Practicing the Superstitions of Magic

Authored by: Sheikh al-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab (may Allah have mercy on him)Translated by: Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadwi (may Allah protect him)

One of the habits of the people of ignorance was that they believed in books of magic instead of the Book of Allah. As Allah mentions in the Qur'an:

“And when a messenger from Allah came to them, confirming what was with them, a group of the people of the Book threw the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know it. They followed what the devils recited during the reign of Solomon. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and what was revealed to the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut. But they [the two angels] did not teach anyone unless they said, ‘We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].’ And yet they learned from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And they learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But they certainly knew that whoever purchased it would have no share in the Hereafter. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.”

— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:101-102)

A detailed discussion of this verse can be found in the books of Tafsir. This characteristic of ignorance still exists today among many people, especially among so-called righteous individuals. These individuals perform various magical acts, claiming to stop snakes, neutralize the effect of weapons, or walk through fire. These acts, which are proven to be false by the Shariah, are followed by such people who have abandoned the divine law and thrown the Book of Allah behind their backs. Instead, they follow superstitions brought by the devils, claiming these acts as their "karamat" (miracles). However, a true karamah never manifests from a disobedient person, and the sins of these performers are evident.

In reality, they have turned their religion into a game and entertainment. Regarding such people, Allah says:

“Those whose efforts in the worldly life were wasted while they thought they were doing good.”

— (Surah Al-Kahf 18:104)

These individuals, deluded by their actions, believe they are performing righteous deeds, while in fact, they are far from the truth.
 
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