Is Magic Haram Or Halal In Islam? Complete Detail

Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam

Is Magic Haram? Magic is a controversial topic in the Islamic faith, with many Muslims debating over, Is magic haram in Islam. While some believe that certain types of magic are allowed, many others point to scriptural evidence indicating that all forms of magic are absolutely forbidden.

This article will look at the various opinions and religious sources on magic to try and clarify whether it is haram or not. 

Is Magic Haram Or Halal?

As per most Islamic teachings and hadith provided through the holy book Quran, Magic or any action which requires an invocation of supernatural forces and entities is considered haram and must stay forbidden among individuals. 

These entities can be either good or evil. This includes astrology, divination, sorcery, exorcism, and rituals involving charms and talismans.

Moreover, even activities related to astrology such as reading tea leaves or seeking out future predictions from fortune tellers would fall under this category of prohibited activities. 

Now let’s examine what Islamic scriptures have to say about the matter. Numerous verses in the Quran state that non-Muslims who employ magical spells are among those who have gone astray from the true path of God (7:116).

Furthermore, it makes it clear that anyone who uses such practices for occult purposes will be punished on Judgment Day (2:102). 

Additionally, there are several hadiths (sayings) from Prophet Muhammad where he explicitly warned his followers against engaging in any kind of magical activity. One famous saying states,

“Whoever learns any knowledge of sorcery should use it only in his own home. if he does so outside his home then he will bring destruction upon himself” (Tirmidhi 5106). 

Based on these passages from Islamic scripture, most scholars agree that all forms of magic are haram (forbidden) in Islam. It’s important to note though that there are various opinions regarding how much leeway one has when interpreting these teachings.

Some scholars may allow certain types of healing rituals while others may prohibit even those types of practices due to their ambiguous nature. 

In general, though it is safe to say that any type of activity which relies upon invoking supernatural powers or entities for any purpose other than seeking guidance from God is strictly prohibited by Islamic law. 

Why Is Magic Considered Haram?

The reason magic is considered haram in Islam is that it is seen as a form of Shirk (polytheism). This is because magic requires the invocation of supernatural forces, sometimes even calling upon non-divine entities.

This goes against one of the core principles of the Islamic faith which states that there is only one God and He is the only one worthy of worship.

Many scholars oppose the learning of witchcraft vehemently, as al-Allamah ash-Shinqeeti (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

One of the clearest indications of that is the fact that Allah, may He be exalted, clearly stated that it is harmful and is of no benefit, as He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“And they learn that which harms them and benefits them not”

[al-Baqarah 2:102].

As Allah has affirmed that witchcraft is harmful and has stated that there is no benefit in it, how can it be permissible to learn that which is pure harm and in which there is no benefit?
End quote from Adwa’ al-Bayaan (4/55)

Additionally, magic is seen as a form of trickery and deceit which is strictly prohibited in Islam. By using magic, individuals are trying to manipulate their environment or other people with supernatural power. This is seen as unethical and an act that goes against Islamic principles. 

Finally, magic can be seen as a form of superstition which is also frowned upon in Islam. This is because magic relies on belief in supernatural forces to achieve its desired effect. 

This goes against the teachings of the Islamic faith which emphasize that humans are accountable for their actions and that only God has power over our lives and destinies.

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What Type Of Magic Is Haram In Islam?

In general, all types of magic are considered haram in Islam. This includes activities such as

• Fortune Telling
• Magician’s Trickery
• Astrology
• Tarot Card Readings
• Spells Casting, And Other Forms Of Divination.

These types of activities are seen as a form of superstition and rely on invoking supernatural forces for their power rather than relying on the teachings of God.

Additionally, magic that is used to control or influence other people by harming them in any way is also considered haram.

This includes activities such as black magic and hexes which are seen as unethical and often involve the invoking of non-divine entities.

Many believe that magic of any sort leads people to take shelter under jinn and shayaateen (devils), which only causes more sins. Allah, may He be glorified, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the masculine among the jinns, but they (jinns) increased them (mankind) in sin and disbelief”

[al-Jinn 72:6].

The only type of magic that may be seen as permissible in Islam is magic used to heal or protect oneself. This could include activities such as using charms for protection against evil and using herbs for healing purposes. However, even these are controversial among Islamic scholars.

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What Are The Hadiths Explaining Magic, A Sin?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spoke strongly against magic and stated that magic is a sin and an act of disbelief. In various hadiths, he said:

“Whoever learns magic has committed Shirk.”

“Avoid the seven great destructive sins.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What are they? ‘He said, “Associating anything with Allah (Shirk)… magic.

These hadiths make it clear that magic is considered a major sin in Islam and should be avoided.

As Al-‘Allaamah as-Sa‘di (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

The jinn increased humans in terror and fear because they saw them seeking protection with them. So when a human halted in a scary valley, he would say: I seek refuge with the master of this valley from the foolish ones among his people. End quote from Tayseer al-Kareem ar-Rahmaan fi Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan (p. 890).

Muslims should only seek aid and guidance only from Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. They should not resort to magic or believe in its power as it is an act of Shirk (associating partners with Allah).  

Another popular quote taken regarding the subject is, When Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan), then, verily he commands Al-Fahsha (i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.)), and Al-Munkar (disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islam, etc.)). 

And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins. But Allah purifies (guides to Islam) whom He wills, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower”

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Is Magic Haram? In conclusion, to is magic haram in Islam, we can say that yes! unfortunately, it is.

Both Quranic verses as well as hadiths from prophet Muhammed himself support that belief. Muslims must therefore maintain strict vigilance when engaging with certain spiritual practices and avoid anything which could potentially be a form of magical ritual or spellcasting; doing so would ensure our adherence to the sacred principles outlined within Islam.