Story Of Prophet Sulaiman Or Solomon (AS) Part 1
Sulaiman AS was the son and heir of Daud AS both in prophethood and kingdom. He is one of the few reported Prophets who was wealthy (the others being his father, Daud AS and Ayoub AS).
And Sulaiman inherited David. He said, “O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty.” (Al Qur’an 27:16)
Many accounts of Sulaiman’s AS life are reported in the Hebrew traditions, however some of these reports have been fabricated and then further mixed up with fables and fokelore. When reading such accounts, one has to be critical. The rule of interpretation is that if the Jewish narratives address an issue that does not contradict Muslim values or reports, then we should neither accept nor deny them. If the Hebrew reports are in line with Muslim reports, then we can accept them (although in such cases, we should just rely on the Muslim reports). If the Jewish reports are in conflict with Muslim reports, then we are to reject the Jewish reports entirely.
For example, Prophets and Messengers are protected by Allah against committing sins. Any report claiming a Prophet or Messenger to be a sinner is to be rejected unconditionally. In the case of Sulaiman AS, some Jewish scriptures claim that Sulaiman AS dabbled in sorcery and black magic. These are huge sins which lead to shirk in Islam, and it is impossible that an appointed Messenger and Prophet of Allah can be involved in such blasphemous activities. Therefore such reports have no credibility and a Muslim should not believe in them.
For the benefit of reader, we are not going to discuss historical details, as many of these are subject to debate by the historians and experts. Our mission is to pass the message or wisdom contained in the story of Sulaiman’s AS life rather than the historical details. The reader is welcome to research the historical accounts deeper, and there are many sources where such information is available.
Sulaiman AS and His Kingdom
Sulaiman AS ruled over a magnificent kingdom, centred in Jerusalem. Not only was he the ruler of the people, but also of the birds and animals, jinn, clouds and even the wind. There has not been such a glorious and magnificent kingdom seen on earth before or since. He was also given the knowledge and science of other things, including the ability to understand the language of the animal kingdom. Yet, unlike ordinary men who are prone to corruption and greed when granted wealth or power, Sulaiman AS never forgot to be a grateful and obedient slave of Allah.
[We said], “Work, O family of Daud, in gratitude.” And few of My servants are grateful. (Al Qur’an 34:13)
And to David We gave Sulaiman. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]. (Al Qur’an 38:30)
Sulaiman AS was an attentive and just leader, and was beloved by the people. His Kingdom prospered, and its subjects were well taken care of. As we saw from the story of Daud AS, Sulaiman AS was also highly observant and intelligent from a young age. Nothing escaped his attention, and his army (including the jinn) continuously gathered intelligence and fed him with reports of goings on in his kingdom and other kingdoms.
However, despite his status and rank, Sulaiman AS was humble, just and compassionate, not just to the human race but to the most insignificant insect. In the story of The Ant of Sulaiman AS we saw how he diverted his entire army in order to avoid trampling an anthill.
The kingdom of Sulaiman AS loved him and was utterly obedient to his commands.
The Horses of Sulaiman AS
However, Prophets and Messengers are not immune from mistakes. One day, Sulaiman AS was presented with horses of magnificent breed. He loved horses, and was so absorbed with these steeds until sunset that he missed his evening prayer. He did not do this purposely: rather the love of these horses made him forget the remembrance of his Lord. This was a trial for him.
When he missed the evening prayer, he realized that he had made the mistake of allowing the horses to occupy his heart to such a high extent. He immediately repented, and decided to forsake his horses (some reports say that he slaughtered them) so that nothing would distract him from the love of Allah.
Sulaiman AS also made the following supplication:
He said, “My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed. (Al Qur’an 38:35 to 38:36)
Allah accepted his repentance. It is not known conclusively whether the above supplication was as a result of his distraction by the horses or cause by some other form of fitnah that he underwent. In any case, Allah rewarded him something more beautiful. Sulaiman AS loved the speed of the horses and was willing to give them up for the sake of Allah, so Allah SWT subjected the wind to his power, which blew to his order wherever he decided. Some reports speak of a platform or something similar which he sat on when he travelled in this fashion. This was a means of transportation faster than the horses that he gave up, where Allah permitted him to cover a month’s journey in a single morning, and its return journey in a single evening.
In addition, Allah made the jinn (shaitan) kingdom subject to his rule. Any jinn who disobeyed him was immediately punished by Allah by being burnt. The jinn therefore was terrified of him and worked in abject obedience and humiliation to serve him day and night. They performed various activities and jobs for him, from mining, to building magnificent structures, to diving in the ocean and collect its bounties from there. The jinn constructed whatever Sulaiman AS ordered, including arches, basins, large wells, cauldrons and many other amazing objects.
And to Sulaiman [We subjected] the wind – its morning [journey was that of] a month – and its afternoon [journey was that of] a month, and We made flow for him a spring of [liquid] copper. And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord. And whoever deviated among them from Our command – We will make him taste of the punishment of the Blaze. (Al Qur’an 34:12)
The army of Sulaiman AS was highly disciplined in observing their ranks. Imagine how intimidating the army looked when they gathered, from large beasts, ferocious predators, jinn and the clouds when marching in their perfect and orderly formation at his behest. No other army that was capable of standing against his mighty forces.
Sulaiman and the Queen of Sheba
One day, Sulaiman AS gathered his army. All the humans, beasts, jinn, clouds and wind attended. Despite such a large gathering, Sulaiman’s AS sharp eyes noticed that one bird was missing – a hoopoe (hud-hud). The hoopoe is a magnificent bird, with beautiful feathers and its distinguishing feature was the plumage on its head that resembled a crown. It was valuable for its ability to search for water sources while the army was out on expeditions.
And he took attendance of the birds and said, “Why do I not see the hoopoe – or is he among the absent? (Al Qur’an 27:20)
The hoopoe’s absence was unacceptable and the penalty for going missing in action without a cause was high. It required stern disciplinary action, as was customary in any army. Yet, being a just man, Sulaiman AS did not immediately pass sentence. Instead, he gave the hoopoe a chance to explain his absence, saying:
“I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization. ” (Al Qur’an 27:21)
The hoopoe soon returned to Sulaiman AS with an astonishing report. He said:
“I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news. Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.” (Al Qur’an 27:22 – 27:23).
The hoopoe was referring to the Queen of Sheba (now called Yemen) whose name was Balqis. She was of royal lineage, and reigned over a prosperous kingdom. Her magnificent throne was a symbol of her power. However, the hoopoe continued, they did not worship and prostrate to Allah, but rather:
I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided. (Al Qur’an 27:24)
It shocked pained the hoopoe that any people or community would be so spiritually lost and deny the worship of Allah. This was the most crucial description that the hoopoe had of her kingdom, rather than the fineries it contained.
Sulaiman AS wanted to verify whether the hoopoe was telling the truth or was spinning some fiction to save itself from punishment. Also, it would be unjust to take any action against Balqis without establishing the facts. He instructed the little bird to fly the entire distance to Sheba:
“We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars. Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return.” (Al Qur’an 27:27 – 27:28)
Lessons to be learnt
Trial by Wealth
Sulaiman AS was a devout slave to Allah, continuously grateful to his Lord for all the favours bestowed upon him. His life was filled with righteous deeds, and his justice and compassion illuminated his kingdom. Allah praised Sulaiman AS unreservedly in the Qur’an stating his penitent nature even though he had a magnificent kingdom never seen before or since. Compare him to other powerful leaders in history whose own kingdoms could not match Sulaiman’s AS: such as Pharaoh and Nimrod. In the case of such disbelievers, not only did their kingdoms make them tyrants and oppressors, but they became so power-crazy that they even claimed Godhood. Sulaiman AS, however, remained humble to his Lord.
This should be a time for self reflection, because often, human beings, once given a slice of dunia, be it wealth or authority, become exceedingly arrogant over others and with Allah. This is a repeated pattern of human behaviour which we can readily witness in society, amongst our leaders and the affluent. Sulaiman’s AS life demonstrates the self awareness that all forms of wealth and power originate from Allah, and therefore should be attributed to Him by way of constant thanks, gratitude and humility.
Just Leadership
A fundamental principle of leadership espoused in Islam is justice and compassion. While Sulaiman AS had an entire army composed of man, beast and the elements at his disposal, he used his army to spread justice. He was also mindful of all his subjects, and did not overlook the weaker ones under his rule. His leadership was underpinned by fairness and justice, which is what attracted his subjects to be loyal to him.
Compare that against today’s leader, where the militia is utilised to oppress the people and spread tyranny and fear, and where the needs of the powerful are taken care of at the expense of the rights of the weak and needy.
Loving others above Allah
This world and what it contains is a constant trial for us, and many of what is contained in this world supplies us with enjoyment and entertainment which distracts us from our main purpose of our creation, which is to worship Allah. The story of Sulaiman AS shows how even prophets can be diverted, but this is not an endorsement of such actions. When Sulaiman AS was so preoccupied by his horses that it made him forget his duty to worship Allah, he not only ceased such behaviour, but also got rid of the source of distraction, thus eliminating the things that occupied his heart above the remembrance of Allah.
All the things of amusement given to us in our lives, if not put in its correct priority, will deviate us from our purpose in life. It can be material possessions – fast cars, for example, a hobby that occupies too much of our time or attention, or even our own children if we are too engrossed in serving and worshipping them that it becomes an obsession rather than a duty of parenthood. The Qur’an repeatedly warns us that this dunia is just a temporary decoration, and that we should not revolve our thinking, love and goals in life around it.
The Queen of Sheba
The hoopoe did as commanded, carried the letter (and in some reports, together with a copy of religious scriptures) and dropped it close by to Balqis. Then, as instructed, he observed her secretly from a distance. The letter was very short and to the point, containing an invitation to the way of Allah. Balqis read the letter and decided to seek counsel of the royal advisors on the best course of action.
She said, “O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter. Indeed, it is from Sulaiman, and indeed, it reads: ‘Bismillah al rahman al raheem’ (In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful), Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].’ ” (Al Qur’an 27:29 – 27:31)
She did not want to take any action without analyzing the consequences. Her counsel advised her that they had the strength and the ability for war, and it was her prerogative whether she wanted to press on with warfare. Balqis considered their advice and said:
“Indeed kings – when they enter a city, they ruin it and render the honored of its people humbled.” (Al Qur’an 27:34).
She realized that if her forces were overpowered at war, she would lose her status and be the lowest of the subjects. Therefore a more conservative and diplomatic tactic was required. She decided to send her emissaries to Sulaiman AS, to bear gifts to him in order to establish a friendship and also as a bribe for him not to attack them.
Her emissaries travelled to the kingdom of Sulaiman AS, laden with magnificent gifts from Sheba. To their surprise, Sulaiman’s AS kingdom was so resplendent, exceeding all their expectations and in fact making their own presents look cheap in comparison.
Sulaiman AS was unimpressed, not only because as a Prophet it was beneath his station to accept bribes and be dazzled by the material wealth, but also:
“Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.” (Al Qur’an 27:36)
He then issued an ultimatum to the emissaries: “Return to them, for we will surely come to them with soldiers that they will be powerless to encounter, and we will surely expel them therefrom in humiliation, and they will be debased.” (Al Qur’an 27:37)
When the emissaries returned to their Queen, they realized that given the size and force of Sulaiman’s AS army, their only option was to surrender. Together, they travelled back with Balqis to Jerusalem to meet Sulaiman AS.
In fact, Sulaiman AS was averse to using violence or force to spread the word of Allah. Submission to Allah should be from the heart, not by bloodshed or fear. Upon hearing that Balqis and her entourage were on their way, he devised a strategy to impress Balqis and give her a glimpse of Allah’s might.
He knew that her throne was a symbol of her kingdom’s status, so decided that he would use her throne as a tool of displaying the power of Allah to her.
[Sulaiman] said, “O assembly [of jinn], which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?” A powerful one from among the jinn said, “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.” Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, “I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.” (Al Qur’an 27:38 to 27:40)
The distance between Jerusalem and Sheba is at least 2,000 km. When Sulaiman AS saw her throne placed before him in the blink of an eye, he was reminded of his Lord’s greatness, and turned to Him in gratitude, saying:
“This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.” (Al Qur’an 27:40)
He then instructed them to disguise her throne and alter some of its characteristics, to see if she would be guided to recognize it or not. When Balqis arrived, he asked her whether she had a throne like that. She was disconcerted – the throne resembled hers, yet some of the features were different. Could it be the same one?
[Sulaiman said], “And we were given knowledge before her, and we have been Muslims [in submission to Allah]. And that which she was worshipping other than Allah had averted her [from submission to Him]. Indeed, she was from a disbelieving people.” (Al Qur’an 27:42- 27:43)
Sulaiman AS then ordered the construction of a grand palace built of glass or crystal. According to some reports, the passages inside the palace had water streams, containing fish and other underwater creatures, covered with glass. The palace looked like an aquarium from all sides, including the floor.
Story Of Prophet Sulaiman (AS) Part 2
Sulaiman was waiting inside, and invited her to enter. She mistakenly thought that she was going to wade through water, so she lifted her hem, uncovering her legs. At this juncture (and according to some reports, to protect her modesty so that she did not expose her legs to him), Sulaiman AS told her that:
“Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass.” (Al Qur’an 27:44)
At this point, Balqis could no longer deny the magnificence of Allah and the powers that He can grant to a believer. She realized that she and her people had been on the wrong path. Entirely persuaded by what she saw and experienced, she surrendered to Allah.
She said, “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Sulaiman to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Al Qur’an 27:44)
Since she was such a respected figure amongst her subjects, once she submitted to Allah, all of subjects followed suit. Therefore, her whole nation accepted Islam and without any need for bloodshed.
The whole chain of events was triggered by a small bird whose tiny heart ached when it saw a disbelieving nation. One humble bird managed to lead an entire nation to Islam.
Some reports claim that Sulaiman AS married Balqis, although there is no confirmation of this from Muslim reports.
LESSONS TO BE LEARNT
The Heart of A Hoopoe
All the creation of Allah, whether living or inanimate, are in constant worship of Allah. It is only mankind that jinn, creations of Allah that were granted the faculty of choice, that deviates and disobeys. In the story of the hoopoe, a simple bird was shocked that a nation could worship other than Allah. It hurt him so greatly that he reported this matter to Sulaiman AS and then was instrumental in Sulaiman’s AS efforts to invite an entire nation to embrace Islam. As we shall see in the second part of this series, his efforts succeeded, and an action of a single bird cause Balqis and her subjects to worship Allah.
This was a little bird, with limited abilities and mental faculties, yet it was the sincerity of his heart that not only changed a nation, but made him so beloved to Allah that he is mentioned in the Qur’an for all of mankind to learn from until the end of time. What about us, and how much do our heart ache when we see people having been diverted from the path of Allah, and if so, what are we doing about it?
The Humility of a Queen
When Balqis received the letter from the hoopoe, just as any great and wise leader would do, she sought consultation from her advisors to decide on the best course of action. As a ruler, she had the prerogative to decide the affairs of state, but had the humility to seek the advise from those expert in her field before making a decision. This is a mark of any good leader, for such crucial decisions are not ones to be made on personal inclination or emotion, but rather the overall good of its people and after seeking counsel.
Balqis took the diplomatic route in the first instance instead of subjecting her nation to war. When it was clear that any attempts to persuade Sulaiman AS through financial or material means would fail, she realised that her army not could withstand the force of Sulaiman’s (AS) army and that the best option was to surrender.
Her prevailing sense of justice and humility made her quick to recognise Allah’s signs. She was intelligent enough to realise that the transportation of her throne and the structure of the glass palace could not have been man-made and must have come from a higher force. Unlike other great leaders, she was not arrogant, but instead submitted to the signs of Allah without delay. This is a reminder for us, who, despite not having her kind of status, are too arrogant to recognise the signs of Allah and instead demand for more and more proof.
As for Sulaiman AS, his aim was not to subject the kingdom of Sheba towards destruction or oppression, but rather to lead them towards Islam. Even though his forces could have conquered her nation in an instant, he did not choose that option, but instead, practised restraint and appealed to her wisdom and knowledge to achieve his objective. This is the true essence of da’wah which is done through persuasion rather than force.
Story Of Prophet Sulaiman (AS) Part 3
Sulaiman AS and Bait-ul Maqdis
The Temple of Sulaiman is so legendary that it has found its way into folklore and even many movies. What made the temple significant is all the effort to build it by man and jinn, leading to a magnificent structure.
We are not given any conclusive reports of when the original foundations of the temple (located in Jerusalem) were laid, but it is understood that during his rule, Sulaiman AS expanded this temple. According to some reports, the temple houses the Ark of The Covenant, including the remnants of scrolls and other magnificent belongings of Musa AS and Harun AS, but we do not know the details of these, as this lies in the realms of Allah’s knowledge alone.
According to Hadith, when Sulaiman AS completed the expansion of the temple he asked Allah for three favours, of which he was granted two. He asked for judgment which will correspond with the judgment of Allah, and Allah accepted his prayer in this respect.
He also asked for a kingdom which nobody would be given after him, and this prayer was also accepted. This includes the first constitution between man and jinn in the time of Sulaiman and revived in the time of Rasulullah SAW for us. For example, there is a Hadith which reports: “Two malicious jinn came to me last night to disturb me in my prayer. But Allah made me capture them, so I let go of them, and then I wanted to fasten them with one of the pillars of the mosque so that you may see them in the morning. But then I remember the prayer of my brother Sulaiman and let him go. ” (Bukhari)
In the same Hadith, it is reported that Sulaiman AS also asked Allah that anyone who left his home only for the purpose of prayer in this masjid, that all his sins be forgiven to become like the day he was born. This prayer was not granted to Sulaiman AS, and we hope that this one will be granted to Rasulullah SAW and his followers, ameen.
In relation to the Temple of Sulaiman, the original structure, along with its contents, have disappeared in the mists of time. In its vicinity now stand Masjid Al Aqsa.
The site of Masjid al Aqsa is an effective barometer to gauge the strength or weakness of the Muslim ummah. When the ummah was pure and united, and obeyed the commandments of Allah, the guardianship of Masjid Al Aqsa by the Muslims was absolute. When the Muslim ummah has become weak, corrupted, and embroiled in oppression, selfishness, arrogance and disbelief, the hold of the Muslims over Masjid Al Aqsa weakened, which is the very condition that we are witnessing today. May Allah save us and prevent Baitul Maqdis fall into the wrong hands, ameen.
Harut and Marut
During the rule of Sulaiman AS sorcery was widespread (similar to the time of Pharaoh). As a trial from Allah, two angels, Harut and Marut, were sent to ancient Babylon to teach the people about sorcery. We know somehow this was the beginning of the knowledge of sorcery to be a fitnah to mankind and causing evil, shirk and kufr.
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. And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Sulaiman … But the two angels 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 Qur’an 2:102)
Harut and Marut warned the people that they had been sent down as a trial and that the people were not to learn (or use) the knowledge, as this would tantamount to disbelief. They were warned that this kind of knowledge would make them lose their share in the Hereafter and doom them to eternal jahannam. This warning was ignored, and wicked people started applying the magic for evil purposes such as to cause separation between man and wife and other spiteful aims. They also began distributing this malicious knowledge to others, and those who copied or acted upon this knowledge increased.
Sorcery is entirely forbidden in Islam, and there is no such thing as “white magic” or good sorcery. Anyone dabbling with it, regardless of whether it is for a malicious intention or to protect oneself from it, is practicing blasphemy.
Some of the reports said Sulaiman AS then collected all the literature on sorcery, and buried them under his throne so that no one could access them. Shortly after that, he passed away, and the disbelieving jinn (shaitan), liberated and no longer under his servitude, led the people to the hidden scrolls. The corrupted men and jinn also manipulated the scrolls, adding blasphemous information and writing that “this is what Sulaiman used to apply and act upon” and spread falsehood in the name of Sulaiman AS.
The ignorant and wicked among Bani Israel believed that the scrolls contained hidden scriptures, and some followed this evil knowledge. Others of Bani Israel claimed that Sulaiman AS was a disbeliever and continued to slander him with this accusation for hundreds of generations until Muhammad (SAW) was sent with the following verse which exonerated Sulaiman AS fully:
And they followed [instead] what the devils [shayateen] had recited during the reign of Sulaiman. It was not Sulaiman who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. (Al Qur’an 2:102)
Therefore, in the light of the above verse, any accusation that Sulaiman AS practiced the dark arts or colluded with the devil is not only wrong, but is also blasphemous. Remnants of this dark knowledge, which includes inciting hatred and fortune telling, are still practiced in various parts of the world today.
The Death of Sulaiman AS
We have mentioned Sulaiman’s AS dominance over the kingdom of jinn and the jinn felt resentful and humiliated to be treated this way.
There was a widespread belief that the jinn had knowledge of the unseen. In actual fact, only Allah has the knowledge of the unseen. We know from Hadith that the jinn eavesdrop on the angels, gathering snippets of information from them, and then mixing it with a hundred lies.
Sulaiman’s AS death was a unique one. Because he was often in a state of deep worship, he was frequently immobile for long periods of time. On one such occasion, he passed away, but remained standing (or was supported) by his staff. His body did not decompose, so it appeared to everyone as if he was still alive although he was as still as a statue. During this time, the jinn, afraid of being punished, continued to work diligently for him. All this time, they could see his body clearly, and did not realize that he was actually dead.
Time passed. A creature of the earth (probably a termite or a woodworm) started gnawing at his staff, and according to some reports, this continued for a year until. Eventually, staff broke and the body of Sulaiman AS collapsed with it. Only then did the jinn realize that Sulaiman AS had been dead for some time!
And when We decreed for Sulaiman death, nothing indicated to the jinn his death except a creature of the earth eating his staff. But when he fell, it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating punishment. (Al Qur’an 34:14)
This being the case, it is clear that the jinn do not even have the ability to comprehend what they can see clearly with their own eyes, much less claim to have any knowledge of the unseen!
Reports vary over how long Sulaiman AS ruled over his kingdom, but according to some is that he ruled for 20 years and that he passed away at the age of 50. No other kingdom was comparable to his, and the kingdom disintegrated one or two generations later.
The Strength of The Ummah
The site of Masjid al Aqsa is an effective barometer to gauge the strength of weakness of the Muslim ummah. When the ummah was pure and united, and obeyed the commandments of Allah, the guardianship of Masjid Al Aqsa by the Muslims was absolute. When the Muslims ummah has become weak, corrupted, and embroiled in oppression, selfishness, arrogance and disbelief, the hold of the Muslims over Masjid Al Aqsa weakened. This is the very condition that we are witnessing today. May Allah save us and prevent Baitul Maqdis form falling into the wrong hands, ameen.
Prohibition against Sihr (Magic or Sorcery)
Practicing sihr is something that is unconditionally prohibited in Islam. It is categorized as shirk (association with Allah), which is the single sin that Allah will never forgive if one dies in that state. Once we seek the help of jinn and shayateen, even for well intentioned reasons, we have fallen into a state of shirk, because we are relying on other than Allah and also colluding with the devil in order to achieve a result. There are many types of sorcery which people practise and some for seemingly good reasons: financial, relationship, matrimonial, personal security and even wellbeing.
The incident of Harut and Marut was a trial for the people at the time, and the original prohibition against practicing such dark arts still apply to us today. A large proportion of people, including Muslims, still practice sihr – and not only harm themselves, but also others in the process. The results are always corrupted, and even if in terms of dunia, the goal is achieved, the price to be paid in akhirah applies for all eternity, and is simply not worth it. If you indulge in any form of sihr, whether directly, through talismans, charms, or through a third party, please stop immediately and make taubah (repentance) before it is too late, because the consequences are eternal.
Knowledge of the Unseen
The death of Sulaiman AS conclusively proved that the jinn do not have knowledge of the unseen. At best, they have snippets of information, which is then jumbled up with lies and fabrication. This incomplete knowledge is then passed on to human beings, from fortune tellers to those practicing sorcery, and on the face of it looks authentic but in reality have more falsehood and truth.
Only Allah has the knowledge of the unseen, including knowledge of things yet to be discovered by us, knowledge of the future and knowledge of all sciences. No one else, whether human, jinn or angel has such comprehensive knowledge.
Original source: Muslim Footsteps
