Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)
The majority of Islamic scholars agree that magic is a major sin (kabira) and a cause of destruction. Learning or teaching magic is prohibited, as the Qur’an condemns it in several places and considers it an act of disbelief (kufr). Thus, its teaching or practice is forbidden in Islam.
"But the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic..."
[Surah Al-Baqarah: 102]
This verse explicitly shows that practicing or learning magic is linked to disbelief and is something that leads a person away from Allah’s path.
"Avoid the seven destructive sins."
The Companions asked: "What are they, O Messenger of Allah?"
He replied:
"Associating partners with Allah (shirk), practicing magic (sihr), killing a soul that Allah has forbidden except by right, consuming usury (riba), consuming the property of orphans, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste, believing, and unaware women."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of Wills, 5/294; Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Hadith 89; Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith 2874; Sunan An-Nasa’i, 6/257]
Ruling on Learning Magic:
Learning magic (sihr) is haram (prohibited) in Islam.The majority of Islamic scholars agree that magic is a major sin (kabira) and a cause of destruction. Learning or teaching magic is prohibited, as the Qur’an condemns it in several places and considers it an act of disbelief (kufr). Thus, its teaching or practice is forbidden in Islam.
Qur'anic Evidence:
Allah ﷻ mentions in the Qur’an:"But the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic..."
[Surah Al-Baqarah: 102]
This verse explicitly shows that practicing or learning magic is linked to disbelief and is something that leads a person away from Allah’s path.
Prophetic Guidance:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also warned against magic in the following Hadith:"Avoid the seven destructive sins."
The Companions asked: "What are they, O Messenger of Allah?"
He replied:
"Associating partners with Allah (shirk), practicing magic (sihr), killing a soul that Allah has forbidden except by right, consuming usury (riba), consuming the property of orphans, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste, believing, and unaware women."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of Wills, 5/294; Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Hadith 89; Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith 2874; Sunan An-Nasa’i, 6/257]
Why Is Magic Prohibited?
- It involves shirk (associating partners with Allah): Magic often requires invoking jinn or other supernatural beings, leading to dependence on forces other than Allah.
- It causes harm: Magic is used to harm individuals or create discord, which goes against the Islamic principle of avoiding harm to others.
- It leads to disbelief: As the Qur’an states, learning and practicing magic leads to spiritual destruction and kufr.
- It is deceptive and corrupt: Magic relies on trickery and deception, promoting lies and sinful behavior.
Conclusion:
- Learning, teaching, or practicing magic is categorically haram in Islam and classified as a major sin.
- Those who engage in it are in grave danger of losing their faith and facing severe punishment in the Hereafter.
- Muslims are urged to stay away from magic and seek protection through the Qur’an, Sunnah, and duas for spiritual strength.