Witchcraft and Sorcery in the Quran

Email with question:

Thank you for a great site where we know we will always get the Quranic truth and not human fabrication. I would like to ask if witchcraft and sorcery is mentioned or recognised in the Quran? wasalam.

Reply:

The words “Sihr” (as in 20:71 and 37:15) and “Sahir” (as in 7:109 and 26:34), which mean magic and magician respectively, are used in numerous verses in the Quran in relation to the story of Moses and the magicians of Pharaoh. These words refer to magic as such rather than witchcraft. When we inquire about witchcraft and sorcery we find these referred to in the following Quranic verses:

"They pursued what the devils taught concerning Solomon's kingdom. Solomon, however, was not a disbeliever, but the devils were disbelievers. They taught the people sorcery, and that which was sent down through the two angels of Babel, Haroot and Maroot. These two did not divulge such knowledge without pointing out: "This is a test. You shall not abuse such knowledge." But the people used it in such evil schemes as the breaking up of marriages. They can never harm anyone against the will of God. They thus learn what hurts them, not what benefits them, and they know full well that whoever practices witchcraft will have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed is what they sell their souls for, if they only knew" 2:102

also:

"And (I also seek refuge in God) from the evil of those who blow on knots (a practice of witchcraft)" 113:4

The above verses confirm a number of prime issues:

1- Witchcraft and sorcery are condemned by God (2:102).

2- Those who practice witchcraft/sorcery cannot harm people against the will of God (2:102).

3- We should seek the protection of God from such evil practices (113:4).