The Ruling on Visual Illusions and Illusory Magic

Question:
This questioner says: Do the visual tricks that some people perform, which are of the nature of illusion without using or seeking the aid of jinn, count as sorcery that entails disbelief?

Answer:
You know that sorcery is of the imaginary kind, which people call the "moon" (al-Qamar); this is a type of sorcery. The ruling covers both the imaginary and the real kinds; all of it is disbelief (kufr), and it is not permissible. One must stay away from it, because the imaginary kind leads to the real kind and promotes sorcery. It is obligatory to stay away from this and to prevent it. Therefore, it is obligatory to prevent those who come to the resorts bringing these performers, whom they call "sark" (magicians); this is sorcery, imaginary sorcery. It must be prevented, and these people should not be brought in, as they mock the Muslims and cause fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) among the Muslims.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,