Tuesday, December 20, 2016
This is indeed a profound tragedy in the nation of Muhammad. Many Christians often wonder where sorcery originated and who was its founder. Today, the Quran provides an answer: Sorcery was created and revealed by Allah. Consequently, it implies that the primary practitioners of sorcery are Muslims. Perhaps you think that I, Max Shimba, am merely casting blame on Muslims, but let’s take a look at the evidence.
First, let’s acknowledge that sorcery is evil and leads people to condemnation. Engaging with sorcerers or fortune-tellers is an act of disbelief and paganism. Now, let’s examine the testimony from the Quran:
Surah Taha 20:73
"We have believed in our Lord so that He may forgive us our sins and the sorcery you compelled us to practice. Allah is the Best and Everlasting."
In Surah Taha, verse 73, as it was revealed to Muhammad in Mecca and translated by Sheikh Ali Muhsin Al-Barwani, the verse indicates that Allah compels Muslims to practice sorcery. This is a significant issue. It raises the question, since when did God engage in sorcery? What possible benefit does this divinely mandated sorcery hold for Muslims?
Let us also look at a second interpretation of Surah Taha, verse 73, as translated by Sheikh Ali Muhsin. It says:
"We are firmly grounded in faith in our true Lord, that He may forgive us our past sins and absolve us from this involvement in sorcery that You compelled us to learn and practice. Our Lord is superior in rewarding the obedient, and His dominion and capacity to reward outlasts yours."
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It states that Muslims are compelled to learn sorcery.
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It states that Muslims are compelled to practice sorcery.
Dear reader, today I have little to add because the Quran itself has shown that Allah revealed sorcery and required Muslims to learn and practice it.
I advise Christians with Muslim friends to be cautious, as that friend could potentially be practicing sorcery against you because they are compelled by Allah to do so.
Here, I quote Quran 2:102 and its commentary from two Quranic translations (by Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Al-Farsy and Sheikh Ali Muhsin Al-Barwani). The verse and its commentary reveal the following points:
(a) Sorcery was revealed by angels of Allah.
(b) There are sorcerers among Muslims.
(c) Sorcery is an act of disbelief.
Moreover, according to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 490, and Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 71, Hadith 658, the Prophet Muhammad was afflicted and harmed by sorcery. The story of the Prophet being harmed by sorcery is also recounted in Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Al-Farsy's interpretation of the Quran, pages 977 and 978.
QUESTIONS
(a) If sorcery is disbelief, what is Allah’s relationship with disbelief to the extent that He would reveal sorcery?
(b) Was the Prophet Muhammad bewitched by Muslim sorcerers or other sorcerers?
(c) Was Muhammad bewitched by the sorcery revealed by Allah's angels, or by some other sorcery?
(d) What other prophets were bewitched and harmed by sorcery as Muhammad was?
Quran 2:102
"They followed what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people sorcery and that which was revealed to the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut. But they did not teach anyone until they had said, 'We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve.' And [yet] they learned from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew."
(Translation by Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Al-Farsy, pages 25-26)
Commentary on Quran 2:102
The Suleiman mentioned here is a prophet. The Jews claim that Prophet Suleiman gained his kingdom through sorcery and not as a prophet. Consequently, these Islamic sorcerers associate the prophet with sorcery…
…and this association of Prophet Suleiman with sorcery is addressed in the Quran. It clarifies that Solomon himself did not practice sorcery, but rather, it was the devils who disbelieved and misled people through sorcery, thus separating his prophetic authority from these practices. However, the Quran also describes how Allah permitted two angels, Harut and Marut, to teach sorcery to those who desired it in Babylon, but only after warning them that this knowledge was a test and would lead to disbelief if used.
Understanding the Role of Harut and Marut
The Quranic narrative about Harut and Marut portrays them as angels who descended in Babylon to impart the knowledge of sorcery under strict warnings. They made it clear to anyone seeking their instruction that the knowledge of sorcery would lead to spiritual harm and was a test of faith. This was a means to discern who would fall into the trap of forbidden knowledge despite the warnings. The question arises here: if sorcery leads to spiritual and moral corruption, why would God permit its teaching?
The Purpose of Allowing Sorcery as a Test of Faith
According to the Quran and many Islamic interpretations, Allah allowed sorcery as a test of moral character and faith. Those who sought power through dark practices revealed their weakness and susceptibility to evil, thereby failing the test. The knowledge itself is not condoned but rather serves as a boundary of temptation, with clear instructions to avoid it. The fact that these angels were explicitly warning people not to adopt sorcery underscores the idea that it was not Allah’s will for people to fall into disbelief but instead to reveal their true nature.
Comparative Analysis of Quranic and Biblical Perspectives on Sorcery
The Bible similarly condemns sorcery, associating it with rebellion and the rejection of God’s authority. For example, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, “Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery… for these are detestable to the Lord.” Both the Quran and Bible view sorcery as corrupt and dangerous, warning against it as an influence of dark forces.
However, there is a notable difference: while the Bible attributes sorcery to human rebellion against divine law, the Quran’s narrative suggests that sorcery knowledge was provided by Allah through angels as a test for humanity. The implications of this difference are significant in understanding each tradition's approach to divine sovereignty and human moral agency.
Sorcery and Disbelief: Theological Implications
The Quran and the Hadith literature illustrate that sorcery, while acknowledged, is ultimately an act of disbelief (kufr), distancing a person from God. Sahih Bukhari, one of the most trusted collections of hadith, recounts that even the Prophet Muhammad experienced the effects of sorcery. In Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 71, Hadith 658, it describes how the Prophet was afflicted by sorcery, causing him distress and confusion until God revealed prayers to him for protection.
Some scholars interpret this affliction as evidence of the Prophet’s human vulnerability, affirming that he could experience hardship like any other person. However, unlike others, he was protected and ultimately healed by divine intervention. The experience was a reminder to the early Muslim community of the dangers and moral compromise inherent in sorcery.
The Quran’s Perspective on Sorcery as Harmful Knowledge
From the Quranic verses, it’s clear that the teaching of sorcery served as a symbol of the boundaries of rightful knowledge and a warning against pursuing harmful power. Quran 2:102 emphasizes that while people may attempt to harm others through sorcery, they cannot cause harm unless Allah allows it. This implies that divine authority surpasses any power that sorcery might offer, reaffirming God’s ultimate control over human affairs.
Key Questions and Reflections
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The Connection Between Sorcery and Kufr (Disbelief): Given that sorcery is equated with disbelief in both the Quran and Hadith, what does this say about its moral and spiritual implications?
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The Prophet’s Experience with Sorcery: The fact that Muhammad was affected by sorcery raises questions about the nature of prophetic protection. Is this incident meant to underscore his humanity, and how should this be understood in the context of Islamic theology?
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Why Allow Sorcery as a Test?: The allowance of sorcery as a test reflects on human susceptibility to power and pride. How does this test serve as a reflection of individual moral character?
Conclusion: The Divergence of Divine Will and Human Choice
The Quran’s treatment of sorcery is complex and layered. On one hand, sorcery exists as a dangerous and spiritually harmful practice that leads to disbelief. On the other hand, Allah’s permission for angels to reveal sorcery as a test shows a profound point about free will: humans are given the choice to pursue righteousness or fall into darkness. While sorcery promises influence, it ultimately brings harm and spiritual ruin, showcasing the Quran’s theme of the impermanence of worldly power compared to divine authority.
In conclusion, the Quran’s stance on sorcery serves as both a warning and a test for those willing to risk their faith for temporal gains. The lesson drawn is that true belief rejects such means and remains steadfast in devotion, recognizing that any power outside of God’s will is ultimately a deception.
Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Desire for Power
The Quranic perspective on sorcery is not only about rejecting a prohibited practice but also about emphasizing the contrast between divine sovereignty and human inclinations toward power and control. Sorcery, viewed in this light, becomes a symbol of the human temptation to manipulate the world and others independently of God's authority. This form of rebellion underscores humanity’s inherent struggle with submission to divine will.
In Surat Al-Baqarah (2:102), we are reminded that sorcery, while seemingly powerful, is ultimately powerless without Allah’s permission:
“But they do not harm anyone through it except by Allah’s permission. And they learn what harms them and does not benefit them. And they certainly knew that whoever purchased it would not have any share in the Hereafter.”
This statement shows that sorcery only possesses the illusion of control and influence. God alone determines the ultimate impact of any action, emphasizing that true power belongs only to Him. Those who seek sorcery or similar practices thus not only rebel against divine will but also deceive themselves by trusting in something inherently powerless without God’s permission.
Sorcery as a Reflection of Moral Weakness
The allowance of sorcery knowledge as a test reflects on human susceptibility to temptation, pride, and the desire for shortcuts to success or control. Such tests are permitted to reveal moral character, demonstrating the depths of one’s faith or lack thereof. As noted in Quranic commentary, this test was not about condoning sorcery but about providing a clear boundary that humans must choose not to cross.
In Islamic theology, all tests are seen as opportunities for believers to grow spiritually, gaining moral strength by resisting temptations that compromise their faith. Therefore, those who resist sorcery demonstrate steadfastness and spiritual maturity. Tafsir Al-Jalalayn, a renowned Quranic exegesis, explains that sorcery was permitted as a means of distinguishing those who would misuse knowledge from those who would remain true to God’s guidance.
Comparative Views in the Bible on Sorcery
The Bible shares a similar condemnation of sorcery, but it does not present it as knowledge allowed by God. Instead, it depicts sorcery as a rebellion against God’s law and an activity that brings severe consequences. For example, in Exodus 22:18, the Mosaic Law decrees, “Do not allow a sorceress to live,” underscoring the seriousness of the offense.
Furthermore, in 1 Samuel 15:23, sorcery is likened to rebellion: “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” This verse equates sorcery with disobedience to God, implying that the pursuit of sorcery is inherently an act of defiance against divine sovereignty. The Bible and the Quran converge in their view that seeking power through sorcery is spiritually ruinous and separates one from God.
Prophet Muhammad’s Experience with Sorcery: A Lesson for Believers
The Hadith recounting the Prophet Muhammad's experience with sorcery provides a unique insight into the dangers of sorcery and the nature of divine protection. Though he was temporarily affected by sorcery, he ultimately found deliverance through revelation. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 71, Hadith 658, describes how God revealed specific verses (Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Naas) to him as protection against such harm.
This experience not only illustrates the Prophet’s vulnerability, affirming his humanity, but also serves as a profound lesson for believers: that faith and prayer can overcome even the strongest of adversities. Furthermore, it provides a model for dealing with spiritual challenges, emphasizing reliance on God rather than seeking retribution or revenge through forbidden means.
Questions and Reflections for Believers
Reflecting on these teachings raises several important questions for believers:
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Why Would God Permit Knowledge That Leads to Harm? - This question challenges us to consider the role of free will and moral testing in Islamic thought. Sorcery serves as a boundary that, when crossed, reveals the true nature of one’s character and commitment to God.
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What Is the Difference Between Spiritual Power and Sorcery? - Islamic theology distinguishes between seeking closeness to God through prayer and righteous acts and attempting to manipulate reality for personal gain. True spiritual power is rooted in submission to God’s will, while sorcery represents a departure from that submission.
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How Should Believers Respond to Sorcery and Its Influence? - The Quran encourages believers to place trust in God’s protection and avoid the lure of any forbidden practices. The Prophet’s reliance on prayer and divine verses during his own affliction with sorcery exemplifies the proper response.
Conclusion: Sorcery as a Test of Faith and Morality
The Quran’s stance on sorcery goes beyond simply prohibiting it; it serves as a profound commentary on the nature of faith, temptation, and the human desire for control. Sorcery symbolizes the human inclination to bypass divine authority in pursuit of personal power, yet it is ultimately powerless without God’s permission. By establishing sorcery as a test, the Quran calls believers to reject practices that harm both the soul and society, inviting them instead to trust in God’s wisdom and submit fully to His guidance.
In both the Quran and the Bible, sorcery is depicted as a spiritually dangerous path that offers false promises of power and control. True believers are called to resist these temptations, recognizing that genuine strength lies in submission to God’s will and that any attempt to manipulate others through forbidden practices leads to spiritual ruin. Thus, the Quranic account of sorcery reinforces a central message of Islam: that true power and protection come only from God, and that faith is measured by one’s willingness to trust and obey, even when faced with worldly temptations.
