Ruling on Visiting Magicians and Soothsayers

Author: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (May Allah protect him)

Question:​

What is the ruling on visiting magicians or soothsayers to seek information, determine illnesses, or find cures?

Answer:​

Visiting magicians and soothsayers is strictly impermissible. The ruling regarding visiting astrologers, charlatans, and magicians has been previously clarified.

Who Are Soothsayers and Magicians?​

1. Soothsayers (Kahins):
   These individuals claim knowledge of the unseen by providing information about theft, lost items, or thoughts in a person’s mind. They rely on the information provided by jinn or devils and submit to their will to gain their cooperation.
2. Magicians (Sahir):
   Magic is a satanic act carried out using knots, incantations, or combining various objects, sometimes reciting specific names. The effects of magic manifest as Allah’s universal decree allows. For instance, magic can cause death, illness, or create discord between a husband and wife.

Magic and Disbelief (Kufr):​

There is no doubt that a magician is a disbeliever because they engage in shirk (polytheism) by invoking and worshipping jinn and devils to seek their closeness. Allah says:

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ ۖ

"And they followed what the devils recited during the reign of Solomon. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic..."
[Surah Al-Baqarah: 102]

This verse makes it clear that magicians are disbelievers. They commit acts of shirk by worshipping devils and carrying out their commands.

Ruling on Magicians​

• Killing Magicians:
  The majority of scholars agree that magicians should be executed without giving them an opportunity for repentance. This is because magicians often conceal their true actions while outwardly pretending to be devout Muslims who recite the Qur’an and worship Allah frequently. Their deceit misleads people into trusting them, but in reality, they secretly invoke devils.
• Allowing magicians to live is impermissible because their actions are based on shirk and misguidance, causing harm to society.

Prohibition of Visiting Magicians​

Visiting magicians, regardless of the purpose—whether to seek information, inquire about treatment, or diagnose an illness—is prohibited. Such actions:

1. Endorse their practices and acknowledge their so-called "knowledge."
2. Encourage their harmful activities, which are widespread in this era, including:
   • Creating discord between spouses.
   • Causing physical or mental harm to individuals.
   • Spreading diseases or misfortune.

Desperate individuals, overcome by suffering and anxiety, often resort to magicians, believing their words to be true. When one magician confirms the claims of another, people are further convinced of the legitimacy of their falsehoods.

Treatment for Those Affected by Magic​

Treatment for someone afflicted by magic should rely on:

1. The Qur’an: Reciting verses for protection and healing.
2. Authentic Supplications: Using supplications proven in the Sunnah.
3. Prescribed Remembrances: Performing daily adhkar (remembrances).

A person who firmly trusts in the Qur’an and the prescribed supplications will, by Allah’s will, find complete healing.

Conclusion​

Righteous individuals and those with sound beliefs must place their trust in the Qur’an and Sunnah as a means of healing and protection. This reliance should sever their dependence on all creation, ensuring their complete faith in Allah alone.

Allah knows best!