There is a difference of opinion regarding the prohibition of sleight of hand or magic. The following article gathers the Islamic rulings on magic and sleight of hand according to the opinions of religious scholars.
Definition of Sleight of Hand (Magic)
Sleight of hand refers to an entertaining act that is performed skillfully with very fast hand movements, causing deception and astonishment for the audience. In fact, the magician takes ordinary, common actions and makes them appear extraordinary and surprising through speed and dexterity, engaging the audience's mind and presenting them with something seemingly impossible. Therefore, sleight of hand involves the appearance of something through ordinary and common means, but due to the rapid execution, the audience perceives it as something that happened without any usual cause, leading to their amazement.
Difference Between Sleight of Hand and Magic
Based on this definition, what is created through sleight of hand is real, not imaginary, unlike magic, which many scholars consider to be purely imaginary. Some consider sleight of hand synonymous with magic, stating that sleight of hand impacts the imagination, with the magician manipulating a person's imagination to create various imaginary shapes or forms, which are then presented to the audience as real, although in reality, they are merely illusions.
According to this definition, sleight of hand is not the same as magic. The Islamic rulings on this subject are discussed in the context of trade.
Ruling on Sleight of Hand and Magic:
Ayatollah Imam, Ayatollah Fadhel, and Ayatollah Noori: Sleight of hand and magic are forbidden.
Ayatollah Safi: Sleight of hand is when the magician presents a non-reality as reality through quick movements, and this act is considered unlawful in Islam.
Ayatollah Khamenei: Sleight of hand is forbidden; however, performances involving quick movements and dexterity (if done for entertainment purposes and not involving deception) are allowed.
Ayatollah Tabrizi, Ayatollah Sistani, and Ayatollah Wahid: If sleight of hand involves something forbidden, such as harming a believer, it is prohibited.
Ayatollah Makarem: Performances for entertainment and fun, with no deceptive intent, are permissible. However, if the purpose is to deceive people, it is considered a form of magic and is forbidden.
Ayatollah Bahjat: All forms of sleight of hand are forbidden unless the act is lawful, not merely a pastime, and has a rational and legitimate purpose.
Ruling on Earning Through Sleight of Hand
Question: What is the ruling on using sleight of hand as a means of earning a living? Is it permissible to participate in an event or gathering where sleight of hand is performed?
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi's Answer: Games performed for entertainment and showcasing dexterity are permissible as long as they do not involve deception. However, if the purpose is to deceive people, it is considered a form of magic, and both earning through it and attending such an event would be forbidden.
Is income earned from sleight of hand permissible?
All scholars (except Tabrizi) state that the income earned from sleight of hand is considered lawful based on the nature of the act.
Ayatollah Tabrizi: The income from sleight of hand is considered as unlawful earnings, as it involves consuming property unjustly.
Learning, Teaching, and Watching Sleight of Hand
Learning and teaching sleight of hand that is related to magic is forbidden. However, games involving speed and dexterity that do not involve deception are permissible. (Ayatollah Khamenei)
Watching Sleight of Hand
Question: Is it permissible to attend a wedding where sleight of hand is performed? What is the ruling on watching it?
Ayatollah Imam, Ayatollah Fadhel, and Ayatollah Noori: Attending such gatherings (if they have a legitimate purpose) is not forbidden. However, if sleight of hand is performed in the middle of the gathering and it encourages sin, it is not permissible to watch, and one should leave.
Ayatollah Tabrizi, Ayatollah Sistani, and Ayatollah Wahid: Watching is permissible as long as it does not involve a forbidden outcome, such as harming a believer.
Ayatollah Bahjat, Ayatollah Khamenei, and Ayatollah Makarem: Attending such gatherings is permissible, but if sleight of hand of a forbidden nature is performed, it is not permissible to watch if it supports sin, and one should leave.
Ayatollah Safi: Attending such gatherings is permissible, but if sleight of hand is performed and it encourages sin, it is not permissible to watch, and one should leave.
