Q: What is the ruling on sitting with warlocks and asking them to show some magic to people then commenting, replying to them, and explaining what is wrong with their actions? We only aim at informing people of the truth of warlocks and how to break their magic. May Allah reward you with the best.

A: It is not permissible to sit with warlocks and ask them to show some of their magic even if the intention is good such as condemning and refuting their magic and informing people of their reality and how to break their spell. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, (Part No. 1; Page No. 193)  Anyone who visits a diviner and asks him about anything, his Salahs (Prayers) will not be accepted for forty nights. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih) The word 'diviner' includes soothsayers, astrologers, and magicians. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, He is not of us who sees omens or has omens seen for him; soothsays or has the future foretold for him, practices magic or has magic performed for his sake. (Related by Al-Tabarany on the authority of `Imran ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) Al-Munawy said: Its chain of narration is good. Indeed, magic is one of the major forbidden acts which drive their doers away from Islam. The Messenger (peace be upon him) instructed people to avoid it. Therefore, it is not permissible to invite a warlock in the way that was mentioned because this will spread their falsehood and call for their corrupted actions. A sorcerer may camouflage, trick, and play with the minds to trick the weak-minded and ignorant, for they can not be convinced of the reply to him. The reply may not be strong enough to refute the magic works that may affect even those who undertake to challenge the magician. It is a must to denounce evil and anyone who knows a magician should warn the people against him and report him to the concerned authorities to take the necessary deterrent measures and protect people from their evil.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.