Magic: real, imagined, or misunderstood? | Dr Rebecca Masterton | RAYHAN

Is magic real? Can it harm us? And how can we distinguish supernatural influences from psychological or medical explanations? In the first episode of RAYHAN Conversations, Dr Sayyed Rehan Naqvi welcomes Shia scholar and author Dr Rebecca Masterton for an in-depth discussion about magic (sihr), its place in Islamic thought, and the questions surrounding its reality and influence. The conversation explores what the Qur'an tells us about magic, the experiences that lead people to believe they have been affected by it, and the difficulties of distinguishing supernatural explanations from psychological, medical, and other causes. They also examine why magic is sometimes blamed for illness, marriage difficulties, and family problems, and whether fear, suggestion, and personal beliefs can influence how such experiences are understood. Drawing on the Qur'anic account of Prophet Musa (as) and the magicians, the discussion considers the limits of magic, whether prophets and the Ma'sumin (as) can be affected, and how believers can respond to suspected magic without falling into superstition or exploitation. About RAYHAN RAYHAN is a conversation series hosted by Dr Sayyed Rehan Naqvi, bringing together guests from different backgrounds to explore faith, ideas, and society through thoughtful, respectful, and sometimes challenging discussions. Join the conversation! Subscribe for new RAYHAN Conversations exploring religion, science, philosophy, culture, and contemporary society. Share this episode with someone interested in the relationship between faith, reason, and the supernatural. Thoughtful and respectful discussion in the comments is welcome. #magic #sihr #islam #jadoo #exorcism #jadu #jadugar #quran #shia #ahlulbayt #imamali #prophetmuhammad #supernatural Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Is magic real or misunderstood? 03:58 What is magic? Definitions and rituals 09:44 Dr Rebecca Masterton's personal experience with magic 13:10 Are we too quick to blame magic for our problems? 16:52 Fake spiritual healers and the exploitation of believers 22:32 Magic in the Qur'an: Harut and Marut 25:30 Can magic destroy a marriage? 27:45 Psychological manipulation, superstition, and critical thinking 33:24 Why does Allah allow magic and evil? 39:07 Can magic affect prophets and the Infallibles? 43:40 Prophet Musa (as), illusion, and hypnosis 48:34 Protecting ourselves through faith and spiritual strength 50:48 Moon in Scorpio: Islamic teaching or superstition? 56:03 Final advice from Dr Rebecca Masterton