Did Imam al-Razi promote MAGIC?
When it comes to al-Razi's book on magic (sihr) he clearly states in the intro and conclusion that it's meant to be an exposition. He is NOT promoting it. Detractors (among them is Ibn Taymiyya) claim that he DOES because he says:
من فوائد هذا العلم
i.e. "among the benefits of this science..."
This has been replied to many times by stating what I just said above. He was actually copying books on this topic VERBATIM. This becomes clear when he breaks the narrative at some point (see image attached):
"A word from author of the book [i.e. al-Razi himself]: This was an exposition of the various forms, based on what I found in one manuscript of this book that's attributed to al-Hindi. However, I also found another manuscript which opposes some of what's mentioned in this one [...]"
Some also dispute the authenticity of this book altogether. Nonetheless, it shouldn't be an issue.
Thing is, the book has a poor print. Decontextualized quotes are more beloved to the detractors.
When it comes to al-Razi's book on magic (sihr) he clearly states in the intro and conclusion that it's meant to be an exposition. He is NOT promoting it. Detractors (among them is Ibn Taymiyya) claim that he DOES because he says:
من فوائد هذا العلم
i.e. "among the benefits of this science..."
This has been replied to many times by stating what I just said above. He was actually copying books on this topic VERBATIM. This becomes clear when he breaks the narrative at some point (see image attached):
"A word from author of the book [i.e. al-Razi himself]: This was an exposition of the various forms, based on what I found in one manuscript of this book that's attributed to al-Hindi. However, I also found another manuscript which opposes some of what's mentioned in this one [...]"
Some also dispute the authenticity of this book altogether. Nonetheless, it shouldn't be an issue.
Thing is, the book has a poor print. Decontextualized quotes are more beloved to the detractors.