The Concept of Magic in Abrahamic Religions: A Comparative Theological Analysis

Abstract

Magic has remained one of the most contested theological concepts within the Abrahamic religious tradition, reflecting fundamental questions concerning divine sovereignty, revelation, supernatural agency, and human interaction with the unseen. Although Judaism, Christianity, and Islam unanimously prohibit magical practices, their theological interpretations differ in conceptual formulation, doctrinal emphasis, and legal application. This study comparatively examines the concept of magic within the three Abrahamic religions through a qualitative research design employing comparative theological and textual analysis. Drawing upon the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, the Holy Qur'ān, classical exegetical works, theological literature, and contemporary academic scholarship, the study analyzes the conceptual definitions, scriptural foundations, theological principles, ontological status, ethical implications, and distinctions between magic and divinely sanctioned supernatural phenomena. The findings reveal that all three traditions regard magic as an unauthorized attempt to obtain or manipulate supernatural power independently of divine revelation, while affirming that ultimate authority over the unseen belongs exclusively to God. The study further demonstrates that Islam develops the most comprehensive theological framework by systematically distinguishing siḥr from prophetic miracles, saintly wonders, and other extraordinary phenomena without compromising the doctrine of divine unity. By proposing a thematic comparative framework, this article contributes to contemporary comparative theology and Abrahamic religious studies, providing a more integrated understanding of one of the most enduring theological concepts shared among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.