Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
According to scholars, in the Arabic language siḥr (magic) refers to:
On this basis, the term siḥr can also apply to astrology and soothsaying.
Even eloquent speech can be described as siḥr due to its persuasive effect, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Indeed, some forms of speech have a magical effect."
[Bukhārī: 5146]
Thus, anything that influences in a hidden manner can be called magic.
In Islamic jurisprudence, magic refers to:
Learning magic is ḥarām and constitutes kufr if it involves:
Evidence: Allah says:
[al-Baqarah: 102] — (translation paraphrased)
“They followed what the devils recited during the reign of Sulaymān. Sulaymān did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved—teaching people magic… They learned from them what could cause separation between a man and his wife, but they could not harm anyone except by Allah’s permission. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them, and they surely knew that whoever purchased it would have no share in the Hereafter…”
Linguistic Definition of Magic
According to scholars, in the Arabic language siḥr (magic) refers to:
- Something whose cause is subtle and hidden
- An effect that is concealed from normal perception
- Something about which ordinary people have no direct knowledge
On this basis, the term siḥr can also apply to astrology and soothsaying.
Even eloquent speech can be described as siḥr due to its persuasive effect, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Indeed, some forms of speech have a magical effect."
[Bukhārī: 5146]
Thus, anything that influences in a hidden manner can be called magic.
Technical Definition of Magic
In Islamic jurisprudence, magic refers to:
- Charms, incantations, spells, and occult practices
- Actions that affect the heart, mind, or body
- Can remove intellect, cause love or hatred
- Can cause separation between husband and wife
- Can cause physical illness
- Can impair thinking and understanding
Ruling on Learning Magic
Learning magic is ḥarām and constitutes kufr if it involves:
- Cooperation or connection with devils (shayāṭīn)
Evidence: Allah says:
[al-Baqarah: 102] — (translation paraphrased)
“They followed what the devils recited during the reign of Sulaymān. Sulaymān did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved—teaching people magic… They learned from them what could cause separation between a man and his wife, but they could not harm anyone except by Allah’s permission. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them, and they surely knew that whoever purchased it would have no share in the Hereafter…”
Punishment for Learning and Practising Magic
- Magic involving devils = kufr and ḥarām
- Practising it is also kufr, as it entails oppression and hostility
- The Sharīʿah ruling:
- The magician should be executed
- If the magic involves kufr, he is executed as an apostate (murtad)
- If it does not reach kufr, he is executed as a ḥadd punishment to protect Muslims from his harm
