Some scholars say that magic is real and has an effect, while others say it is mere illusion. Which is the predominant opinion?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The correct opinion is that the majority of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa‘ah (the Sunni mainstream) say that magic is a reality. This opinion was stated by scholars such as Ibn Qudaamah, Al-Qaraafi, Ibn Muflih, Ibn Al-Humaam, Zakariyya Al-Ansaari, the prominent scholar Ibn Al-Qaasim Al-‘Abaadi, Al-Buhooti and many others all.

In contrast, the Mu‘tazilah (a deviant sect) and even some scholars of Ahus-Sunnah wa'l Jamaa‘ah believe that magic is not real. However, this opinion has been rejected and refuted.

Allaah Knows best.