Is chemistry different from alchemy?

Q 1: I have read in some books that Al-Kimya' i.e. chemistry; is a type of magic. Is this right? I also heard about a book written by Ibn Al-Qayyim, entitled: (Part No. 1; Page No. 653) Butlan Al-Kimya' Min Arba`ina Wajhan. I wonder whether it is unlawful to conduct experiments at schools and universities to study the elements and materials since chemistry is said to be a type of magic. I have conducted some experiments at school and found no aspect of magic therein unlike the intervention of Jinn (creatures created from fire), use of talisman, etc. Please advice.

A: The science of chemistry taught to students at schools is totally different to the alchemy that is regarded as an unlawful practice by scholars. They consider alchemy a type of magic, warn people against, and cite religious evidence in support of its invalidity. They explained that it is a deceitful practice and falsehood used by some people claiming they can turn iron into gold and copper into silver to deceive people and take their money without any right. Chemistry taught at schools nowadays is the study of the analysis of materials and the elements composing them or changing elements into substances with different characteristics via interactions and equations. Chemistry is a real science and is different from alchemy which is all about deceit and falsehood. So chemistry is not a type of magic which the texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) prohibit and warn against.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

< 387

Testing the earth wi...