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Fatwa CenterWatching magic
Question
Since magic is not allowed in Islaam, are we allowed to watch magic (English) films?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
Please note that the special effects used in movies, video games, etc. illustrate that "magical" qualities, happenings, etc. are possible.
It is unlawful to watch films of magic be it real or allegoric magic regardless of the language in which they are shown. In fact, watching such films implies accepting them and encouraging people to watch them. People should refrain from watching these films to prevent greater evils and to protect one's creed. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning) describing devout people: {And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.}[Quran 25:72].
Al-Qurtubi 
commented on this verse saying: 'It means, they do not stay where lying or falsehood is displayed, nor do they watch them.'
No doubt that magic is fallacious. It is even the most obnoxious of all fallacies. Magic is disbelief. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning): {but the devils disbelieved, teaching men magic.}[Quran 2:102].
Allaah also says about Haaroot and Maaroot (two angels who came down to earth and stayed for a while in Babylon) (interpretation of meaning): {They were a trial for the believers as they taught them that by which they can separate a man and his wife.}[Quran 2:102].
The Muslim scholars establish that it is forbidden to watch whatever is forbidden, as doing so means an acceptance of this wrong thing and an assistance in it.
There is no difference, as far as the prohibition is concerned, between watching magic directly and watching it on TV.
In both cases the watching happens and temptations and trials occur in both.
Know that watching such programs for the purpose of learning magic is more prohibited than watching them for mere enjoyment.
Finally, it should be noted that a person is responsible for his limbs which Allaah blessed him with and he is responsible for his time so he should use these for the worship of Allaah for which He created him and for what benefits him in his wordly matters.
Allaah knows best.
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