In Raghib's book al-Mufradat, which is devoted to analysing words appearing in the Qur’an, three meanings have been mentioned for it:
1. Deception and imaginations, which are devoid of reality - like sleight of hand.
2. Attracting the Satans by special means and seeking assistance from them.[1]
3. And there is another meaning that some have been given to imagine and that is: It is possible to transform the essence and form of people or entities by certain means; for example, transforming man by means of it, into an animal. However, this kind is nothing more than mere fancy, and without an iota of reality.
From some of the verses of the Qur’an it can be inferred that certain kinds of magic do yield an influence, such as this verse, which says:
“Even then men learned from these two, magic by which they might cause a separation between a man and his wife.”[2]
Magic, In the Eyes of Islam
In this regard, all the Islamic jurists have declared the learning and practicing of magic to be prohibited.
Furthermore, we present a tradition which have been reported in authentic books.
Imam 'Ali (a.s.) says:
“One who learns magic, less or more, has become an infidel and his association with Allah (s.w.t.) is completely severed.[3]
However, as we have mentioned, if it is for the purpose of nullifying the sorcery of the sorcerers, then there is no harm in it. Rather, at times, on the basis of general obligation (wajib kifa’i) some individuals must necessarily learn it so that they can nullify the sorcery of a false claimant, should he desire to mislead the people by means of sorcery, and thus lay bare his lies and false claims.
So it is permissible to learn and practice magic if it is for the purpose of nullifying the (evil) effects of magic.[4]
However, as we have mentioned, if it is for the purpose of nullifying the sorcery of the sorcerers, then there is no harm in it. Rather, at times, on the basis of general obligation (wajib kifa’i) some individuals must necessarily learn it so that they can nullify the sorcery of a false claimant, should he desire to mislead the people by means of sorcery, and thus lay bare his lies and false claims.
So it is permissible to learn and practice magic if it is for the purpose of nullifying the (evil) effects of magic.[4]
1. al-Mufradat of Raghib (سحر)
2. فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُماَ ماَ يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَ زَوْجِهِ
Suratul Baqarah (2), Verse 102
3. مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ شَيئاً مِنَ السِّحْرِ قَليلاً أَو کَثِيراً فَقَدْ کَفَرَ وَ کاَنَ آخِرُ عَهْدِهِ بِرَبِّهِ.
Wasa’il ash-Shi'a, Chapter 25 from the chapters of Ma Yuktasabu bihi, no. 7
4. Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 1, pg. 377
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