What is the legal ruling regarding the sorcerer and the diviner?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Apostate

Book 50 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The ruling concerning the sorcerer and the diviner is execution or imprisonment until they repent. This is evidenced by the narration stating, 'Execute every sorcerer and diviner,' which is noted as not being a ruling of Islam (implying it is a necessary measure taken by the Islamic authority).

Supporting text

There are two reports concerning this: one is that they are executed if they do not repent, and the second is that they are not executed because their matter is considered less severe than that of the sorcerer.