4. Sorcery

It is a practice in which evil spirits are used to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature. It is called 'sorcery' because the way by which the sorcerer attains his purpose is unseen. In practicing sorcery, the sorcerer may use channs, spells, or rituals. It may, sometimes, have an effect on bodies, hearts and may even cause death. It also causes dissension between a man and his wife. The influence of sorcery cannot occur without Allah's Will. In addition, sorcery is a devilish act, which quite often entails polytheism, and is attained through coming closer to wicked spirits and seeking their assistance. It is held as an act ofpolytheism for two main reasons. First, it entails an attachment to devils and seeking their affection by responding to their dictates. Second, a sorcerer alleges the capability of knowing the unseen, which is solely limited to Allah. Claiming such a faculty of knowing the unseen by a sorcerer is nothing but disbelief and aberration. '~ .•But they [i.e., the Children of Israel] certainly knew that whoever purchased it [i.e., magic] would not have in the Hereafter any share." (Quran: AI-Baqarah: 102) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, 'Avoid the seven most destructive major sins.' It was said, '0 Messenger ofAllah! What are they?' He said, '(The seven most destructive major sins are: to join others in worship along with Allah, to practice sorcery, to kill the soul which Allah has forbidden to be killed except for a just cause (according to Islamic law), to eat up usury, to eat up an orphan's wealth, to flee from the battlefield at the time offighting, and to [falselyJ accuse chaste, unaware and believing women: "