What is the ruling concerning the type of magic (sihr) commonly understood as such?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Apostate

Book 50 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The magic under consideration is that which is conventionally recognized as *sihr*, exemplified by the act of Labid ibn al-A'sam against the Prophet (peace be upon him) using a comb and hair tuft. Another instance involves a sorcerer who caused Umayyah ibn al-Walid to become deranged, leading him to associate with wild beasts until the Caliphate of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). Furthermore, a case where a sorceress, when confronted, used threads and a door to escape the authorities by flying away with the door demonstrates this type of sorcery. This category also includes actions such as magically rendering a married man impotent regarding his wife. The ruling concerning the perpetrator of this type of *sihr* is a subject of differing opinions among scholars.

Supporting text

The text implies that magical acts like incapacitating a man from his wife fall under the type of *sihr* whose perpetrator is subject to legal dispute. However, the practice of one who calls upon the afflicted (like one afflicted by epilepsy or similar conditions) and claims to gather and command jinn is, apparently, not included in this specific ruling, although Al-Qadi and Abu Al-Khattab mention such practitioners among sorcerers.