What Should We Think Of Someone Who Is Said To Practice Black Magic?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

If one hears of someone practicing magic by, for example, drinking blood, etc. then can we assume and say that they are disbelievers? Or should one refrain from labeling them?

Answer

Avoid Rumors

The best thing to do is to ignore the matter if you don’t have any dealings or contact with the person. Many times people make lies up about others, or they are just stories based on misunderstandings. 

It’s best not to worry yourself with stories about others. Follow the advice of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace): “Be avid for what benefits you.” [Muslim] 

He (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said, “Indeed, Allah dislikes for you three matters: gossip, wasting money, and excessive questions.” [Bukhari]

If you know the person in question, ask them if the matter bothers you. If he admits to practicing black magic or having commissioned someone else to do it for him then it’s best to distance yourself from him. Do not assume he is a disbeliever.

The Ruling of Black Magic

Some forms of black magic include practices that are disbelief, such as disrespecting the Quran or saying statements of Kufr. Anyone who does this leaves Islam due to those actions. 

Other forms of black magic do not entail disbelief. Its practice is fisq (gross disobedience) but not disbelief. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar] Drinking blood would be in this category.

Neither is good for one’s relationship with Allah, nor do they lead to salvation on the Day of Judgement. Avoid getting involved with those who engage in it.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.