Islam unequivocally prohibits the practice of magic and sorcery, as well as consulting with magicians and sorcerers. This prohibition is grounded in the belief that magic is primarily used for harmful or forbidden purposes, often involving communication or collaboration with supernatural entities known as jinn. Several factors have contributed to the proliferation of magic, including its detachment from religious principles, a weakening of faith in God, and the presence of envy and grudges. Islam emphasizes its commitment to preserving the integrity of faith through explicit Quranic verses and ”hadiths” that denounce magic, divination, and insults.
Witchcraft in Islam
Sources on Islam and witchcraft vary in their usage of the term “witchcraft.” It seems to be sometimes used in place of “witchcraft” (Pew Research Institute on Islamic Faith), sometimes excluded from use, and sometimes “witchcraft” is a “wrong association”.
It seems to be avoided in favor of “witchcraft” because it “evokes”. because it is a “late medieval Christian heresy” or, unlike witchcraft, a “spiritual act” that does not use spells, rituals, or drugs. G. Hussein Rathor includes witchcraft as a subset of the “broader” definition of witchcraft.
Witchcraft refers to toxic acts performed by people who are believed to have access to the supernatural world.” Beings, afflictions, and tools commonly involved in witchcraft include: Djinn — a supernatural creature in Islam that can be both good and evil, but is frequently mentioned in magical works throughout the Islamic world (often mentioned with demons, i.e. Shayatin, to ward off misfortune, possession, believed to be responsible for the disease). to a magician. Ruaniyah – Spiritual beings. Thal — possessed by a djinn or other spirit Muscle — Possessed, sometimes also used as “showing signs of possession”
Tilsam, Hirts – “the most common Arabic word” used for amulets Rukya-Kuruk defines it as a spell consisting of 41 “Quranic verses, formulas and short chapters”. Karamat – The ability to “perform extraordinary deeds” (a.k.a. miracles), given by the gods only to those with superior piety and asceticism.
Read More: Prayer Against Witchcraft
Why Islam Forbids Witchcraft
In Islam, witchcraft, or any form of sorcery or magic, is strictly forbidden and considered a sinful and harmful practice. Islamic teachings are clear in their stance against such activities due to various reasons:
Islamic Monotheism and Witchcraft
Witchcraft and Islam has deep differences, At the core of Islamic belief is the concept of monotheism, known as Tawheed. Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of Allah (God) and reject any form of polytheism or associating partners with Him. Witchcraft often involves seeking help from supernatural entities, such as spirits or jinn, which contradicts the monotheistic principles of Islam. Muslims are instructed to worship and trust only in Allah, making any involvement with otherworldly beings a grave sin.
Besides that, sorcerers would manipulate simple-minded, naive folks into believing their power and thus magic as well. These lead the believers towards magic, and hence lead them away from God. Such an act is considered evil or Satanic, for only Satan seeks to remove believers from their faith in God.
Prohibition of Harmful Practices
Witchcraft in Islam has always been used in dark ways, like black magic. As some see it, witchcraft is predominantly associated with harm, manipulation, and malevolence. Islamic teachings prioritize acts of kindness, compassion, and avoiding harm to fellow human beings. Engaging in witchcraft not only goes against these ethical principles but also raises concerns about the harm it can cause to individuals and communities. In Islam, causing harm or engaging in deception is strongly condemned.
Islamic law also holds that Muslims should rely on God alone to keep them safe from sorcery and malicious spirits rather than resorting to talismans, which are charms or amulets bearing witch symbols or precious stones believed to have magical powers, or other means of protection.
Another reason why sorcery and magic is sins is due to their influences and consequences. Sorcery tempts men with evil and causes a family to break apart. It manipulates the weak-minded, dominates their minds, and influences them to do bad deeds. More often than, men seek magic to instill harm in other beings. Again, leading men towards evil instead of goodness.
Lack of Trust in God
Witchcraft often reflects a lack of trust in Allah’s divine plan and power. Muslims are encouraged to have unwavering faith in God’s wisdom and rely on Him for guidance, protection, and support. Seeking supernatural assistance through witchcraft implies a lack of trust in God’s ability to provide for one’s needs and solve life’s problems.
Forbidden Knowledge and Practices
Witchcraft often entails practices that are explicitly forbidden in Islam, including divination, invoking spirits, and seeking knowledge outside the realm of Islamic teachings. Muslims are expected to seek knowledge and guidance within the framework of their faith, adhering to the Quran and Hadiths for wisdom and direction.
Witchcraft is hardly ever used for good purposes, though some would claim that, calling it white magic. But even if magic is used for good intentions, it remains a fact that it is dependent on unnatural powers and abilities, something that is not God-given (otherwise, He wouldn’t have forbid it). Not to mention that the practice of white magic is a slippery slope to descending to black magic, which generally harms all and benefits none.
Quranic and Hadith References
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, contains verses that explicitly denounce witchcraft and sorcery. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqara (2:102), it is stated, “But they could not thus harm anyone except by God’s leave.” This verse highlights that any harm caused by witchcraft is only possible with God’s permission, reaffirming the supreme authority of Allah.
Prophet Muhammad’s Hadiths also contain warnings about the prohibition of witchcraft. In one Hadith, the Prophet stated, “Avoid the seven great destructive sins,” among which he mentioned sorcery.
Uses of witchcraft in islam
Witchcraft is hardly ever used for good purposes, though some would claim that, calling it white magic. But even if magic is used for good intentions, it remains a fact that it is dependent on unnatural powers and abilities, something that is not God-given (otherwise, He wouldn’t have forbid it). Not to mention that the practice of white magic is a slippery slope to descending to black magic, which generally harms all and benefits none.
Perhaps reflecting the influence of this Islamic teaching, a large majority of Muslims in most countries say they do not possess talismans or other protective objects. The use of talismans is most widespread in Pakistan (41%) and Albania (39%), while in other countries, fewer than three-in-ten Muslims say they wear talismans or precious stones for protection. Although using objects specifically to ward off the evil eye is somewhat more common, only in Azerbaijan (74%) and Kazakhstan (54%) do more than half the Muslims surveyed say they rely on objects for this purpose.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, witchcraft is unequivocally prohibited in Islam due to its contradictory nature with Islamic monotheism, its association with harm and malevolence, the lack of trust in God, and its involvement in forbidden practices. The Quran and Hadiths serve as clear references to these prohibitions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the principles of faith, righteousness, and ethical conduct within the Islamic framework. Muslims are encouraged to seek guidance and assistance from Allah through prayer, supplication, and living a life in accordance with Islamic values rather than resorting to occult practices. The beliefs and prohibitions surrounding witchcraft in Islam underscore the faith’s commitment to the oneness of God and ethical living.
Sources: https://academic-accelerator.com/encyclopedia/islam-and-magic
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