Magic

Magic: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam

Magic (Arabic: siḥr, سِحْر) - A complex and controversial subject in Islamic theology and culture. While the practice of magic is condemned in the Qurʾān and Hadith, various related practices, such as incantations for providing protection against harm, are recorded as having been permitted by the Prophet Muhammad under certain conditions.

Etymology

• Arabic: سِحْر (siḥr)
• Turkish: sihir

Scriptural Condemnation and Permissibility

Magic condemned by the Qurʾān:

• Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Baqarah (2:102) condemns the practice of magic.

Permissible Practices:

• Ruqyah (Spell) to counteract the evil eye or effects of snake bites.
• Prophetic Sayings:
  • Anas: Endorses the use of spell to counteract malicious effects.
  • Umm Salamah: Permits spells to remove eye ailments caused by a malignant eye.
  • ʿAuf ibn Mālik: Allows spells provided these do not associate anything with God.

Types of Magic and Related Practices

Terms Associated with Magic

• daʿwah: Lawful incantations invoking God’s help.
• ʿazīmah: Incantations.
• kihānah: Divination or fortune-telling.
• ruqyah: Spells.
• siḥr: Magic, often associated with the intervention of evil spirits and considered unlawful.

Classification by Practitioners

• Spiritual Magic (ar-Rūḥānī):
  • Divine (Rahmānī): Uses names of God, Qurʾānic verses, and involves angels and good jinn (genies).
  • Satanic (Shayṭānī): Uses methods derived from workings of the Devil and evil jinn, condemned in Islam.

The Dichotomy of Magic in Islamic Tradition

Divine Magic:

• Recognized as a ‘sublime science’ practiced by virtuous persons for good purposes.
• Emphasizes knowing the greatest name of God (Ismu ʾl-Aʿzam).
• Associated with miraculous occurrences, as narrated about Solomon and Asaf.

Satanic Magic:

• Denounced vigorously in Islamic texts.
• Practiced for malicious intents using methods like necromancy and invoking evil spirits.

Practices and Beliefs

• Amulets (taʿwīdh) worn for protection against evils.
• Incantations used in certain non-magical practices.
• Divination (al-Kihānah): Methods perceived to be involving jinn and receive mixed acceptance.
• Astrology, Geomancy, Chiromancy, and Taking Omens: Generally classified under non-spiritual yet controversial practices.

Further Readings

1. “Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance” by George Saliba
2. “Magic in Islam” by Michael Muhammad Knight
3. “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus
4. “The Book of Contemplation: Islam and the Crusades” (Translated by Paul M. Cobb)
5. “The Concept of Belief in Islamic Theology” by Toshihiko Izutsu

Takeaways and Conclusion

• Magic (siḥr) in Islam navigates a fine line between outright condemnation and limited permissibility.
• Practices condoned by the Prophet Muhammad underscore the practicalities of faith, ensuring safety and protection without leaning towards shirk (associating partners with God).
• Islamic theology strictly separates divine magic using lawful means versus satanic magic involving evil spirits.
• Understanding the deep-rooted cultural and religious implications of magic provides insight into its complex presence within Islamic history and practice.

The nuanced treatment of siḥr in Islamic texts reflects broader themes of faith, reliance on God, and condemnation of practices deviating from monotheistic principles.