What is the ruling on the sorcerer regarding disbelief (Kufr)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
The majority view among our scholars is that the sorcerer becomes an apostate (*kafir*) by learning and practicing magic, regardless of whether they believe their actions are forbidden or permissible. Evidence for this is found in the verse stating that Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved (Quran 2:102), and their admonition: {We are but a trial, so do not disbelieve} (Quran 2:102), interpreted as a prohibition against learning magic, the consequence of which is disbelief.
Supporting text
A narration from Ahmad suggests the sorcerer is not immediately considered an apostate; rather, they should be asked to repent (*istitaaba*). If they persist, they are considered similar to an apostate in the sense that they are subject to review, but Ahmad indicated they should be imprisoned rather than executed immediately, hoping for repentance, especially if they maintain prayer. Hanafi scholars state that if the sorcerer believes the devils act as they wish, they are an apostate; otherwise, if they believe it is mere illusion, they are not an apostate. Al-Shafi'i holds that the sorcerer is an apostate only if they believe something that necessitates disbelief, such as worshipping the seven planets, or if they believe that magic is lawful, since the Quran explicitly forbids it through established textual evidence and consensus. Otherwise, they are merely a grave sinner (*fasiq*). This latter view is supported by the fact that Aisha sold an object to a sorceress in the presence of Companions without her being treated as an apostate who must be executed.