a domain strictly reserved for Allah (SWT). Any human attempt to penetrate the ghayb through esoteric tools like tarot, astrology, or rune casting falls under the category of shirk (associating partners with Allah)—a major sin.
Why Is Tarot Considered Haram?
1. It Claims Access to the Ghayb (Unseen)
Even when presented as “just for fun,” tarot inherently implies access to hidden knowledge—whether about the future, someone’s true intentions, or spiritual insight. Islam firmly guards the veil of the unseen as Allah’s exclusive domain.
2. It Resembles Soothsaying and Fortune-Telling
Islam does not permit seeking spiritual counsel from tools or people who claim to read the future or unknown. Tarot readers—whether claiming psychic powers or simply interpreting archetypes—fall into this prohibited category when they make definitive or predictive statements.
3. It Opens the Door to Shirk
Even if the intention is psychological or therapeutic, placing spiritual trust in a deck of cards can subtly shift a Muslim’s reliance from Allah to an object or process. This compromises the Islamic principle of tawakkul (trust in God).
4. It Can Lead to Spiritual Dependency
Many people begin tarot reading for entertainment but later develop a spiritual dependency, consulting cards before decisions, during emotional crises, or for life guidance. Islam teaches that such guidance must come through du’a, istikhara, and consultation with wise, righteous believers, not card spreads.
Are All Forms of Tarot Use Haram?
There is some debate among Muslims who distinguish between tarot as a tool for psychological reflection versus tarot as divination. Let’s explore the distinction.
A. Tarot for Therapy or Self-Reflection (Without Predictive Claims)
Some modern practitioners argue that tarot can be used like a mirror for personal insight—similar to journaling, dream analysis, or storytelling.
- No invocation of spirits
- No attempt to predict the future
- No belief that the cards “know” something
Islamic verdict: While this use may not amount to kufr (disbelief), it’s still discouraged. Why? Because it resembles haram practices, involves symbolic systems from esoteric traditions, and can subtly lead to spiritual confusion or normalization of occult methods.
B. Tarot for Divination or Spirit Communication
This is clearly haram, with no scholarly debate. Using tarot for contacting spirits, predicting the future, or performing rituals is considered:
- A major sin
- Shirk (if attributing divine powers to the cards)
- An imitation of sorcery and pagan practice
Intentions Don’t Make It Halal
Some argue, “But I don’t believe in the cards. I just use them for fun or guidance.”
In Islam, niyyah (intention) is important—but it does not turn haram into halal if the act itself is explicitly forbidden.
Just as alcohol doesn’t become permissible because someone drinks it for “relaxation,” tarot doesn’t become halal just because someone calls it “introspective.”
Alternatives for Muslims Seeking Guidance
It’s completely normal to seek answers, clarity, or emotional support. Islam offers several halal spiritual practices to meet these needs:
1. Istikhara Prayer
A special prayer for seeking divine guidance when making decisions.
2. Du’a and Qur’anic Reflection
Daily connection with Allah through personal supplication and meditating on His words.
3. Tafsir and Hadith Studies
Many people turn to tarot for philosophical insight, but the Qur’an and Hadith offer deep metaphysical wisdom—without spiritual risk.
4. Journaling and Therapy
If you’re using tarot for self-discovery or emotional healing, consider Islamic therapy or journaling alongside introspective Qur’anic reflection.
Is Tarot Reading Haram for Non-Muslims?
Islamic rulings primarily apply to Muslims. However, from an Islamic worldview, all divination practices are considered false or harmful, even for non-Muslims. Islam holds that truth and divine knowledge come only through the prophets and sacred revelation, not through occult systems.
Can You Watch Tarot Content Without Practicing It?
Simply watching tarot videos or following tarot accounts on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube—with curiosity or passive interest—can still have spiritual consequences.
While watching out of curiosity is not the same as belief or practice, scholars warn against it because:
- It normalizes prohibited practices
- It can plant seeds of doubt or spiritual confusion
- Shaytaan works through subtle exposure and fascination
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Abu Dawood, 4031)
Conclusion: Is Tarot Haram?
Yes, tarot is haram in Islam—whether practiced for divination, guidance, or spiritual insight. The act of seeking hidden knowledge through symbolic systems, regardless of your intention, goes against the core Islamic principles of tawheed, trust in Allah, and obedience to divine law.
Even if practiced in a psychological or entertainment context, tarot resembles haram practices and opens spiritual doors best left closed. Muslims seeking clarity or guidance are encouraged to turn toward du’a, Qur’an, and prophetic wisdom—tools that are divinely sanctioned and spiritually safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is drawing tarot cards without believing in them still haram?
A: Yes. Even if you don’t believe in them, using them mimics forbidden actions and can lead to spiritual deviation.
Q: Is it haram to own a tarot deck as an art object?
A: Scholars discourage owning objects associated with occult or shirk practices, even if only for decoration.
Q: What about Islamic tarot decks?
A: These are deeply problematic. Islam prohibits syncretizing Islamic themes with haram practices. Rebranding tarot with Islamic symbols does not make it permissible.