255. What is the ruling on learning magic?
Answer:
Learning magic is haram.
The majority of scholars hold that magic is a major sin that leads to destruction, and that learning and teaching it is haram, because the Noble Qur’an has condemned it in several places and clearly stated that it is kufr. Therefore, teaching it is haram. Likewise, the saying of the Prophet ﷺ supports this:
اجتنبوا السبع الموبقات قالوا: يارسول الل؟ وما هن؟ قال: الشرك بالله، والسحر، وقتل النفس التى حرم الله إلا بالحق، وأكل الربا، وأكل مال اليتيم، والتولي يوم الزحف، وقذف المحصنات المؤمنات الغافلات
“Avoid the seven destructive sins!” The Companions said: “What are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He ﷺ said: “Associating partners with Allah, magic, killing a soul that Allah has forbidden except with right, consuming riba, consuming the wealth of an orphan, fleeing on the day of battle, and accusing chaste, believing, unaware women of adultery.”
