The present book, through contemplation on the luminous verses of the Holy Quran, particularly verse 79 of Surah Al-Imran and related verses in Surahs Taha and Al-A'raf, delves into the concepts of magic, sorcery, miracles, and the exalted position of humanity in the cosmic order. This work, with a profound and multifaceted perspective, examines the distinction between human and divine capabilities, and through life narratives and mystical reflections, elucidates the grandeur of humanity and its responsibilities vis--vis creation. The aim of this writing is to present a deep insight into the divine verses and life lessons that, within a framework of wisdom and knowledge, guide the reader towards a more profound understanding of truth.
In the Holy Quran, magic and sorcery are introduced as real phenomena but limited to human capabilities. Verse 79 of Surah Al-Imran, wherein Pharaoh commands that skilled and knowledgeable sorcerers be brought to him, emphasises expertise and proficiency in magic:
And Pharaoh said: Bring to me every knowledgeable sorcerer.
The phrase knowledgeable sorcerer in this verse refers to individuals possessing knowledge and skill in magic. This skill, analogous to athletic disciplines such as boxing or wrestling, requires practice, awareness, and expertise. From this perspective, magic is likened to delicate and subtle activities such as prayer recitations and night vigils (derived from sahar), while sorcery is compared to displays of power and martial abilities. This distinction is also apparent in other Quranic verses. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 116, magic is described as a visual deception:
So when they threw down, Moses said, What you have brought is magic. Indeed, Allah will nullify it. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters.
This verse emphasises the nullity of magic in the face of divine truth. Although magic, from the human viewpoint, is a considerable skill, it fails against the divine miracle rooted in Gods omnipotence. This point is further highlighted in verse 69 of Surah Taha:
And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. Indeed, what they have crafted is the trick of a sorcerer, and the sorcerer will not succeed wherever he is.
These verses depict magic as a trick that is powerless against divine miracles, which are supreme manifestations of Gods power. Magic, as an earthly skill, pales in comparison to celestial truth, like a breeze before a divine storm.
A key concept in this discussion is the differentiation between skilled and knowledgeable sorcerers (sahir aleem) and those who exploit public ignorance for deception and fraud. The knowledgeable sorcerer, due to mastery over knowledge and skill, has no need for deceit, whereas the fraudsters, humorously referred to in the original text as occupation-wastrels, seek material gain through false claims. From a sociological perspective, this distinction reflects varying levels of religious awareness and literacy within societies. In some communities, magic may involve advanced or psychological techniques, while in others, it manifests as baseless claims and deception.
The Holy Quran condemns such fraudulent acts by emphasising the futility of the corrupters deeds (Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters
). Within the Quranic framework, the knowledgeable sorcerer is one who is conscious of his skill and employs it professionally, while fraudsters exploit ignorance for transient benefits.
Magic and sorcery, as human capabilities, are introduced in the Holy Quran as specialised but limited disciplines. Though they require knowledge and practice, they are powerless before divine miracles. The distinction between a knowledgeable sorcerer and fraudsters highlights the importance of knowledge and awareness and indicates that human skills are legitimate only when they serve truth and good.
A miracle, as a divine sign, is distinguished from human capabilities such as magic and sorcery. Miracles, which are exclusive to prophets and Gods chosen ones, transcend natural laws and are rooted in Gods infinite power. In the Holy Quran, the miracle of Moses (peace be upon him) against Pharaohs sorcerers exemplifies this opposition. Moses staff, which consumed the sorcerers magic, was a sign of the superiority of divine truth over human trickery.
This opposition is akin to a contest between heavenly light and earthly shadows. Although magic appears alluring, it collapses before the divine miracle emanating from absolute truth. This concept is explicitly stated in verse 69 of Surah Taha, where the sorcerers magic is described as the trick of a sorcerer that fails before divine power.
Although magic and sorcery are human skills, they are like a candle before the sun when compared to divine miracles. These skills, requiring practice and knowledge, operate within natural laws, whereas miracles, due to their divine origin, are exempt from such limitations. The original text likens this difference to the competition between human sports and divine power. Just as an athlete gains skill through practice, a sorcerer attains abilities through knowledge and exercise; nevertheless, these abilities fail in the face of divine miracles.
Miracles, as divine signs, differ from magic and sorcery and reveal the absolute divine truth by their superiority over human skills. This section, emphasising Quranic verses, demonstrated that miracles, rooted in divine origin, invariably prevail over magic and sorcery and pave the way for human guidance.
The Holy Quran introduces humanity as the macrocosm and emphasises the grandeur of human creation. Verse 4 of Surah At-Tin states this reality thus:
Indeed, We created man in the best of moulds.
This grandeur is manifest in extraordinary human abilities such as magic, sorcery, or even the miracles of prophets. The original text references stories such as walking on a tightrope or cycling on it, highlighting the astonishing capacities of humans. These abilities serve as a mirror reflecting the magnificence of divine creation.
The original text refers to life stories, such as a fathers choice of elastic trousers or encounters with great personalities, emphasising the importance of learning from lifes experiences. These narratives function as lessons imparted within the school of life. For instance, the initially unpleasant experience of wearing elastic trousers ultimately led to an understanding of the fathers wisdom. This wisdom is like a jewel hidden beneath the apparent simplicity of life.
From a mystical standpoint, these experiences teach us to abandon superficial judgements and to contemplate the deeper wisdoms of life. As the Holy Quran stresses in verse 29 of Surah Sad:
A blessed Book We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses.
Similarly, life experiences invite us to meditate on divine signs.
Humanity, as the macrocosm, possesses the grandeur of creation, and its abilitiesfrom magic and sorcery to miraclesare indicators of this magnificence. Life narratives, with their profound lessons, invite reflection on divine signs and caution against superficial judgements.
The original text introduces gold as noble wealth that holds intrinsic and enduring value without requiring effort or complex management. This view contrasts with precious stones such as agate or turquoise, whose value depends on others approval. Gold appears as a gem that shines by its very essence and requires no outward embellishment.
Economically, gold is recognised across cultures as a store of value due to its stability and inherent worth. This concept aligns with Quranic verses that emphasise honesty and simplicity in transactions:
O you who have believed, do not consume one anothers wealth unjustly.
From a mystical perspective, emphasis on gold may symbolise truth and authenticity against deception and superficiality. Just as counterfeit magic fails before divine miracles, apparent values also fade before genuine truth.
The original text, noting misuse of magic and sorcery by some, stresses the importance of intention in legitimising skills. The prophetic hadith Actions are judged by intentions
confirms this principle. Human skills such as magic or sorcery are legitimate only when serving goodness and truth. The Holy Quran also forbids improper use of these skills:
And they followed what the devils recited during the reign of Solomon.
This verse points to the misuse of magical knowledge and warns that such acts lead to misguidance.
Authentic values such as gold and avoidance of misuse of human skills constitute key lessons in this section. Emphasis on good intentions and correct utilisation of capabilities paves the way for living in accordance with truth and authenticity.
This writing, through contemplation of the luminous verses of the Holy Quran and the lectures of religious scholars, explored the concepts of magic, sorcery, miracles, and the majesty of human creation. Magic and sorcery, as human skills, fail before divine miracles but indicate the astonishing capabilities of humanity. The grandeur of human creation is revealed through life experiences and the wisdom embedded therein. Emphasis on authentic values, such as gold, and avoidance of deception and misuse guide us towards living on the path of truth. This work, with its profound perspective on divine verses and life narratives, invites reflection on the majesty of creation and humanitys responsibilities towards it.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
