Do Muslims believe in witches?
Yes, in the sense that Islam teaches sorcery is real, and no, in the sense of accepting witches as harmless or special. The Quran treats magic as a real act that can cause harm only by Allah's permission, and practising it is a major sin. Muslims do not believe in the pop-culture image of witches with supernatural powers of their own.
Sorcery exists, but power belongs to Allah
The Quran mentions the magic taught by devils and says it can never harm anyone except by Allah's will:
Islam does not dismiss sorcery as a fantasy, but it also does not give magic independent power. Everything happens by the permission of Allah, the only One who benefits or harms.
Practising witchcraft is forbidden
The Prophet ﷺ listed sorcery among the "seven great destructive sins", right after associating partners with Allah (Sahih al-Bukhari 2766). Scholars explain that real sorcery usually involves seeking help from jinn or devils, which is where the seriousness comes from. This also covers learning, practising, paying for or requesting it.
How it differs from the modern idea of witches
- Wicca and neo-paganism: modern groups often present witchcraft as nature worship or self-help. In Islam, the rituals themselves (spells, calling spirits, worship of deities) conflict with tawhid.
- Fortune-telling, tarot and horoscopes: these are related ideas about unseen knowledge and are also discouraged.
- Fiction: books and films with wizards and witches are entertainment. Whether you may watch them depends on the content, but they are not the same as practising sorcery.
See Is tarot reading haram? and Can I still read my horoscope after becoming Muslim?
If you or your family practised it
If you were involved in witchcraft before becoming Muslim, Islam forgives what came before. Stop, throw away spell books and ritual items, and ask Allah for forgiveness. If you fear you have been targeted by magic, rely on Allah and use the recitations taught by the Prophet ﷺ. Do not go to practitioners for a cure, and if you are suffering mentally, see a doctor as well. See What is black magic in Islam? and Can jinn or black magic cause mental illness?
- Sorcery is real in Islam, but only works by Allah's permission.
- Practising it is among the seven great destructive sins.
- It is not seen as harmless fun or self-help.
- Past involvement is forgiven when you stop and repent.
People also ask
How do I protect my home from jinn and bad energy?
Protect your home from jinn and bad energy the sunnah way: say Bismillah, recite Ayat al-Kursi and Surah al-Baqarah, pray at home and keep it clean.
Read the full answer →How can I prepare for death as a Muslim?
Prepare for death as a Muslim by repenting, settling debts, writing a will, keeping up worship and living with the end in mind. Simple practical steps.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in soulmates?
It depends: Muslims do not believe in one fated soulmate, but marriage is a sign of Allah that brings comfort, mercy and love between spouses.
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No, Muslims do not believe in purgatory. Islam teaches the grave, the Day of Judgement, and for some believers a temporary punishment in hell.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in karma?
No, Muslims do not believe in karma as an automatic cosmic law. Deeds are judged by a just and merciful God, who also forgives.
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