Islamicate Occultsim
As-salamu alaykum
Muslim magic isn’t exactly the right phrase to use here. While many practitioners would be definitely view these practices as modern magick, sihr is technically a no go. That is to say that these two paradigms are working under different definitions. In my definition, magick is the flow of energy around us to enact will. There is nothing about this definition that is inherently shirk. It’s all about how you practice and what you believe that separates you from the religion.
It would be easier to use the word occultism or esotericism when researching.
I will not be sharing my own practice today, as I am not religiously but culturally Muslim. I’m not a “Good Muslim” by any means, and it is my path to decide how I go about my beliefs. Instead, I’ll be sharing my research and key terms I’ve found so you can make your own judgements. As an American placed outside of the culture with maybe two muslim friends, it’s been incredibly hard finding research. Every google search will make you feel shame for your practice being a sin. Magick is all around you in your community, you just have to look with magickal eyes. Any protection you seek from Allah (swt) is magick, is esoteric, is occult.
In the medieval era, esotericism and science were tied together. It was simply understanding the world through Allah (swt). This is a great place to start your research!
If you want to get closer to the Source, look into Sufism. Hermeticism overlaps with Islam. Astrology is alive and well, and has a basis in historic practice. Alchemy is still of use to people as a spiritual practice. These practices are real, and you are not haram.
Need an overall deepdive? Read the works of Dr Liana Saif. Read the Ghayat Al Hakim (Picatrix). For hands on work, read the Shams Al Ma’arif (Sun of Gnosis), which was partially translated in English not too long ago. Every time you are told to read a surat for specific things, that's magick.
Every day, we get more information as to what the old practices look like. You are not alone.
