Magic and Fortune-Telling
For thousands of years people have been fascinated, awed and fearful at the unknown and mystical, being heedless of the dangers and harm that they inflict. As Muslims it is imperative to understand these evil-filled practices and to protect ourselves from them.
Magic
Having the power to do supernatural and seemingly impossible things is referred to as ‘magic’. It can be categorized as either sorcery, which is magic that uses the power of evil spirits for evil purposes; or as illusionism, which is the skill of performing tricks in which you seem to make things appear, disappear or change, as if by magic.
Ruling
Both sorcery and illusionism are unlawful in Islam. Sorcery can only be performed with the aid of devils whose help is attained when the performer attributes them as partners to Allah in worship. Illusionism does not involve polytheism, but may none-the-less lead one astray. It is a sin because it implies an act of disobedience. Magic is a destructive act, and therefore Islam warns against it. Believers should avoid magic and magicians; take precautions to heed the danger they represent and attempt to expose their false allegations.
The following evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah has asserted this ruling.
Allah says: ‘And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their own selves, if they but knew.’ [The Qur’an 2:102]
Abu Hurairah, radhiallahu anhu, related that ‘The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: ‘Avoid seven most dangerous things.’
The Companions asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah! What are these things’ He,