of Nokounam, (Session 1449)
The Holy Qur'an, like a luminous lamp, serves as humanitys guide in recognising truth and distinguishing it from falsehood. Its radiant verses, with profound and wise discourse, address fundamental human issues such as power, knowledge, and moral responsibilities. In this treatise, through reflection on the verses of the Surahs Al-Imran, Al-A'raf, Taha, and Qasas, an exploration is made into the concept of magic as a human capability and the related ethical challenges. This examination, with a focus on the story of Moses (peace be upon him) and the magicians of Pharaoh, elucidates the place of power, courage, and misuse of abilities in opposition to divine miracles. The aim is to clarify the Quranic concepts and their moral lessons for readers with a clear and dignified language, so that, like a mirror, truth may be reflected in their hearts.
The Holy Qur'an introduces magic as a human stratagem that requires knowledge, skill, and insight. This capability, although intrinsically neutral, determines the fate of its possessor depending on whether it is applied for good or evil. In the story of Moses (peace be upon him) and Pharaoh, the magicians are portrayed as knowledgeable and capable individuals whose skills served Pharaohs objectives.
And Pharaoh said: Bring to me every knowledgeable magician.
The word Alm (knowledgeable) in this verse emphasises the magicians knowledge and awareness. A knowledgeable magician, akin to a skilled athlete or a masterful teacher, possesses an ability and insight that distinguish him from others. Yet, if such knowledge is deployed in opposition to truth or to pursue forbidden ends, it leads to corruption and ruin.
Magic, like boxing, wrestling, or music, is a discipline requiring practice, perseverance, and courage. Just as a skilled boxer attains perfection through training, a magician achieves a high rank through knowledge and expertise. However, if this skill is utilised for oppression or illicit gains, it leads its owner to loss and perdition. The Holy Qur'an states:
So when they cast, Moses said, What you have brought is magic; indeed, Allah will nullify it. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters.
This verse demonstrates that magic, despite being a human power, is powerless against divine miracles. Just as there is always a superior hand, the power of God prevails over every stratagem.
In the Holy Qur'an, magic is introduced as a human capability requiring knowledge and skill. Yet, if this capability is not employed on the path of good and justice, it results in corruption and destruction. A knowledgeable magician, like a skilled athlete, must utilise his expertise in the cause of truth to attain salvation.
The Holy Qur'an, in the story of Moses (peace be upon him) and Pharaohs magicians, shows that magic, despite being a human skill, fails in the face of divine miracles. The magicians of Pharaoh, with all their knowledge and expertise, could not withstand the power of God.
And cast what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. Indeed, what they have crafted is the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is.
This verse indicates that magic, although a skillful stratagem, is nullified in the presence of divine truth. Just as the sun dispels the darkness of night, divine miracles render magic ineffective.
The misuse of any capabilitywhether magic, sport, or weaponleads to ruin. Just as a skilled boxer should not use his ability to oppress others, a magician must not employ his power for forbidden ends or in opposition to truth. The Prophetic narration states: Indeed, deeds are judged by intentions. If the magicians intention is to gain illicit wealth or to combat truth, he will be doomed to loss in this world and the hereafter.
The story of a person who cleaned hookah coals with his skill exemplifies a capability that could have been used for good but was wasted due to evil intention. This individual, instead of using his skill for good, pursued material interests and deceived others, thereby dragging himself into perdition.
Pharaoh, as a symbol of power and arrogance, utilised his and his magicians abilities for falsehood. He, who considered himself a god to his people, epitomises extravagance in power.
And Pharaoh said: O chiefs, I do not know of any deity for you other than myself.
This verse reveals Pharaohs arrogance and self-exaltation. Through misuse of power, he not only brought about his own destruction but also led his people to ruin. The Holy Qur'an says:
And indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land, and indeed, he was of the transgressors.
Power is like a sword that may serve good or evil. Magic, as a human capability, is powerless against divine miracles, and misuse leads to loss. Pharaoh, as a symbol of extravagance in power, exemplifies the dire consequences of employing capability for falsehood.
In Islamic societies, some individuals exploit the name of magic to defraud and deceive people. These persons, devoid of genuine knowledge and skill, take advantage of public ignorance and, through false promises, plunder others wealth and lives.
The story of a person who claimed skill to clean hookah coals exemplifies such deception. He, lacking true knowledge and courage, failed to achieve good and instead, due to malicious intent, brought ruin upon himself. Such individuals, known as magicians in Islamic societies, are in fact con artists bereft of the knowledge and bravery of a true magician.
From a sociological perspective, fraud under the guise of magic results from ignorance and lack of religious literacy in societies. The Holy Qur'an regards magic as a stratagem that can be employed for deception:
They enchanted the eyes of the people.
This verse demonstrates that if magic is used for deceit and trickery, it results in corruption. Societies deprived of authentic religious education provide fertile ground for the growth of con artists.
A knowledgeable magician, with his learning and courage, is distinct from con artists and fraudsters. Exploiting magics name for deception and unlawful gain leads neither to salvation nor benefit but rather drags society towards corruption. Religious education and awareness are the keys to preventing this corruption.
Traditional religious sciences, which have often concentrated on theoretical and impractical matters, have failed to nurture capable and courageous individuals. These sciences, sometimes restricted due to colonial influences, have not met the needs of modern society.
The story of the individual who wasted his skill through misuse exemplifies the urgent need for revising religious education. This person, who could have served the good through his skill, was led into loss due to the absence of proper guidance.
To cultivate elevated and capable individuals, religious sciences must be integrated with social sciences, psychology, and philosophy. The Holy Qur'an emphasises the importance of knowledge and action:
Allah will raise those of you who believe and those who have been given knowledge in degrees.
This verse highlights the value of knowledge and awareness in the Qur'anic perspective. Religious sciences must be reformed in such a manner that they nurture courageous, knowledgeable, and capable individuals.
Reforming religious sciences with an emphasis on social and power sciences is essential for cultivating elevated and capable human beings. Such reform will liberate Islamic societies from weakness and incapacity and guide them towards self-confidence and salvation.
Magic, if employed in the service of good and justice, can be a positive capability. Just as a boxer can use his skill to defend the oppressed, a magician may utilise his knowledge to punish the oppressor or serve society.
The Prophetic narration, Indeed, deeds are judged by intentions, demonstrates that the legitimacy of any capability depends on its intention and application. A magician who employs his skill for good is like a soldier fighting in the path of truth.
In Western societies, magic is taught as a scientific and specialised discipline, whereas in some Islamic societies, due to lack of proper education, it has devolved into fraud and deception. This disparity results from the absence of competent instructors and authentic educational systems.
Magic, like any other capability, can lead to salvation if it is used for good and justice. However, misuse inevitably results in ruin. Proper education and pure intention are the keys to positive utilisation of this skill.
The Holy Qur'an, with wise discourse, presents magic as a human capability that is powerless before divine miracles. This capability, if harnessed for good and justice, can be a means of salvation; yet, its misuse leads to loss in this world and the hereafter. The story of Moses (peace be upon him) and Pharaohs magicians acts as a mirror reflecting the reality of power and its ethical responsibilities. Reforming religious sciences with emphasis on social and power sciences is necessary to nurture elevated and capable individuals who can stand against oppression and corruption. This treatise, through reflection on the luminous verses of the Holy Qur'an, endeavoured to elucidate the ethical and social lessons of these verses with clear and dignified language for readers.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
