Astrology refers to the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. In early Islamic history, astrology (ʿilm al-nujūm, lit. 'the science of the stars'), was "by far" the most popular of the "numerous practices attempting to foretell future events or discern hidden things", according to historian Emilie Savage-Smith.
Some medieval Muslims took an interest in the study of the apparent motion of the stars. This was partly because they considered the celestial bodies to be essential, and partly because the dwellers of desert-regions often traveled at night, and relied upon knowledge of the constellations for guidance in their journeys. After the arrival of Islam, Muslims needed to determine the time of the prayers, which direction the kaaba would face, and the correct orientation of the mosque, all of which helped give a religious impetus to the study of astronomy and contributed towards the belief that the heavenly bodies were influential upon terrestrial affairs as well as the human condition in life.
