Who are Harut and Marut in Islam?
Harut and Marut are two angels mentioned once in the Quran, sent to Babylon as a test for people. They taught something of magic, but only after warning everyone, "We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve." The Quran uses their story to show that magic is harmful and that nothing harms anyone except by Allah's permission.
Where the Quran mentions them
Harut and Marut appear in one verse, Surah al-Baqarah 2:102. The verse first clears Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) of the claim that he practised sorcery: it was the devils who taught people magic. Then it mentions the two angels:
The verse goes on to say that people learned from them what separates a husband from his wife, that they could harm no one except by Allah's permission, and that they learned what harmed them and did not benefit them.
Why would angels teach magic?
Many classical scholars explain it as a test. Magic had spread in Babylon, and people were confusing it with miracles. The two angels made the difference clear and warned every learner beforehand. Whoever went ahead and used it chose disbelief with open eyes. So the angels were not encouraging sin; they were exposing it, the way a warning sign marks a cliff edge.
A minority of scholars read the word as malikayn ("two kings") or understood the verse differently, but the majority view is that they were two angels. For the wider ruling on sorcery, see What is black magic in Islam?
The "fallen angels" story
You may come across a popular story that Harut and Marut came down to earth, fell for a beautiful woman, drank wine and were punished by hanging in a well in Babylon. Many leading scholars, including Ibn Kathir, said this tale comes from older Israelite lore (Isra'iliyyat) and has no authentic chain back to the Prophet ﷺ. It also clashes with what the Quran says about angels: they "do not disobey Allah" (Quran 66:6). It's best not to repeat it as fact. Learn more about angels in Do Muslims believe in angels?
What this means for you today
- Magic is real in Islam, but it can't touch you without Allah's permission.
- Learning or practising sorcery is a grave sin; the verse ties it to disbelief.
- Protection comes from reciting Ayat al-Kursi, al-Falaq and an-Nas, not from charms or "spiritual healers" asking for money.
- If you feel anxious or unwell, see a doctor first. See Can jinn or black magic cause mental illness?
- Harut and Marut are named once in the Quran, in 2:102.
- Most scholars say they were two angels sent to Babylon as a test.
- They warned every learner first: "We are only a trial."
- The love-and-wine story is weak lore, not authentic Islam.
People also ask
Do jinn die?
Yes, jinn die. Like humans they have a set lifespan, and only Allah is ever-living. What the Quran and hadith say about jinn, death and the Hereafter.
Read the full answer →What is Surah Yasin about?
Surah Yasin is about the Prophet's message, Allah's signs in nature and life after death. A simple guide to its 83 verses and its four main parts.
Read the full answer →What does the Quran say about slavery?
The Quran limited slavery, urged freeing slaves and demanded kind treatment. Today scholars agree slavery and trafficking are haram.
Read the full answer →What does the Quran say about lying?
The Quran calls lying a serious sin and commands believers to be truthful. Learn the verses, the narrow exceptions and how to repent.
Read the full answer →What is Sidrat al-Muntaha?
Sidrat al-Muntaha is the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary in the highest heavens, reached by the Prophet on the Mi'raj (Quran 53:14). Learn more.
Read the full answer →