Punishment for Witchcraft in Islam
The punishment for witchcraft in Islam is a matter addressed with strictness and firmness by Islamic law. Witchcraft is defined in Islam as the use of hidden means to invoke unnatural powers with the intent to harm or deceive others. Islamic texts have clarified the prohibition of witchcraft, the necessity of avoiding it, and its punishment.
Ruling on Witchcraft in Islam
Witchcraft is prohibited in Islam in all its forms and manifestations. There are Quranic verses and Hadiths (Prophetic traditions) that indicate its prohibition and warn Muslims against it. One of the prominent verses that warn against witchcraft is found in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But they do not teach anyone unless they say, ‘We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].’ And [yet] they learn 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.” (Al-Baqarah: 102).
In the Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Avoid the seven destructive sins.” It was said: “What are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “Associating partners with Allah (shirk), magic, killing a soul whom Allah has forbidden to kill except by right, consuming riba (usury), consuming the wealth of orphans, fleeing on the day of battle, and slandering chaste, innocent, believing women.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).
Punishment for Witchcraft in Islam
The punishment for witchcraft in Islam varies according to the nature of the act and the resulting harm. The punishments range from sincere repentance to the death penalty in some cases.
Punishment for Witchcraft in This World
1. *Death Penalty:* If it is proven that the sorcerer intentionally used witchcraft to harm or kill others or caused significant harm, the Islamic ruling dictates that he be executed. Some scholars argue that executing the sorcerer is necessary to prevent harm and protect society.
2. *Discretionary Punishment (Ta’zir):* If the sorcerer’s act does not reach the level of killing or causing significant harm, he may be punished with ta’zir, which is a discretionary punishment determined by the Islamic judge based on the nature and circumstances of the crime.
Punishment for Witchcraft in the Hereafter
In the Hereafter, the punishment for the sorcerer is severe if he does not repent and return to Allah. Allah has threatened sorcerers with severe punishment in Hellfire, as witchcraft is considered a major sin that leads to shirk (associating partners with Allah) and disbelief.
Repentance from Witchcraft
A sorcerer must hasten to repent to Allah if he has committed this forbidden act. Repentance involves feeling remorse for what he has done, ceasing the practice of witchcraft, acknowledging his sin, pledging not to return to it, and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
Allah says:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” (Az-Zumar: 53).
In conclusion, Muslims must be warned against witchcraft and sorcerers, adhering to the teachings of the true religion that protect individuals and society from the evils and harms of witchcraft.
