“And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Hārūt and Mārūt. But they [i.e., the two angels] do not teach anyone unless they say, “We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].” And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allāh. And they [i.e., people] learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But they [i.e., the Children of Israel] certainly knew that whoever purchased it [i.e., magic] would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew. (Qur’an 2:102)
The quoted verse explicitly refutes all allegations made by Bani Israel against Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him), asserting that Sulayman (pbuh) did not commit any sin or kufr. Instead, it attributes the wrongdoing to Satan.The Quran acknowledges the reality of magic, but Shir/Black Magic involves casting spells by Satan or Jin for malicious purposes. In Islam, all magic is considered forbidden (‘haram’) due to its association with the influence of the devil.
Harut and Marut, mentioned in Quran 2:102, were two angels said to have descended in human form in Babylon, Iraq—the ancient city considered the earliest civilization. Some narratives place them in the time of Prophet Idris pbuh (Babylon), preceding Ibrahim, Musa, and Sulaiman pbuh. The Quran suggests they were a trial, testing people with sorcery, marking the origins of magic in that era.
Allah sent down two angels with the knowledge of how to control or access the Jinn. The angels were allowed to teach anyone interested in studying with them the code and art of magic, but they emphasized a significant disclaimer. The angels warned anyone approaching them that they were a test from Allah, urging them not to commit kufr by studying or learning with us.
The people of Babylon sought knowledge to create discord between a man and his wife, attempting to learn spells for causing division. However, it is important to note that any harm inflicted is ultimately with Allah’s permission. What they acquired had no inherent value unless granted by Allah, emphasizing that the harm they intended wouldn’t prevail without divine consent.
Allah describes it as something they would learn to harm them—what is the ultimate harm? To lose one’s Imaan. It produced no benefit for them, and they already knew that whoever purchases it will have nothing for him at all in the Hereafter. They knew this before they got into it. What a horrible thing they sold themselves for; had they only known
The belief that Harut and Marut taught ‘magic’ or ‘evil magic’ to separate man and wife has no warrant from the Quranic verses. They taught no such thing. Harut and Marut merely possessed some form of knowledge which could be used for both good and evil. Those inclined to evil (shayateen), made use of ‘magic’ (sihr) and the knowledge that Harut and Marut possessed for evil intent and taught those of mankind that were willing to engage in such corruption. There are some fabricated stories against Harut and Marut that have no basis.
“And there were men from mankind who sought refuge in men from the jinn, so they [only] increased them in burden”.(Qur’an 72 : 6)
They studied that which only harms them, and there are no benefits. Magic has zero benefits, unlike alcohol, which has some benefits mentioned in the Quran, but the harm outweighs the benefits. As for black magic, it has no benefits; it is only considered evil. Angels warned that those who acquire such knowledge from them would have no share in the next world.
They literally purchased this world at the expense of the next. And what an evil price they sold themselves for it the only understood. Some individuals, driven by their desires, traded the eternal for the temporary in pursuit of this knowledge. Those who studied it became the first magicians. All msgic that it existent today some how goes back to Babylon. The origin of various forms of magic today can be traced back to Babylon, encompassing different schools of thought, arts, and practices within the realm of magic.
When the Israelites became slaves in Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, there are historical accounts suggesting that some members of the society turned to magical practices during this challenging period. The community faced both moral and material decline, with engagement in magic and sorcery becoming prevalent. The influence of magic and devils exploited this vulnerability, diverting the attention of the people toward sorcery, symbols and practical rituals. Despite warnings, individuals became fascinated with these practices, ultimately contributing to their spiritual downfall.
It reflects the desperate desire of some people for an enchantment or spell that could break marital bonds, causing discord between spouses.This moral decline reaches an extreme, with people resorting to dark arts to manipulate relationships. The verse highlights the gravity of this ethical deterioration, as individuals engage in such practices, often oblivious to the consequences and heedless of guidance from Allah.
The narrative in these verses underscores the significance of upholding ethical values and remaining vigilant against the allure of dark arts. Falling to such practices can result in severe consequences and spiritual downfall.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, was allowed to experience the effects of magic to provide practical guidance. If the Prophet speaks about magic without apparent awareness, it’s because Allah’s knowledge surpasses our understanding, and the Prophet, pbuh, is under Allah’s protection and guidance through revelation. The reasons for permitting the existence of magic may go beyond our comprehension, and the Prophet would elucidate the intricacies of magic and its effects. Allah revealed two Surahs, namely Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas, as an antidote to black magic. The Prophet pbuh was falsely accused of practicing magic and sorcery, and the Quran elucidates and disproves these claims.
In Islamic belief, magic, or “sihr,” is considered real and is condemned as it involves seeking supernatural assistance through prohibited means. Jinn, beings created from smokeless fire, exist in Islamic cosmology and are capable of both good and evil. While they are invisible to humans, their interaction with the physical world is acknowledged.
Positive and negative energies, as understood in Islamic teachings, are attributed to the influence of angels and jinn. Positive energies align with acts of worship, righteousness, and following divine guidance, while negative energies are associated with disobedience, sin, black magic, and harmful practices.
Islamic perspectives emphasize seeking protection from harmful influences through prayers, reliance on Allah, and adherence to the Quranic teachings. Believers are encouraged to recognize the unseen forces, maintain a strong connection with Allah, and avoid engaging in practices that may lead to harmful supernatural consequences.
May Allah protect us from the whispers of Satan! Ameen
Insight! 