Title: Allah and Muhammad Teaching Sorcery Through the Quran? An Investigation into Islamic and Biblical Teachings on Magic
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Max Shimba Ministries Org
Abstract
This paper explores the controversial claim that the Quran contains teachings of sorcery and that such teachings are endorsed by Allah. Drawing from Quranic verses, particularly Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102, as well as biblical injunctions against witchcraft, the article critically assesses whether Islamic sources promote the use of sorcery. Furthermore, the study investigates the theological implications of this claim in contrast with Judeo-Christian ethics on witchcraft. The article concludes with a biblical apologetic perspective rooted in monotheistic orthodoxy.
1. Introduction
Witchcraft and sorcery have long been sources of fear and fascination across cultures and religions. In both African traditional religions and global spiritual contexts, magic is often seen as a force capable of harming, controlling, or manipulating human affairs. Within this discourse, an emerging theological question arises: Does the Quran condone or teach sorcery? More specifically, Does Allah authorize or teach magic for use against others? These questions deserve thorough scriptural and theological evaluation.
2. The Nature and Effects of Sorcery
Witchcraft is commonly believed to bring harm to its victims, including strife, infertility, disease, mental distress, and even death. Many believe that through sorcery, malevolent individuals may send animals such as bats, birds, or flies to attack their enemies spiritually. In traditional African belief systems, this is not merely folklore but a daily spiritual reality.
The Bible acknowledges the existence of such powers. For instance, in Matthew 12:43–45, Jesus refers to evil spirits that leave a person and return later with more wicked spirits, emphasizing the influence of demonic forces in human affairs. However, Jesus also underscores that these spirits are ultimately subordinate to God’s sovereignty.
3. Does the Quran Teach Magic?
A particularly striking verse in the Quran is Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102), which reads:
“They followed what the devils used to recite during the reign of Solomon. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved; they taught people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels, Harut and Marut, in Babylon. Yet these two would not teach anyone without first warning, ‘We are only a test, so do not disbelieve.’ But people learned from them what could cause separation between a man and his wife, though they could not harm anyone except by Allah’s permission...” (Quran 2:102)
This verse presents several profound theological challenges:
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Magic (sihr) was allegedly taught by devils and also by two angels named Harut and Marut.
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Allah permitted the existence and operation of this magic, though framed as a “test.”
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The magic involved had the power to separate husbands and wives, a highly personal and destructive effect.
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The Quran claims that this magic could not operate unless Allah permitted it, implying divine sanction.
Such passages raise the question: If Allah permits magic and allows angels to teach it, even as a test, does that not make Him complicit in the spread of evil?
4. Islamic Occultism and Traditional Healing Practices
Throughout the Muslim world—especially in East Africa and the Middle East—there exist Islamic traditional healers, often known as waganga wa kienyeji or Islamic spiritual doctors, who claim to heal or curse using verses from the Quran. These healers often invoke jinn (spirits) and use specific Quranic verses, amulets, and charms (known as taweez) in their practices.
This presents a paradox: the Quran is considered the holy word of Allah, yet it is used in contexts reminiscent of occultism. What is the theological relationship between Allah, the Quran, and these practices of magic or spirit invocation?
5. Biblical Teaching on Witchcraft: A Contrasting Ethic
The Bible provides unambiguous commandments concerning witchcraft. Unlike the Quranic account, the biblical position is zero-tolerance:
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Leviticus 19:26: "Do not practice divination or seek omens."
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Leviticus 20:27: "A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death."
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Deuteronomy 18:10–14: “Let no one be found among you who...practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells...Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
The God of Israel (Yahweh) condemns sorcery not only as dangerous but also as an abomination. No angel in the Bible is portrayed as a teacher of sorcery. In fact, angelic beings serve only the will of God and are depicted as holy messengers who oppose demonic influences.
6. Theological Implications
If Allah permits the teaching of harmful magic—even as a "test"—then His moral character comes into question. A God who enables or sanctions dark arts for any reason becomes fundamentally incompatible with the God revealed in the Bible, who is holy, righteous, and cannot be tempted by evil (James 1:13).
Furthermore, if Quranic verses can be employed for magical purposes—as in exorcisms, curses, and healing rituals involving jinn—this indicates that the sacred text itself contains latent occult power. This stands in stark contrast to the Bible, which attributes all miraculous or spiritual power to God alone, mediated by the Holy Spirit, never by human manipulation or rituals.
7. Conclusion: A Biblical Call to Discernment
This investigation suggests that there are elements within Islamic texts and practices that appear to endorse or facilitate sorcery. While some Muslim scholars argue that such practices are distortions of true Islam, the Quranic evidence, particularly from Surah 2:102, remains problematic.
Christians are called to reject all forms of sorcery and to rely solely on the power of God through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit—not mystical rituals, charms, or angels teaching magic—is the true source of spiritual power in the life of a believer. As the Apostle Paul declares:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers... Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God...” (Ephesians 6:12–13)
References
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The Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102
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The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
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Mambo ya Walawi (Leviticus) 19:26; 20:27
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Kumbukumbu la Torati (Deuteronomy) 18:10–14
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Matthew 12:43–45
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James 1:13
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Ephesians 6:12–13
