All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
First: Magic is real and has effects
Magic is established in Islam, as Allah Almighty says:
“...and they learned from them that by which they could cause separation between a man and his wife. But they could not harm anyone through it except by Allah's permission.” [Al-Baqarah: 102]
Ahl al-Sunnah and the majority of scholars have affirmed that magic is real. Imam Al-Maziri explained that the Quran establishes the learning of magic and mentions some of its effects, demonstrating that it is a reality and not merely illusions.
Ibn Qudamah, may Allah have mercy on him, stated that magic may affect a person's body, heart, or mind. It may cause illness or death, separate spouses, or create affection between two people.
Second: Can sorcerers subjugate and control the jinn?
The jinn were not granted complete subjugation to any human being except Prophet Sulayman (Solomon), peace be upon him. Allah specifically granted him this magnificent kingdom.
Allah quotes Sulayman as saying:
“My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom that will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” [Sad: 35]
Then Allah says:
“So We subjected the wind to him, blowing gently by his command wherever he directed, and the devils—every builder and diver—and others bound together in shackles.” [Sad: 36–38]
As for the relationship between sorcerers and the jinn, it is not one of absolute control. Rather, it is generally based on cooperation and the exchange of interests. The sorcerer offers the jinn the forbidden acts they demand, which may even involve disbelief and shirk, in return for their assistance in certain matters.
Third: Why don't sorcerers control the world if they possess this ability?
Because the power of the jinn is not unlimited, and it does not mean that they can control the universe or dominate all human beings.
The ability of the jinn to do certain things does not mean that they can manage the affairs of the world or control rulers and wealth as they wish.
Allah Almighty says:
“But they could not harm anyone through it except by Allah's permission.” [Al-Baqarah: 102]
And He says:
“And they cannot harm anyone except by Allah's permission.” [Al-Mujadilah: 10]
Everything that occurs through the influence of magic or the jinn remains within the will and decree of Allah.
Fourth: Remembering Allah protects a person from the influence of Satan
One of the proofs that Satan's power is limited is that the Prophet ﷺ guided us to supplications and actions that serve as means of protection from his harm.
He ﷺ said:
“Cover the vessels, tie up the water-skins, close the doors, and extinguish the lamps...” Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, explained that these etiquettes are means of protection from Satan's harm, and that Satan cannot uncover a vessel, untie a water-skin, or open a door when these protective measures are observed, by Allah's permission.
Conclusion:
Magic is real and has effects, but it only occurs by Allah's permission.
The complete subjugation of the jinn was a unique privilege granted to Sulayman, peace be upon him.
The dealings between sorcerers and the jinn are based on cooperation and mutual interests, not absolute control.
The power of the jinn is limited; they cannot control the universe or rule the world.
Remembering Allah and obeying Him are among the greatest means of protection from Satan.
Allah Almighty is the One who governs all the affairs of the universe. Whatever He wills comes to pass, and whatever He does not will cannot occur.
And Allah knows best.