In the ancient city of Babylon, two angels named Harut and Marut descended to the earth, carrying with them a trial for humanity. They did not come with the intention to harm, but rather to test and teach discernment between good and evil. Allah had sent these angels with a specific purpose, as the Quran states:

They ˹instead˺ followed the magic promoted by the devils during the reign of Solomon. Never did Solomon disbelieve, rather the devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people, along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon. The two angels never taught anyone without saying, “We are only a test ˹for you˺, so do not abandon ˹your˺ faith.” Yet people learned ˹magic˺ that caused a rift ˹even˺ between husband and wife; although their magic could not harm anyone except by Allah’s Will. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them—although they already knew that whoever buys into magic would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they knew!2:102

Despite their divine mission, there was much debate and confusion surrounding the role and actions of Harut and Marut. Some scholars, like Al-Qurtubi, argued that nothing was sent down to these angels and referenced another verse to support this claim: "Sulayman did not disbelieve, but the Shayatin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels." The Jews of that era had propagated a belief that the angels Gabriel and Michael had brought magic to Harut and Marut. However, Allah refuted these claims, as conveyed by Ibn Abbas: "Allah did not send magic down to the two angels." The prevailing interpretation, especially among the Salaf, held that Harut and Marut were indeed angels who came down to earth and engaged in actions described in the Quran. To reconcile this with the belief that angels are immune from error, scholars posited that Allah had eternal knowledge of their deeds, much like He knew of Iblis' eventual rebellion. "And (remember) when We said to the angels: 'Prostrate yourselves before Adam.' And they prostrated except Iblis (Satan), he refused." However, Harut and Marut's transgressions were considered less severe than those of Iblis. The angels were clear in their mission: they served as a trial and warned against disbelief through magic. They would inform anyone who approached them seeking to learn magic: "We are only a test, so do not fall into disbelief." They had comprehensive knowledge of the consequences of magic, understanding it as a form of disbelief. Yet, when individuals persisted in their desire to learn, the angels directed them to specific places where they could encounter Satan, who would then teach them magic. Upon learning, these individuals would witness the light of faith leaving them, often experiencing deep regret and sorrow. "O my sorrow! Woe unto me! What should I do." Magic, especially that which caused separation between spouses, was among the most malicious of practices. Allah stated: "And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife." This phenomenon was echoed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who explained that Satan's most cherished act was causing discord between a husband and wife. "Satan erects his throne on water and sends his emissaries among the people. The closest person to him is the one who causes the most Fitnah. One of them would come to him and say, 'I kept inciting so-and-so until I separated between him and his wife.' Satan would draw him closer and embrace him, saying, 'Yes, you did well.'" Despite the potential harm of magic, it could only affect individuals by Allah's leave. The true harm of learning magic lay in its spiritual consequences, leading to disbelief and eternal loss. "And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter." The Jews who chose magic over following the Messenger knew the gravity of their choice and its repercussions. They had traded their faith for something fleeting and harmful. "And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their own selves, if they but knew." Ultimately, Allah reminded them of the greater reward that awaited those who believed and guarded themselves against evil: "And if they had believed and guarded themselves from evil and kept their duty to Allah, far better would have been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew."