Consequently they attached themselves solely to the material...

Consequently they attached themselves solely to the material world and continued to worship their desires. In this way they committed gross injustice upon themselves and deprived themselves from eternal bounties. They also made themselves liable for a terrible punishment. Such traditions are unacceptable according to their wordings and if they are reported to have been uttered by the infallibles they should be understood in the light of their sayings only.

The honourable scholar Shaykh Sadūq says that Zahra and Suhail are two types of marine animals who are referred to in traditions by the name of Harut and Marut. They are not two stars as the Ahle-Sunnat believe. Moreover, the Qur’anic ayat mentioned above is clear that magic is equivalent to disbelief and the sorcerer will not receive any benefit on the Day of Qiyāma.

As the Holy Qur’an says, “And if they had believed and guarded themselves (against evil), reward from Allah would certainly have been better; had they but known (this).” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:103) The Holy Prophet (S) says, “Three kinds of people will not enter Paradise, habitual alcoholics, habitual sorcerers and those who severe relationships.”[^1] Amir ul-Mu’minīn ‘Ali (a.s.) says, “The magician will enter hell like the disbeliever.”[^2] Imam (a.s.) also says, “If one learns magic, whether a little bit or more, he has become an infidel.

And his end result is that he does not receive Divine Mercy. His punishment is that he be killed except if he repents.”[^3] Amir ul-Mu’minīn ‘Ali (a.s.) says that a woman came to the Holy Prophet (S) and said, “My husband is very severe and misbehaves with me, so I have prepared something for him that he may become kind to me.” (i.e. I have prepared a magical potion to change his attitude). The Holy Prophet (S) said, “Curse be upon you!

You have darkened the realms of the seas and the lands, the angels of the earth and the heavens curse you.” After going from there the woman began to fast during the days and pray during the night and she trimmed her hair and started wearing a leather garment. When the Holy Prophet (S) learnt of this he remarked that her fasting and prayers would not be accepted.[^4] Muhaddith Faid mentions this hadith and comment that these actions will not save her from death penalty.

Sorcery is such a severe crime that her repentance and worship will not bring her near Allah (S.w.T.). She has done an injustice to her husband and unless he forgives her, she cannot be forgiven.