THE CONCEPT OF MAGIC IN LIGHT OF ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE AND AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF NARRATIONS RELATED TO MAGIC ON PROPHET MUHAMMAD ﷺ

Abstract

This study explores the concept of magic (sihr) in Islamic jurisprudence, examining its definition, nature, and position within the Islamic legal framework. Magic, often regarded as an unseen force with potential influence on people’s minds, actions, and physical health, has a significant place in Islamic discourse due to its prohibitive status and complex implications. Islamic jurisprudence categorizes magic as forbidden, and classical scholars have discussed its varying forms and effects, particularly when it leads to deception or harm. A central focus of this research is the examination of narrations concerning incidents of magic on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These narrations, found in authentic Hadith collections, report an instance in which the Prophet ﷺ was affected by a spell cast by a disbeliever. The study aims to assess the authenticity, historical context, and scholarly interpretation of these narrations, addressing questions related to the implications of such accounts on the concept of prophetic protection (ismah) and the Prophet's ﷺ mental and physical well-being. Through a detailed analysis of Islamic jurisprudential sources and classical commentary, this research seeks to present a balanced view on how scholars interpret these narrations. It discusses the validity of reported effects of magic on the Prophet ﷺ and clarifies theological perspectives on the boundaries of prophetic immunity. The study underscores the importance of contextual and linguistic analysis in understanding hadiths related to magic and stresses adherence to the principles of Islamic jurisprudence to avoid misinterpretation.

Keywords: Magic, Sihr, Islamic Jurisprudence, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Hadith, Prophetic Immunity, Scholarly Interpretation, Authenticity of Narrations, Theological Perspectives