When is a game that includes the word "magic" (سحر) forbidden, and is the prohibited magic meant to be the magic practiced by sorcerers, or merely the presence of the word, even if its intent is fantasy?
Merely writing the word "magic" or naming the game with it does not make it unlawful. The term "magic" is used metaphorically for anything subtle or intricate in its origin, or anything strange and astonishing. From this comes the Hadith: "Indeed, there is magic in eloquence." This is a praise for eloquent speech that is not used to uphold falsehood or invalidate truth. The consideration is not the naming, but rather the reality of what the player does. If the game consists merely of safe athletic movements, then it is permissible. However, if it involves real magic, sorcery, or tricks resembling magic, then this is unlawful, and the doer is to be punished.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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