SECTION TIP · 23 – DRAWING LINES ON THE GROUND AND LETTING BIRDS FLY
It is narrated from the father of Katān ibn-i Kabīsa that I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: “To have a bird flown [for divination], and to draw conclusions from its flight, and to practice divination with pebbles is shirk.” [510]
(Abū Dāwūd said:) The term *Tark* in this hadith means having a bird flown, and the term *al-Iyāfa* means drawing lines on sand.
Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
Iyafa: It is to frighten birds and drive them away.
Tark: It is a line drawn on the ground.
Muawiyah ibn al-Hakim al-Sulami, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:
I said, "O Messenger of Allah, there are some among us who draw lines (for divination)." The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Indeed, a prophet was among the prophets and he used to draw lines on the earth (for divination).” He then said, “Whoever’s line aligns with his line, he has spoken truthfully.” [511]
COMMENTARY:
The Prophet who drew lines on the earth through divine command for divination was Idris (peace be upon him). The lines drawn for divination were as follows: A large number of lines would be quickly drawn for a young child, then they would be eliminated two by two. If the final remaining number was even, it was considered good. If it remained odd, it was not considered good. Some people wrote extractions by drawing such lines.