What is the ruling of describing something as 'magical'?

28-7-2024 | IslamWeb

Question:

Describing something magical is haram in Islam?Like giving the name to a garden is a magical garden, magical forest, Arena magic, etc?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The Sunnah indicates that it is permissible to use the term “magic” to describe something of astonishing beauty or effectiveness, and such a metaphor is acceptable. It is reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari that Abdullah Ibn Umar and his father) narrated: “When two men who came from the east gave a speech and the people were charmed with their eloquence, the Messenger of Allah said: ‘Indeed, some eloquence is like magic.’ or ‘Part of eloquence is magic”.

Ibn Battal said in his explanation (of Sahih Al-Bukhari): His (the Prophet’s) likening it to magic, in this context, signifies praising it, because magic means attraction and whatever attracts you has indeed bewitched you.”

In Al-Tamhid, Ibn Abdul Barr elaborated: “In the use of Arabs, the original meaning of ‘magic’ is to attract, and one who attracts you has bewitched you. This statement of the Prophet has become a common proverb. When people hear words that amaze them, they often say: ‘Indeed, some eloquence is like magic.’ They might also remark: ‘This is the lawful magic!’ and such phrases have become proverbs too.” He further noted that it was narrated that when Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz was profoundly impressed by a petitioner’s eloquence, he exclaimed: “By Allah, this is indeed magic.”

Thus, describing a forest or garden as ‘magical’ is acceptable. However, permanently naming it as such might not be advisable. Repeatedly using this term, particularly amidst prevalent ignorance and limited knowledge, might inadvertently lead people to approve of magic, especially as it gets associated with beautiful things.

Allah knows best.