Historically, Ilm al-Huruf was not considered "magic" (sihr) by mainstream Sufis like Ibn 'Arabi, but rather a higher form of divine knowledge —a tool to witness the reflection of God’s logos (the Qalam or Pen) in the physical world.
Haykal - Writings of the Bāb - Hurqalya Publications - UC Merced ilm al-huruf pdf
: Written by Ahmad al-Buni, this is the most famous (and controversial) manual on the subject. It covers the construction of magic squares (wafq) and the secrets of the Divine Names. The Meccan Revelations (Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya) Historically, Ilm al-Huruf was not considered "magic" (sihr)