Sorcery in Islam: A Comprehensive Study of Its Prohibition and Dangers

Introduction

Sorcery (As-Sihr) is one of the most severe sins in Islam, to the extent that some scholars consider it an act of disbelief (kufr) when it involves invoking jinn or demonic entities. In a world where occult practices are spreading in various forms, it is essential for every Muslim to understand Islam’s clear stance on this issue and how to guard against it.

This article provides a detailed study of sorcery from an Islamic perspective, relying on:

• Quranic and Prophetic evidence.
• The statements of renowned scholars.
• Its spiritual and social consequences.
• Practical solutions for protection.

Finally, we will explore how learning Arabic and Islamic sciences, as offered by Al-Dirassa Institute, serves as a shield against these harmful practices.

1. Sorcery in Islamic Texts: An Unequivocal Condemnation

A. The Quran’s Position

Allah ﷻ explicitly mentions sorcery in several verses, the most striking being:

"And they followed what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic…" *(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:102)*

This verse reveals two critical realities:

1. Sorcery is a demonic science, taught by disbelieving jinn.
2. It constitutes deception (shirk) by diverting worship from Allah to evil forces.

Another Quranic passage emphasizes its illusory nature:

"And the magician will never succeed, no matter what he does." (Surah Taha, 20:69)

B. The Prophet’s ﷺ Warnings

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ strictly forbade all forms of sorcery, classifying it among the major sins:

"Avoid the seven destructive sins." The Companions asked, "What are they, O Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "Associating partners with Allah (shirk), sorcery (sihr), unjust killing…" *(Sahih Al-Bukhari, 6857)*

In another hadith, he ﷺ clarified:

"Whoever consults a fortune-teller or sorcerer has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad." (Sahih Ibn Hibban)

These texts show that sorcery is not just a sin but a direct threat to faith (‘aqida).

2. The Devastating Effects of Sorcery

A. Spiritual Consequences

1. Weakening of Faith: Ibn Al-Qayyim explains in "Ighathat Al-Lahfan" that sorcery darkens the heart and distances one from divine guidance.
2. Nullification of Good Deeds: Some scholars argue that a practitioner of magic may have their deeds rejected, as indicated by the verse:

   "And We will turn away their hearts and their eyes, as they refused to believe the first time." *(Surah Al-An’am, 6:110)*

B. Psychological and Social Impact

• • Mental Instability: Victims of sorcery often suffer from unexplained disorders (depression, hallucinations).
  • Family Destruction: Magic is frequently used to create marital conflicts (tafriq bayna az-zawjayn), as described in *Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102)*.
  • Financial Exploitation: Charlatans exploit people’s gullibility to extort money.

3. How to Protect Yourself and Heal from Sorcery?

A. Preventive Measures

1. Ruqya Shar’iyyah (Islamic Exorcism)
   • Recite Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nass daily.
   • Read Ayat Al-Kursi before sleeping.
   • Use Prophetic supplications, such as:

     "In the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing can harm on earth or in heaven, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing." (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)

2. Avoiding Occultists
   • Never consult a sorcerer, even out of curiosity.
   • Burn any suspicious objects (amulets, strange writings).

B. Solutions for Victims

• Perform Ruqya on yourself (using Surah Al-Fatiha and Al-Ikhlas).
• Seek help from a qualified imam or raqi (not a "marabout").
• Strengthen faith through religious study (understanding Tawhid, studying the Quran).

4. The Importance of Islamic Education in Combating Sorcery

Ignorance is the primary breeding ground for sorcery. This is why Al-Dirassa Institute offers: ✅ Quranic Arabic courses to understand sacred texts directly. ✅ Quran memorization (Hifz) to fortify the heart. ✅ Islamic sciences programs (‘Aqida, Fiqh) based on the Quran and Sunnah.

Ibn Taymiyyah said: "Knowledge is a light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and sorcery."

Conclusion: A Strong Stand Against Occultism

Sorcery must be fought through:

🔹 Religious knowledge (learning Arabic, studying the Quran). 🔹 Spiritual protection (supplications, Ruqya). 🔹 Avoiding dubious practices.

Want to deepen your understanding of Islam and protect yourself from spiritual harm?

📚 Join Al-Dirassa Institute’s courses and benefit from authentic teachings by qualified instructors.

👉 Enroll now at al-dirassa.com/en

References:

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Quranic exegesis).
• Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim (Authentic hadiths).
• Ighathat Al-Lahfan (Ibn Al-Qayyim).

*This guide was written by Al-Dirassa Institute’s team, dedicated to online Islamic education since 2012.*

To know more: Understanding Sihr, Magic and Sorcery in Islam