Divining Arrows
الأزلام
Azlam: divining arrows consulted before undertakings — forbidden in the Qurʾan among Satan’s works.
At a glance
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Overview
Azlam: featherless arrows by which the Jahili consulted the unknown before resolving on a matter; among the idolatrous practices the Qur'an forbade.
The story
When they intended something they would cast the three arrows — "Do", "Do not" and "Deferred" — and take whatever came out; these arrows were kept at Hubal inside the Ka'ba 1.
The Qur'an then counted them among the ansab and defilement: "Wine, gambling, the ansab and the azlam are filth of Satan's work" 1.
For young visitors
They used to draw lots on arrows inscribed "Do" and "Do not" to decide their affairs; Islam forbade that.
People and things also explored
al-Anwāʾ (Star Rains)al-Hāma (Vengeful Owl)al-HumsJāhilī Marriage FormsSoothsaying & AuguryMaysar (Gambling)al-Nasīʾ (Intercalation)Consecrated Livestock
Sources
- al-Raheeq al-Makhtum — Safi al-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
Cite this page
islam.museum contributors. “Divining Arrows”. islam.museum, https://islam.museum/en/concept/azlam/. CC BY-SA 4.0. Accessed 2026-10-12.