Meaning of sihr

 Sihr: A serious crime

Sihr is a serious crime and is one of the kinds of disbelief. It is one of the things with which people have been tested, in the past and currently, among the nations of the past, during the Jahiliyyah and in this ummah.

The more ignorance increases, the less there is knowledge and awareness of faith, the less attention the authorities pay to this matter – the more the practitioners of sihr and trickery increase and spread in the land, to take the people’s wealth and confuse them and do other things.

When knowledge prevails and faith increases, and the Islamic authorities are powerful, the number of these evil people shrinks and they move from one land to another, seeking a place where their falsehood will be accepted and they will be able to engage in their trickery and corruption.

The Quran and Sunnah have described the kinds of sihr and the rulings on these matters.

Sihr is so called because its means are hidden or secret, and because the practitioners of sihr deal with things in secret which enable them to perform illusions to confuse the people and deceive their eyes, and to cause them harm or steal their money, etc., in a secretive manner so that in most cases nobody realizes what is happening.

Hence the last part of the night is called sahar, because at the end of the night people are unaware and they do not move about much. And the lungs are also called sahr, because they are hidden inside the body.

Meaning of sihr

According to Sharie’ah, the meaning of sihr is what the magicians do to delude and confuse people, so that the one who is watching thinks that it is real when in fact it is not. As Allah said concerning the magicians of Pharaoh (interpretation of the meaning):

“They said: ‘O Musa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?’ Musa said: ‘Nay, throw you (first)!’ Then behold! their ropes and their sticks, by their magic , appeared to him as though they moved fast. So Musa conceived fear in himself. We (Allah) said: ‘Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, to whatever amount (of skill) he may attain.’” [Ta-Ha 20:65-69]

Sihr may involve things that the magician does when tying knots on which he blows, as is referred to in the Quran (interpretation of the meaning):

“And from the evil of those who practise witchcraft when they blow in the knots.” [al-Falaq 113:4]

And it may involve other things which they manage to do through the shayatin (devils), so they do things that may affect a man's reason or make him sick; they may cause division between a man and his wife, resulting in her looking ugly to him, or by making her hate her husband or be put off by him. This is blatant kufr as the Quran states. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They followed what the Shayatin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulayman (Solomon). Sulayman did not disbelieve, but the Shayatin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic.” [al-Baqarah 2:102]

 Allah informs us that they (the shayatin) committed kufr by teaching men magic. Then He says (interpretation of the meaning):

 “and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Harut and Marut, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, ‘We are for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).’”[al-Baqarah 2:102]

 Then Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

 “And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah’s Leave” [al-Baqarah 2:102]

I.e., this magic and any harm that results from it is subject to the prior decree and will of Allah, for our Lord cannot be overwhelmed and nothing can happen in His Dominion against His Will. Nothing happens in this world or in the Hereafter except by His prior decree and His great wisdom, as He wills. So some people may be tested by sihr, and others may be tested by sickness, or by being killed…etc.  Allah is All-Wise in all that He wills and decrees, and in all that He prescribes for His slaves. Hence Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah’s Leave.” [al-Baqarah 2:102]

I.e., by His universal (kawni) will and decree, not by His legislative (shar’i) will [i.e., He wills that it should happen but He does not enjoin it and He is not pleased by such actions]. For shari’ah does not allow such things, indeed it forbids them, but by His universal leave He already knows and has already decreed that So and So will do sihr, and that So and So will be affected by sihr, just as He already knows and has already decreed that So and So will be killed, or afflicted with a certain sickness, or will die in a certain land, and will receive such and such provision, or will be rich or poor. All of that happens by the will and decree of Allah, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainments of all things before their creation as written in the Book of Decrees, Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz.") [al-Qamar 54:49]

 “No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.” [al-Hadid 57:22]

 The evils that come at the hands of the magicians or others do not happen because our Lord is ignorant, for He knows all things and nothing at all is hidden from Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything.” [al-Anfal 8:75]

“that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allâh surrounds all things in (His) Knowledge.” [al-Talaq 65:12]

So Allah knows all things, and nothing happens in His Dominion that He does not will, but He has perfect wisdom and good aims in whatever He decrees should happen to people of honour or humiliation, losing or gaining power, sickness or health, magic and other things.

Everything that happens to people happens by the will of Allah and in accordance with His prior decree. These magicians may perform their illusions, as stated in the verse quoted above (interpretation of the meaning):

“They said: ‘O Musa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?’ Musa said: ‘Nay, throw you (first)!’ Then behold! their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast.” [Ta-Ha 20:65-66]

It appeared to the onlooker as if these sticks and ropes were snakes, moving fast in the valley. They were only sticks and ropes, but the magicians, through what they had learned, made what they demonstrated before the people look different in their eyes to what it really was.

 Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast.” [Ta-Ha 20:66]

And in Surah al-A’raf Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“He [Musa] said: ‘Throw you (first).’ So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, and they displayed a great magic.” [al-A’raf 7:116]

But in fact their sticks and ropes did not change; it was the people’s sight which changed because of the sihr, so they thought they were snakes, because of the illusion brought about by the magicians. Some people call this taqmir, which is when the magician does things to make a person not sense reality as it really is, so his eyes do not see what is really there and things may be taken from his shop or his home without him realizing it, i.e., he does not know what is really happening. So he may see a rock as a chicken or as an egg, and so on, because reality has been changed in his eyes because of the confusion wrought by the magician, and because his eyes have been bewitched. There are things that the magicians do with certain substances to make people’s eyes not see what is really happening. This is the kind of magic which Allah describes as “great” [i.e. serious, powerful] in Soorat al-A’raf (interpretation of the meaning):

“… So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, and they displayed a great magic.” [al-A’raf 7:116]

Reference: Majmu’ Fatawa Wa Maqalat Mutanawwi’ah by Sheikh ‘Abd Al-‘Aziz Ibn Baz, p. 65.

Signs of Black Magic and Satanic Possession

People who have had experience with such situations have related that the following are among the signs of a person who is possessed by jinn (or Satan):

Strong repulsion when hearing the Quran or Athan (call for prayers).

Episodes of losing consciousness and/or epileptic attacks, especially when Quran is recited for the possessed person.

Frequent nightmares during sleep.

Tendency to avoid people accompanied by out-of-the-norm behavior.

The jinni who possess him might speak when the Quran is recited for the possessed person.

Madness, as stated in the Quran (interpretation of the meaning): "Those who devour usury will not stand except as stands one whom Satan by his touch hath driven to [epileptic] madness" (2:275)

Signs of black magic

As for a person struck by magic he might experience the following:

Dislike of ones’ spouse, as indicated in the Quran by the following verse (interpretation of the meaning): "And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife..." (Al-Baqarah, 2:102)

Different attitude in the house from that which is outside the house. For example, a person will feel that he is missing his family when is outside the house but when he goes home, love changes quickly to extreme hatred.

Inability to have sexual intercourse with ones spouse.

Frequent miscarriage for pregnant women.

Sudden change in behavior without obvious reason.

Complete loss of appetite for food.

Thinking or imagining one has done something when in reality one has not.

Sudden obedience and/or love for a particular person.

It should be noted that if a person experiences some of the above symptoms this does not necessarily mean that he is either possessed by a jinni or struck by black magic. It might be due to physiological or psychological reasons.

How to protect yourself from black magic and Satanic possession

As for curing this condition the following steps are recommended:

Putting ones trust in Allah with a sincere belief that He is the only cure for everything.

Reading Quran and known supplications expressing seeking refuge, the most important and effective of which is sura 113 and 114, Al-Falaq and Al-Nas, which were used to cure the Prophet himself. Surah 112, Al-Ikhlas, is recommended along with them, as well as the opening chapter of the Quran, Al-Fatihah. To cure black magic, some have successfully used seven lote-tree leaves. The leaves should be crushed, then mixed with water (enough for taking a bath). The following verses from the Quran are then recited: verse Al-Kursi (2:255), surah Al-Kafirun (109), surah 112, 113, 114; the verses which mention magic, which are: in surah Al-Baqarah (2:102), Al-A’raf (7:117-119), Yunus (10:79-82), and Taha (20:65-69). The possessed person drinks some of the water, and the rest is used to give him a bath.

Removing the elements of magic as was done by the Prophet when he was struck by black magic by a Jewish man called Lubaid ibn Al-’Asim.

Eating seven Aliya Al-Barniy dates (among the dates of Al-Madinah) first thing in the morning; if not possible, any dates will suffice, by the will of Allah.

Cupping --removing excess blood.

Offering supplications.

And we ask Allah to cure your brother and ease your hardship and his, as He is the One who cures and there is no one else who can cure.

Actions to take against the evil eye

 1. SEEK ALLAAH’S REFUGE AGAINST THEIR EVIL

Allaah [The Most High] hears the one who seeks His Refuge and knows what the person is seeking. Allaah is able to do all things and He alone is the One from Whom refuge is sought – none amongst His creation [has the right to be invoked] for refuge nor for shelter; rather He is The Only One Who gives refuge to those who [invoke] Him for refuge. He is the One Who protects and shelters them against the evil of that which they seek refuge against. The reality of seeking refuge is to flee from something that terrifies a person and [seeking protection] from one who can protect and give shelter.

There is neither a protector for a servant nor one to grant him refuge besides Allaah. Allaah [Glorified be He] suffices the one who relies on Him and He is enough for the one who seeks shelter from Him. Allaah is the One who provides safety against the fear of the one who is fearful and gives support to the one who seeks support. He an Excellent Protector and an Excellent Helper.

Use al-mu’awwidhatayn and Surah Ikhlaas with the right intention.

This means the two surah’s for seeking refuge, which are the last two chapters of the Quran: surah Al-Falaq and surah An-Naas.

Awadha (عوذ) means he refuged and both surahs are in fact two supplications that begin with: Say: I seek refuge in the Lord . . . So next time you recite them, do so with a strong conviction they are an actual supplication and  protection for you.

Ibn Al-Qayyim said that “the effectiveness of these surahs is great to repel magic, evil eye, and the rest of the evils and the need for a slave to seek Allah’s protection from these two surahs is greater than his need for self, eating, drinking, and wearing dress [Al-Fawwaid]

a. Recite Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas three times in the morning and evening.

The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Qul Hoo wAllahu Ahad’ and ‘Muwaidaitain’ when you enter the evening and when you wake up in the morning three times and it will protect you from everything.(Tirmidhee # 3575), Aby Daud (# 5084).

Make this a habit and you will gain protection and the great reward of reviving a sunnah, in shaa Allah!

b. Blow these surahs over your body before you go to sleep.

Aisha narrated that whenever Allah’s Messenger went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over it after reciting surah Al-Ikhlaas, surah Al-Falaq and aurah An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face, and front of his body. He used to do that three times. [Al-Bukhaaree]

Recite Ayat Al Kursi before sleeping

“…When you go to your bed, recite Ayat Al Kursi (al-Baqarah 2:255). Then Allaah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no shaytaan (devil) will come near you until morning”. (Bukhaari & Muslim)

Start teaching this habit to your children from their early years and it will be an amazing sadaqah jaariyah for you!

2. ADHKAAR (REMEMBERANCE OF ALLAH)

There is no doubt that when a person is close to Allaah, always remembering Him (dhikr) and reading Qur’aan, he is less likely to be affected by the evil eye and other kinds of harm from the devils of mankind and the jinn. The Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge with Allaah for himself, and the greatest means of seeking refuge that is available to the Muslim is reading the Book of Allaah, above all the Mi’wadhatayn, Soorat al-Faatihah and Aayat al-Kursiy.

Turning to Allah, may He be exalted, and asking Him for well-being and protection from all ills, evils and harms is amongst the great acts of worship and good deeds of obedience. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, loves those who seek His help, those who turn to Him, and those who seek refuge in His might and power.

Among the saheeh du’aa’s for refuge that have been narrated from the Prophet ﷺ are: 

أَعـوذُ بِكَلِـماتِ اللّهِ التّـامّاتِ مِنْ شَـرِّ ما خَلَـق

'A'oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min sharri maa khalaq.

I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.

(Three time in the evening)

Virtue:

Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: “When any one of you stays at a place, he should say (the above) Nothing would then do him any harm until he moves from that place. (Muslim)

 أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ. مِنْ غَضَبِهِ، وَعِقَابِهِ، وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ، وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ

A’oodhu bi kalimat-illah il-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabihi, wa min sharri ‘ibadihi wa min hamazat al-shayateeni wa an yahduroon

I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the evil promptings of the devils and from their presence.

And one may recite the words of Allah:

حَسْبِـيَ اللّهُ لا إلهَ إلاّ هُوَ عَلَـيهِ تَوَكَّـلتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ العَرْشِ العَظـيم

Hasbiyallaahu laa 'ilaaha 'illaa Huwa 'alayhi tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul-'Arshil-'Adheem .

Allah is sufficient for me . There is none worthy of worship but Him . I have placed my trust in Him, He is Lord of the Majestic Throne

Virtue

Abu’d-Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Whoever says in the morning and in the evening (the above), seven times, Allah, may He be exalted, will suffice him for what concerns him,” (Abu Dawood).

Dua to protect children

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: “The Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge with Allaah for al-Hasan and al-Husayn. He ﷺ said: ‘Your father [i.e., Ibraaheem A.S.] used to seek refuge with Allaah for Ismaa’eel and Ishaaq with these words: (Narrated by al-Bukhaari)

أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ ، وَهَامَّةٍ ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ 

 U’eedhukuma bi kalimat Allah al-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammah wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah

I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allah, from every devil and every poisonous reptile, and from every evil eye

Above is for two children; you can replace u’eedhukumaa’ (I seek refuge for you both) by u’eedhuka (for one boy), u’eedhuki (for one girl) or u’eedhukum (for more than three children). Memorize this supplication and use it on the children consistently. Use a sticky note in the house to remember if needed.

With regard to the meaning of laammah (translated here as “bad”), al-Khattaabi said: “What is meant here is every disease or harm that a person may suffer such as insanity or mental disturbance.” 

Some other Duas for protection against evil in general

بِسـمِ اللهِ الذي لا يَضُـرُّ مَعَ اسمِـهِ شَيءٌ في الأرْضِ وَلا في السّمـاءِ وَهـوَ السّمـيعُ العَلـيم

Bismillaahil-lathee laa yadhurru ma'as-mihi shay'un fil-'ardhi wa laa fis-samaa'i wa Huwas-Samee 'ul- 'Aleem.

In the Name of Allah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

Virtue:

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever recites it three times in the morning will not be afflicted by any calamity before evening, and whoever recites it three times in the evening will not be overtaken by any calamity before morning."(Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah & Ahmad).

اللّهُـمَّ عالِـمَ الغَـيْبِ وَالشّـهادَةِ فاطِـرَ السّماواتِ وَالأرْضِ رَبَّ كـلِّ شَـيءٍ وَمَليـكَه ، أَشْهَـدُ أَنْ لا إِلـهَ إِلاّ أَنْت ، أَعـوذُ بِكَ مِن شَـرِّ نَفْسـي وَمِن شَـرِّ الشَّيْـطانِ وَشِـرْكِه ، وَأَنْ أَقْتَـرِفَ عَلـى نَفْسـي سوءاً أَوْ أَجُـرَّهُ إِلـى مُسْـلِم

Allaahumma 'Aalimal-ghaybi wash-shahaadati faatiras-samaawaati wal'ardhi, Rabba kulli shay 'in wa maleekahu, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'a'oothu bika min sham nafsee, wa min sharrish-shaytaani wa shirkihi, wa 'an 'aqtarifa 'alaa nafsee soo'an, 'aw 'ajurrahu 'ilaa Muslimin.

O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the evident , Maker of the heavens and the earth , Lord of everything and its Possessor , I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You . I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Satan and his helpers . (I seek refuge in You) from bringing evil upon my soul and from harming any Muslim.

(Abu Dawood & Tirmidhi)

Not from Morning & Evening Adhkaar

بسم الله، اللهم جنبنا الشيطان وجنب الشيطان ما رزقتنا

"Bismillah! Allahumma janibnash-Shaitana, wa jannibish-Shaitana ma razaqtana

In the Name of Allah, O Allah! Keep us away from Satan and keep Satan away from what You have bestowed upon us

The Prophet ﷺ said, "If anyone intends to have (sexual intercourse) with his wife, he should say (the above) and if Allah has ordained a child for them, Satan will never harm him." (Bukhari & Muslim)

Undoubtedly, when a person persists in reciting the adhkaar (dhikr) for morning and evening, and the adhkaar for going to sleep, and others, this will have a great effect in protecting him from the evil eye, because it will be like a stronghold for him, by Allaah’s Leave. 

3. PRAY FOR BLESSINGS

Although it is correct that the evil eye comes from people who feel jealous (hasad) the scholars explained it can also come from someone who is not jealous but just likes something. We certainly can’t help it, or stay away from admiring people or giving them compliments, just because we do not want to afflict them with the evil eye. Your friend/family member who got the dream job, your siblings being blessed with children or wealth etc.

Good things happen to everyone and it is good to be happy for them, or for yourself. This is why whenever we see something that we like or appreciate in a person or in ourselves, we are encouraged to say It is even possible to harm yourself, your wealth or a loved one.

 The Prophet ﷺ  said:”...If you see something that you like, then pray for blessing for him....” (Ahmad, Malik, An Nisaai & Ibn Habban; classed as sahih by Albani)

It is recommended to say: Allahumma baarik feehu, feeha or feehi ( O Allah, bless him, her or it) or the like (TabaarakAllah).

All of these phrases thank and glorify Allah (swt) as the Creator of that thing which you admire and they ask for the blessings of Allah (swt) on you or the person that you are admiring.

Some scholars say saying MashaAllah La Quwata’ Illaah Billah is also ok but others say it is not from the Sunnah. We will look into this in detail in on of the upcoming class - Misconceptions.

So next time you see something nice someone has, or even seeing the beauty of your children or spouse, pray for blessings for them. This also means it is ok to like something someone has and want it for yourself; as long as you don’t wish that thing is taken away from the person and you make sure you pray for blessings for them! Similarly if someone likes something that Allah blessed you with you can remind them of the Hadeeth of the Prophet ﷺ and request them to pray for blessings.

4. SPENDING IN CHARITY AND HELPING OR BEING GOOD TO OTHERS 

(Being good by benefiting them and repelling harm as much as one is able).

Indeed, this has an amazing effect in repelling calamity, the evil eye, and the evil of an envious person. Hardly is the good doer and giver of charity overcome by the evil eye and the envy [of an envious person], for if afflicted by some of that [calamity], Allaah treats him with kindness, gives him relief and support. Spending in charity and doing good are acts of gratitude to [Allaah for the favours He has bestowed on you] and a safeguard against everything that will cause those blessings to cease.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “There is no day on which the people get up but two angels come down and one of them says, ‘O Allaah, give in compensation to the one who spends (in charity),’ and the other says, ‘O Allaah, destroy the one who withholds.’”  (al-Bukhaari & Muslim).

The Prophet ﷺ said about helping others:

“Helping a man onto his mount or lifting up his luggage onto it is a charity.” (Muslim).

“...Allaah will help a person so long as he is helping his brother.” (Muslim)

 “Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those who are on earth and the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhi; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani)

“The dearest of people to Allah, may He be exalted, is the one who does most benefit to people, and the dearest of deeds to Allah, may He be exalted, is joy that you bring to a Muslim, or relieving him of distress, or paying off debt for him, or dispelling his hunger. And to walk with a brother to meet his needs is dearer to me than observing i‘tikaaf in this mosque – meaning the mosque of Madinah – for a month.” (Narrated by at-Tabaraani (12/453); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani)

5. CONCEAL AND NOT SHOW-OFF

To conceal that which a person feels may be in danger of being inflicted with the evil-eye, for the evil-eye is the yearning of the soul towards that which amazes it. So, if a person possesses that which he fears will be envied, he should conceal it and not show it off, especially in front of those who are known to be envious. At the same time, he should know that all that happens is by the will of Allah. 

Be cautious of the envious.

Assist yourself self in fulfilling the needs by concealment and secrecy. Do not discuss everything with everyone before you get things done.

If someone is known to be envious, try doing good to him so that he is able to fight his shaitaan and do/feel the right thing.

FACTORS OF IMAAN (FAITH) THAT CAN HELP PROTECT US

Taqwa [fear of Allaah and piety- fulfilling what Allaah has commanded and keeping away from what Allaah has forbidden]. The one who fears Allaah will be protected and safeguarded by Allaah and will not be left to others. Allaah [The Most High] said: “But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqun(the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allah surrounds all that they do”. (Soorah Aal Imraan Ayah 120)

At-Tawakkul – Reliance upon Allaah. Whoever relies upon Allaah, Allaah will suffice him. Reliance upon Allaah is one of the most powerful means by way of which a person is protected regardless the extent of the harm, oppression, and enmity of the creation. The one who suffices himself with Allaah [as his Protector], the enemy cannot have any hope of [harming him]. If a person relies upon Allaah, in a manner in which Allaah deserves to be relied upon and [firmly believes in Allaah’s absolute control] of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, Allaah will grant him a way out [from the difficulty or harm] and aid help him.

Repentance- sins are the cause behind being overpowered by one’s enemy. Indeed Allaah [The Most High] said: And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. (42:30)]

A servant (of Allaah) is not overpowered by someone who harms him except due to sin, whether he is aware or unaware of it. The sins of a person – which he is unaware of- are several times as much as what he knows, and the sins he has forgotten – which he is aware of and committed – are several times as much as what he can remember.

Tawheed – [i.e. firm belief that Allaah alone is the Creator of everything, the Provider and the one Who controls everything in the universe; firm belief in Allaah’s Perfect Names and Attributes and that there is no similarity to Allaah; firm belief that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah], constantly attaching oneself to Allaah-The One Who created all the means to accomplishing what one seeks, The All-Mighty, The All-Wise- whilst giving consideration to the means of attaining protection and to know that nothing can bring harm or benefit, except by the permission of Allaah.

Allaah (The Most High) said: And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. (10:106)]

The Prophet ﷺ said to Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa], ‘’Know that even if the Nation [or the whole community] were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you with anything except that which Allah has already decreed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you with anything except that which Allah has already decreed against you”.

If a person fulfils Tawheed, then indeed fear of other than Allaah will be removed from his heart. His enemy will be the weakest thing to him let alone something to be feared alongside his fear of Allaah. He will fear Allaah alone [and no one else]. He will find that his thoughts about the affair of his enemy, fear of his enemy and busying himself with the affair of his enemy is due to a deficiency in his [belief in] Tawheed. Had he been perfecting [his belief in] Tawheed, it would have been the uppermost thing in his mind and that Allaah is the One Who will protect and defend him, for indeed Allaah defends those who [truly] believe. If a person is a [true] believer, Allaah will defend him based on the level [or strength of] his belief [in Allaah]. Tawheed is the greatest shield and whoever embraces it will be amongst those who are safeguarded. Some of the pious predecessors [i.e. the Sahaabah and the two generations who followed them exactly in belief, practice, and piety] said, “Whoever truly fears Allaah, everything will fear him; and whoever does not fear Allaah, Allaah will make him fear everything”.

We ask Allah to protect us all, our children and every one from “the evil of the envier when he envies” and we also pray that Allah helps and guides them to clear their hearts of envy.

TIPS OF TEST

Do not have to memorise the ayahs or hadeeths word for word and their references, but remember their meanings and the msg being given.

Try to memorise the Duas. Memorise atleast two (if you havent already).

Remember the virtues and times of the Adhkaar and actions.

How to Protect Yourself from the Evil Eye

 Hijab is an obligation

You should know that hijab is obligatory , and no one has the right to choose the rulings that they like and leave those for which they feel no inclination, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaytan (Satan). Verily, he is to you a plain enemy” [al-Baqarah 2:208]

Ibn Kathir said:

“Allah commands His believing slaves to adhere to all the rulings and laws of Islam, to follow all the commandments and heed all the prohibitions.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 1/566).

The believing women are forbidden to show any of their beauty to non-mahrams. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“… and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their women, or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful” [al-Nur 24:31]

Obeying Allah’s command to observe hijab will protect you from the evil eye by Allah’s leave in this world, and will protect you from the punishment of Allah in the Hereafter.

Does wearing Quranic verses protect from the evil eye?

With regard to wearing Quranic verses or certain shapes , Imam Ahmad narrated in his Musnad from ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever wears an amulet, may Allah not fulfil his need, and whoever wears seashells [for protection from the evil eye] may Allah not protect him.”

According to another report, a group came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and he accepted the bay’ah [allegiance] of nine of them, but not from one of them. They said, “O Messenger of Allah, you accepted the bay’ah of nine and not from this one.” He said, “He is wearing an amulet.” Then he took it in his hand and broke it, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) accepted his bay’ah. He said, “Whoever wears an amulet is guilty of shirk.” (From Fatawa al-‘Ayn wa’l-Hasad, p. 277)

Du’a for evil eye protection

With regard to dealing with the evil eye and hasad (destructive envy), there is no doubt that when a person is close to Allah, always remembering Him (dhikr) and reading Quran, he is less likely to be affected by the evil eye and other kinds of harm from the devils of mankind and the jinn. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allah for himself, and the greatest means of seeking refuge that is available to the Muslim is reading the Book of Allah, above all the Mu’wwadhatayn (the last two Surahs of the Quran, al-Falaq and al-Nas), Surat al-Fatihah and Ayat al-Kursiy [al-Baqarah 2:255].

Among the sahih du’as for refuge that have been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are:

“A’udhu bi kalimat Allah al-tammati min sharri ma khalaq (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of that which He has created).” (Narrated by Muslim, al-Dhikr wa’l-Du’a, 4881)

It was narrated that Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allah for al-Hasan and al-Husayn. He said: ‘Your father [i.e., Ibrahim] used to seek refuge with Allah for Isma’il and Isha-aq with these words: A’udhu bi kalimat Allah al-tammah min kulli shaytanin wa hammah wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah, from every devil and every poisonous reptile, and from every bad eye).’”(Narrated by al-Bukhari, Ahadith al-Anbiya, 3120).

With regard to the meaning of lammah (translated here as “bad”), al-Khattabi said: “What is meant here is every disease or harm that a person may suffer such as insanity or mental disturbance.”

It was narrated from Abu Sa’id that Jibreel came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: “O Muhammad, are you ill?” He said, “Yes.” He said, “Bismillahi arqeeka min kulli shayin yudheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasid Allahu yashfik, bismillahi arqeek (In the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye may Allah heal you, in the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you).” (Narrated by Muslim, al-Salam, 4056)

Undoubtedly, when a person persists in reciting the adhkar (dhikr) for morning and evening, and the adhkar for going to sleep, and others, this will have a great effect in protecting him from the evil eye, because it will be like a stronghold for him, by Allah’s leave. So everyone should strive to recite these adhkar.

One of the best treatments is the use of ruqyah , which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) permitted for protection from the evil eye and he instructed people to use it.

It was narrated that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded me, or he commanded (the people) to use ruqyah to deal with the evil eye.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, al-Tibb, 5297)

And it was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The man who cast the evil eye would be commanded to do wudoo’, and then the man who was affected would wash himself with (the water).” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Tibb, 3382. Al-Albani said, in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud, its isnad is sahih. No. 3282)

What is the evil eye

 What is the evil eye?

Here follows some information and fatwas (rulings) that have to do with the evil eye. We ask Allah to benefit readers thereby.

The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked:

What is the definition of the evil eye? Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.” [Al-Falaq 113:5]

Is the hadith (narration) of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sahih (authentic) in which it says that “One third of those who are in the grave are there because of the evil eye”? If a person thinks that someone is envying him , what should the Muslim do and say? If the person who put the evil eye on someone washes himself, will the water he used bring healing to his victim? And should he drink the water or wash himself with it?

They replied:

The Arabic word al-‘ayn (translated as the evil eye) refers to when a person harms another with his eye. It starts when the person likes a thing, then his evil feelings affect it, by means of his repeated looking at the object of his jealousy. Allah commanded His Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), to seek refuge with Him from the envier, as He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.” [Al-Falaq 113:5]

Everyone who puts the evil eye on another is envious, but not every envier puts the evil eye on another. The word hasid (envier) is more general in meaning than the word ‘aain (one who puts the evil eye on another), so seeking refuge with Allah from the one who envies includes seeking refuge with Him from the one who puts the evil eye on another. The evil eye is like an arrow which comes from the soul of the one who envies and the one who puts the evil eye on another towards the one who is envied and on whom the evil eye is put; sometimes it hits him and sometimes it misses. If the target is exposed and unprotected, it may affect him, but if the target is cautious and armed, the arrow will have no effect and may even come back on the one who launched it. Adapted from Zad al-Ma'ad.

There are ahadith (reports) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which speak of the effects of the evil eye. For example it is narrated in al-Sahihayn that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to tell me to recite ruqyah (incantation) for protection against the evil eye.

Muslim, Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The evil eye is real and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the evil eye. When you are asked to take a bath (to provide a cure) from the influence of the evil eye, you should take a bath.”

Imam Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi narrated that Asma bint ‘Umays said: “O Messenger of Allah, the children of J’afar have been afflicted by the evil eye, shall we recite ruqyah for them?” He said, “Yes, for if anything were to overtake the divine decree it would be the evil eye.”

Abu Dawud narrated that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The person who had put the evil eye on another would be ordered to do wudu, then the person who had been afflicted would wash himself (with that water).

Imam Ahmad, Malik, al-Nasai and Ibn Hibban narrated from Sahl ibn Hanif that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came out and traveled with him towards Makkah, until they were in the mountain pass of al-Kharar in al-Jahfah. There Sahl ibn Hanif did ghusl (bathed), and he was a handsome white-skinned man with beautiful skin. ‘Amir ibn Rabi'ah, one of Banu ‘Adiyy ibn Ka'b looked at him whilst he was doing ghusl and said: “I have never seen such beautiful skin as this, not even the skin of a virgin,” and Sahl fell to the ground. They went to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, can you do anything for Sahl, because by Allah he cannot raise his head.” He said, “Do you accuse anyone with regard to him?” They said, “‘Amir ibn Rabi'ah looked at him.” So the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) called ‘Amir and rebuked him strongly. He said, “Why would one of you kill his brother? If you see something that you like, then pray for blessing for him.” Then he said to him, “Wash yourself for him.” So he washed his face, hands, forearms, knees and the sides of his feet, and inside his izar (lower garment) in the vessel. Then that water was poured over him, and a man poured it over his head and back from behind. He did that to him, then Sahl got up and joined the people and there was nothing wrong with him.  Classed as sahih (authentic) by al-Albani in al-Mishkat.

The majority of scholars are of the view that people can indeed be afflicted by the evil eye , because of the ahadith (reports) quoted above and others, and because of the corroborating reports and other evidence.

With regard to the hadith that you mention, “One third of those who are in the grave are there because of the evil eye,” we do not know how sound it is, but the author of Nayl al-Awtar said that al-Bazzar narrated with a hasan isnad (sound chain of narrators) from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Most of those who die among my ummah (followers) die because of the will and decree of Allah, and then because of the evil eye.”

The Muslim has to protect himself against the devils among the evil jinn and mankind, by having strong faith in Allah and by putting his trust in Him and seeking refuge with Him and beseeching Him, reciting the prayers for protection narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), reciting al-Mu’awwadhatayn [the last two surahs of the Quran], Surat al-Ikhlas, Surat al-Fatihah, and ayat al-Kursi.

Du`a  for protection from evil eye

Du’as for protection include the following:

A’udhu bi kalimat-illah il-tammati min sharri ma khalaq (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of that which He has created).

A’udhu bi kalimat-illah il-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabihi, wa min sharri ‘ibadihi wa min hamazat al-shayatini wa an yahduroon (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the evil promptings of the devils and from their presence).

And one may recite the words of Allah:

“Hasbi Allahu la ilaha illa huwa, ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa huwa Rabbul-'arsh il-‘azim

(Allah is sufficient for me. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne).”

[9:129 – interpretation of the meaning] 

And there are other similar du’as that are prescribed in shari’ah (Islamic law). This is what was meant by Ibn al-Qayyim in the words quoted at the beginning of this answer.

If it is known or suspected that a person has been afflicted by the evil eye , then the one who put the evil eye on him should be ordered to wash himself for his brother. So a vessel of water should be brought, and he should put his hand in it and rinse out his mouth into the vessel. Then he should wash his face in the vessel, then put his left hand into the vessel and wash his right knee, then put his right hand in the vessel and wash his left knee. Then he should wash inside his garment. Then the water should be poured over the head of the one on whom he put the evil eye, pouring it from behind in one go. Then he will be healed, by Allah’s leave.” (Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah li’l-Buhuth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta)

Can the evil eye afflict a person? 

Shaykh Muhammad al-Salih al-‘Uthaymin was asked:

Can the evil eye afflict a person? How is it treated? Does being on one's guard against it contradict putting one's trust in Allah?

He replied:

Our opinion concerning the evil eye is that it is real and is proven both by Islamic teachings and by real life experiences. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And verily, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes (through hatred).” [Al-Qalam 68:51] 

Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) and others said, commenting on this verse: this means, they put the evil eye on you with their glances. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The evil eye is real and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the evil eye. When you are asked to take a bath (to provide a cure) from the influence of the evil eye, you should take a bath.” (Muslim). Al-Nasai and Ibn Majah narrated that ‘Amir ibn Rabi'ah passed by Sahl ibn Hanif when he was bathing … and he quoted the hadith. Reality confirms this and it cannot be denied. 

How to protect yourself from the evil eye

In the event that you are afflicted by the evil eye, you should use the treatments recommended in the Shari’ah, which are:

1 – Reciting ruqyah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “There is no ruqyah except in the case of the evil eye or fever.” al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud. Jibril (peace be upon him) used to do ruqyah for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and say, “Bismillahi arqika min kulli shayin yudheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasid Allahu yashfeek, bismillahi arqeek (In the nam of Allah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye may Allah heal you, in the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you).” 

2 – Asking the person who has put the evil eye on another to wash, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded ‘Amir ibn Rabi'ah to do in the hadith quoted above. Then the water should be poured over the one who has been afflicted.

With regard to taking his waste, such as his urine and stool, there is no basis for doing so; the same applies to taking any of his belongings. Rather what is narrated is that which is mentioned above, washing his limbs and washing inside his garment, or likewise washing inside his headgear and garments. And Allah knows best.

Does taking precautions against the evil eye contradict tawakkul?

There is nothing wrong with taking precautions against the evil eye before it happens, and this does not contradict the idea of tawakkul (putting one's trust in Allah). In fact this is tawakkul, because tawakkul means putting one’s trust in Allah whilst also implementing the means that have been permitted or enjoined. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to seek refuge for al-Hasan and al-Husayn and say: U’idhukuma bi kalimat Allah al-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammah wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah (I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allah, from every devil and every poisonous reptile, and from every evil eye).’”  Al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud. And he would say, “Thus Ibrahim used to seek refuge with Allah for Ishaq and Ismail, peace be upon them both.” [al-Bukhari]. (Fatawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin)

5 things you should know about the “Evil Eye” (and how to protect yourself).

Do you believe in the “Evil Eye”? Many cultures around the world still do today (so maybe you should!). It’s a particularly widespread belief in the Mediterranean region, as reflected by the abundance of amulets on offer to protect yourself from it. For example in Italy, where it’s called “malocchio”, the red cornicello is the most popular anti-Evil Eye charm. Whereas in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, you’ll find a blue eye-like symbol on jewellery and decorations everywhere, endowed with the same protective powers.

So, what is the Evil Eye?

The Evil Eye is a folk concept that the hostile glance of certain people, gods, animals or mythological figures (depending on the culture) can result in injury, illness or even death. Usually, the victim is unaware of it happening to them and only in hindsight is said “to have received the Evil Eye”. Therefore, the best means of protection is to wear charms that will divert the evil gaze in the first place.

Want to know more? Let’s dig a little deeper with 5 Things you should know about one of the world’s oldest superstitions…

1. The Evil Eye can be traced back to the ancient Mediterranean, over 5,000 years ago!

The earliest surviving evidence of this belief comes from ancient Mesopotamia (modern southeast Turkey/Syria/Iraq) in the form of incantations, eye-shaped amulets and references to the dangerous glance of the gods in Sumerian literature¹. In ancient Egypt, this concept may have merged with that of the Eye of Horus, which sailors would paint on their ships to ensure safe travel².

However it is with the ancient Greeks, that the conventional expression for “Evil Eye” (or baskania in Greek) first appears in a fragment from the 5th Century BC: “the dead hare casts an Evil Eye upon me” (Pherecrates, Frag. 189). The concept itself is referred to in over 100 ancient Greek texts, including the works of Hesiod, Plato and Aristophanes!³

2. The Evil Eye can be cast accidentally or on purpose.

Some cultures believe that the Evil Eye can be cast accidentally (e.g. by a dead animal, as above). This belief might have contributed to the ancient and modern custom of closing the eyes of the dead. But when it is intentional, it is often considered to be caused by envy and therefore the envious gaze from a hostile person or god.

It is a common theme in Greek and Roman mythology that prosperous individuals are brought down by the envy of the gods. In a particularly ironic moment from Greek tragedy, for example, Aeschylus’ Agamemnon seals his own destruction by treading on some sacred tapestries, saying: “may no envious glance cast me down from afar” (Agam. 946–947).

3. Compliments and praise can attract the Evil Eye.

If you’re happy, successful, talented or beautiful enough to stand out from the crowd, you’re more at risk from the Evil Eye! This is because you might attract lavish (or worse, loud) praise and therefore, envy. In one of Plato’s dialogues, Socrates counters the praise he has just received for his skilful argumentation: “My friend,” he says, “do not speak loudly, lest some Evil Eye (baskania) put to rout the argument that is to come.” (Phaedo, 95b).

In modern Romania and Palestine, it is still unlucky to say “What a beautiful child!” and they have methods in place to reverse the effects of Evil Eye caused by the person who uttered such a phrase. In medieval Italy, there existed a safeguarding wish “may these words not hurt you” to accompany any compliment⁴ given and similar customs exist in Islamic societies today.

4. A “nazar” is the proper name for a typical eye-shaped Evil Eye amulet.

The iconic blue-eye glass amulets from the Mediterranean are often confusingly referred to as “evil eyes” themselves. In the English dictionary, a “nazar” is the proper name for such amulets, deriving from the Arabic for sight and surveillance, but still meaning look, gaze or evil eye in Turkish. It might seem strange to use the Evil Eye as an anti-Evil Eye amulet — as though there is a kind of supernatural checkmate at play. But it likely stems from the homeopathic principle that “like repels like”⁵ or the ancient Mesopotamian law of “an eye for an eye”.

5. The legendary Basilisk (think Harry Potter) is the Evil Eye in animal form.

The ancient Greek expression for Evil Eye (baskania) helps explain the etymology behind this creature’s name. According to Pliny the Elder, the Basilisk of Cyrene was an incredibly small and yet venomous snake that could cause death with a single glance.⁶ In the Harry Potter series, a female basilisk inhabits the Chamber of Secrets below Hogwarts — even looking at its reflection “petrifies” several students and (spoiler alert) killed the famous Moaning Myrtle!

How to Protect Yourself From the Evil Eye

 It is real and you need to know about  it, because it can greatly affect both your physical and spiritual productivity. What is it? It is the evil eye.

In this week’s central ayah Allah says: And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the message, and they say, ‘Indeed, he is mad.’ [Quran,68:51]

So the evil eye is real? Yes! The  Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:  The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the divine decree (al-qadar) it would be the evil eye [Muslim] Let’s learn about the meaning of the evil eye and ways to protect yourself and your productivity in shaa Allah!

What is the evil eye?

The Arabic word al-‘ayn (translated as the evil eye) refers to when a person harms another with his eye. It starts when the person likes a thing, then his evil feelings affect it by means of his repeated looking at the object of his jealousy.

It’s not for nothing that  Allah taught His Prophet to seek refuge with Him from the evil of the envier in a surah you should use yourself for protection: Wa min sharri haasidin idhaa hasad— And from the evil of the envier when he envies . . . [Quran.113:5]

So what is the difference between the evil eye and jealousy (envy)?

Everyone who puts the evil eye on another is envious, but not every envier puts the evil eye on another. The word haasid (envier) is more general in meaning than the word ‘aa’in (one who puts the evil eye on another), so seeking refuge with Allah from the one who envies includes seeking refuge with Him from the one who puts the evil eye on another. The evil eye is like an arrow which comes from the soul of the one who envies and the one who puts the evil eye on another towards the one who is envied and on whom the evil eye is put; sometimes it hits him and sometimes it misses. If the target is exposed and unprotected, it will affect him, but if the target is cautious and armed, the arrow will have no effect and may even come back on the one who launched it  [Ibn al Qayyim, Zaad al-Ma’aad].

The effect of the evil eye

Let’s take an incident from the seerah to realize the effect of the evil eye. The Prophet came out and traveled towards Makkah, until they were in the mountain pass of al-Kharaar in al-Jahfah. There Sahl ibn Haneef did ghusl, and he was a handsome white-skinned man with beautiful skin. ‘Aamir ibn Rabee’ah, one of Banu ‘Adiyy ibn Ka’b looked at him whilst he was doing ghusl and said: “I have never seen such beautiful skin as this, not even the skin of a virgin,” and Sahl fell to the ground. They went to Messenger of Allah  came and said, “O Messenger of Allah, can you do anything for Sahl, because by Allaah he cannot raise his head.” He said, “Do you accuse anyone with regard to him?” 

They said, “ ‘Aamir ibn Rabee’ah looked at him.” So the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called ‘Aamir and rebuked him strongly. He said, “Why would one of you kill his brother? If you see something that you like, then pray for blessing for him.” Then he said to him, “Wash yourself for him.” So he washed his face, hands, forearms, knees and the sides of his feet, and inside his izaar (lower garment) in the vessel. Then that water was poured over him, and a man poured it over his head and back from behind. He did that to him, then Sahl got up and joined the people and there was nothing wrong with him [Ahmad, An-Nasaa’i and others] This was the effect of someone admiring another without praying for blessings for the person. It shows that al-‘ayn can make you seriously ill.

Four actions to take against the evil eye

1.      Use al-mu’awwidhatayn and Surah Ikhlaas with the right intention.

This means the two surah’s for seeking refuge, which are the last two chapters of the Quran: surah Al-Falaq and surah An-Naas.

Awadha (عوذ) means he refuged and both surahs are in fact two supplications that begin with: Say: I seek refuge in the Lord . . . So next time you recite them, do so with a strong conviction they are an actual supplication and  protection for you.

Ibn Al-Qayyim said that “the effectiveness of these surahs is great to repel magic, evil eye, and the rest of the evils and the need for a slave to seek Allah’s protection from these two surahs is greater than his need for self, eating, drinking, and wearing dress [Al-Fawwaid]

a. Recite Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas three times in the morning and evening.

The Prophet said: ‘Qul Hoo wAllahu Ahad’ and ‘Muwaidaitain’ when you enter the evening and when you wake up in the morning three times and it will protect you from everything.(Tirmidhee # 3575), Aby Daud (# 5084).

Make this a habit and you will gain protection and the great reward of reviving a sunnah, in shaa Allah!

b. Blow these surahs over your body before you go to sleep.

Aisha narrated that whenever Allah’s Messenger went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over it after reciting surah Al-Ikhlaas, surah Al-Falaq and aurah An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face, and front of his body. He used to do that three times. [Al-Bukhaaree]

Start teaching this habit to your children from their early years and it will be an amazing sadaqah jaariyah for you!

2. Say a’oodhu bi kalimaatillaahit-taammaati min sharri maa khalaq.

The Prophet said: Whosoever says at nightfall: أعوذ بكلمات الله التامات من شر ما خلق-I seek refuge in the complete words of Allah from the evil in what He has created- no harm shall affect him [Muslim] This is only takes ten seconds, key is you really make it part of your evening routine!

3. Protect the children.

Even though we do everything for our children’s education and future, children can also be affected by the evil eye and we should protect them according to the sunnah! The Prophet used to seek refuge for al-Hasan and al-Husayn and say:

أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ ، وَهَامَّةٍ ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ – I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allah, from every devil and every poisonous reptile, and from every evil eye [At-Tirmidhee, Abu Dawood] Above is for two children; you can replace u’eedhukumaa’ (I seek refuge for you both) by u’eedhuka (for one boy), u’eedhuki (for one girl) or u’eedhukum (for more than three children). Memorize this supplication and use it on the children consistently. Use a sticky note in the house to remember if needed.

4. Pray for blessings.

Although it is correct that the evil eye comes from people who feel jealous (hasad) the scholars explained it can also come from someone who is not jealous but just likes something. The Prophet said: Whoever among you sees something in himself or in his possessions or in his brother that he likes, let him pray for blessing for it, because the evil eye is real [ Ibn al-Sunni , al-Haakim]

It is even possible to harm yourself, your wealth or a loved one. It is recommended to say: Allahumma baarik feehu, feeha or feehi ( O Allah, bless him, her or it) or the like.

So next time you see something nice someone has, or even seeing the beauty of your children or spouse, pray for blessings for them. This also means it is ok to like something someone has and want it for yourself; as long as you don’t wish that thing is taken away from the person and you make sure you pray for blessings for them!

5. Saying Mashaa’Allah laa quwatta illaa billaah is not necessarily related to the evil eye.

The hadith that was reported from Anas ibn Maalik  saying that the Messenger of Allah  said: Whoever sees something that he likes, and says, ‘Ma sha Allaah laa quwwata illa Billaah’, the evil eye will not affect him is classified as da’eef jiddan (very weak).  Allah says: It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: Mashaa’Allaah laa hawla wa laa quwwatta illaa billaah [Quran, 18:39] This ayah is not related to jealousy, but rather Allah destroyed the man’s garden because of his disbelief and transgression.

6. Study ways of treatment from the sunnah.

If the evil is done and someone –or yourself— is already affected by the evil eye, it is crucial to follow the instructions from the sunnah, two examples of these cures are doing ruqyah (reciting certain ayaat and supplications) and if you  know who gave the evil eye, asking that person to wash themselves and pour the water over the affected person. It is strongly recommended to use trustworthy sources to study about these treatments. An example is the book: The world of the jinn and devils by Dr Umar Sulaiman al Ashqar.

May Allah ‘azza wa jall protect us all from the evils of the creation and cure all those who are affected by both physical and spiritual diseases, ameen!

Traditional Islamic Medicine and Remedies

 Muslims turn to the Quran and Sunnah for guidance in all areas of life, including include health and medical matters. As collected in the Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad once said that "Allah did not create a disease for which he did not also create a cure." Muslims are therefore encouraged to explore and use both traditional and modern forms of medicine and to have faith that any cure is a gift from Allah.

Traditional medicine in Islam is often referred to as Medicine of the Prophet (al-tibb an-Nabawi). Muslims often explore the Medicine of the Prophet as an alternative to modern therapies, or as a supplement to modern medical treatment.

Here are some traditional remedies that are a part of Islamic tradition.

One should always consult with a medical professional before attempting any treatment. Some herbs may be harmful in certain conditions or when consumed in the wrong quantities.

Black Seed

Black caraway or cumin seed (Nigella sativa) is not related to the common kitchen spice. This seed originated in western Asia and is part of the buttercup family. The Prophet Muhammad once advised his followers:

Use the black seed, because it contains a cure for every type of ailment except death.

Black seed is said to help with digestion, and it also contains antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. Muslims often consume black seed to help with respiratory ailments, digestive issues, and to boost the immune system.

Honey

Honey is described as a source of healing in the Quran:

There comes forth from their [bees’] bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think (Quran 16:69).

It is also mentioned as one of the foods of ​Jannah:

The description of Paradise which the pious have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey, clear and pure... (Quran 47:15).

Honey was mentioned repeatedly by the Prophet as a "healing," a "blessing," and "the best medicine."

In modern times, it has been discovered that honey has antibacterial properties as well as other health benefits. Honey is composed of water, simple and complex sugars, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and several different vitamins known to be conducive to good health.

Olive Oil

The Quran says:

"And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows oil, and it is a relish for the eaters. (Quran 23:20)."

The Prophet Muhammad also once told his followers:

"Eat the olive and anoint (yourselves) with it, for indeed it is from a blessed tree."

Olive oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as Vitamin E. It is consumed to promote coronary health and is used on the skin to increase softness and elasticity.

Dates

Dates (temar) are a traditional and popular food for breaking the daily Ramadan fast. Eating dates after fasting helps to maintain blood sugar levels and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and complex sugars.

Zamzam Water

Zamzam water comes from an underground spring in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is known to contain large amounts of calcium, fluoride, and magnesium, necessary nutrients for good health. 

Siwak

Twigs of the Arak tree (Salvadora persica) are commonly known as siwak or miswak. It is used as a natural toothbrush, and its oils are often used in modern tubes of toothpaste. Its soft fibers are rubbed gently over the teeth and gums to promote oral hygiene and gum health.

Moderation in Diet

The Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to sustain themselves, but not overeat. He said:

"The son of Adam [i.e. human beings] never fills a vessel worse than his stomach. The son of Adam only needs a few bites that would sustain him, but if he insists, one-third should be reserved for his food, another third for his drink, and the last third for his breathing."

This general advice is meant to prevent believers from over-stuffing themselves to the detriment of good health.

The benefits of proper sleep cannot be overstated. The Quran describes:

"It is He Who made the night a covering for you, and the sleep a rest, and He made the day to rise up again" (Quran 25:47, also see 30:23).

It was the habit of the early Muslims to sleep directly after ​Isha prayer, to wake up early with the dawn prayer, and to take short naps during the midday heat. On several occasions, the Prophet Muhammad expressed disapproval of zealous worshippers who gave up on sleep in order to pray all night long.

He told one:

"Offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you" and told another, "You should pray as long as you feel active, and when you get tired, sleep."

Evil Eye in Islam

The term “evil eye” usually refers to harm that comes to a person because of someone else’s jealousy or envy towards them. Many Muslims believe it to be real, and some incorporate specific practices in order to protect themselves or their loved ones from its effects. Others reject it as superstition or an “old wives’ tale.” What does Islam teach about the powers of the evil eye?

Definition of Evil Eye

The evil eye (al-ayn in Arabic) is a term used to describe misfortune that is transmitted from one person to another out of jealousy or envy. The misfortune of the victim may manifest as sickness, loss of wealth or family, or a streak of general bad luck. The person inflicting the evil eye may do so with or without intention.

What the Quran and Hadith Say About the Evil Eye

As Muslims, to decide whether something is real or superstition, we must turn to the Quran and the recorded practices and beliefs of the Prophet Muhammad (Hadith). The Quran explains:

“And the unbelievers who are bent on denying the truth, would all but kill you with their eyes whenever they hear this message. And they say, ‘Surely, he [Mohammad] is a man possessed!’” (Quran 68:51).

“Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn, from the mischief of created things; from the mischief of darkness as it overspreads; from the mischief of those who practice secret arts; and from the mischief of the envious one as he practices envy’” (Quran 113:1-5).

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, spoke about the reality of the evil eye, and advised his followers to recite certain verses of the Quran to protect themselves. The Prophet also rebuked followers who admired someone or something without praising Allah:

“Why would one of you kill his brother? If you see something that you like, then pray for blessing for him.”

What the Evil Eye Causes

Unfortunately, some Muslims blame every little thing that goes “wrong” in their lives to the evil eye. People are accused of “giving an eye” to someone without any basis. There may even be instances when a biological cause, such as mental illness, is attributed to the evil eye and thus sound medical treatment is not pursued. One must be careful to recognize that there are biological disorders that may cause certain symptoms, and it is incumbent upon us to seek medical attention for such illnesses. We must also recognize that when things “go wrong” in our lives, we may be facing a test from Allah, and need to respond with reflection and repentance, not blame.

Whether it is the evil eye or another cause, nothing will touch our lives without the Qadr of Allah behind it. We must have faith that things happen in our lives for a reason, and not become overly obsessed with the possible effects of the evil eye. Obsessing or becoming paranoid about the evil eye is itself a sickness (waswaas), as it prevents us from thinking positively about Allah’s plans for us. While we may take measures to help strengthen our faith and protect ourselves from this evil, we cannot allow ourselves to be taken over with the whisperings of Shaytan. Allah alone can relieve our distress, and we must seek protection only from Him.

Protections From the Evil Eye

Only Allah can protect us from harm, and believing otherwise is a form of shirk. Some misguided Muslims try to protect themselves from the evil eye with talismans, beads, “Hands of Fatima,” small Qurans hanging around their necks or pinned onto their bodies, and such. This is not a trivial matter – these “lucky charms” do not offer any protection, and believing otherwise takes one outside of Islam into the destruction of kufr.

The best protection against the evil eye is those that bring one closer to Allah through remembrance, prayer, and reading of the Quran. These remedies can be found in the authentic sources of Islamic law, not from rumors, hearsay, or un-Islamic traditions.​

Pray for blessings on another: Muslims do often say “masha’Allah” when praising or admiring someone or something, as a reminder to themselves and others that all good things come from Allah. Jealousy and envy should not enter the heart of a person who believes that Allah has bestowed blessings on people according to His will.

Ruqyah: This refers to the use of words from the Quran which are recited as a way of curing an afflicted person. Reciting ruqyah, as advised by the Prophet Muhammad, has the effect of strengthening the faith of a believer, and reminding him or her of Allah’s power. This strength of mind and renewed faith may help one to resist or fight against any evil or illness directed his or her way. Allah says in the Quran, “We send down stage by stage in the Quran, that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe…” (17:82). The recommended verses to read include:

Surah Al-Fatiha 

The last two surahs of the Quran (Al-Falaq and An-Nas)

Ayat Al-Kursi

If you are reciting ruqyah for another person, you may add: “Bismillaahi arqeeka min kulli shay’in yu’dheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin haasid Allaahu yashfeek, bismillaahi arqeek (In the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye may Allah heal you. In the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you).”

Du’a: It is recommended to recite some of the following du’a.

"Hasbi Allahu la ilaha illa huwa, 'alayhi tawakkaltu wa huwa Rabb ul-'arsh il-'azeem." Allah is sufficient for me; there is no god but He. On Him is my trust, He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne" (Quran 9:129).

"A’oodhu bi kalimat-Allah al-tammati min sharri maa khalaq." I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of that which He has created.

"A’oodhu bi kalimat-Allah al-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabihi, wa min sharri ‘ibadihi wa min hamazat al-shayateeni wa an yahduroon." I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the evil promptings of the devils and from their presence.

"A’oodhu bi kalimaat Allaah al-taammah min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah wa min kulli ‘aynin laammah." I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah, from every devil and every poisonous reptile, and from every bad eye.

"Adhhib al-ba's Rabb an-naas, wa'shfi anta al-Shaafi, laa shifaa'a illa shifaa'uka shifaa' laa yughaadir saqaman.” Take away the pain, O Lord of mankind, and grant healing, for You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Your healing that leaves no trace of sickness.

Water: If the one who cast the evil eye is identified, it is also recommended to have that person make wudu, and then pour the water over the person who was afflicted in order to rid them of the evil.

How can I protect myself from black magic?

The scientific mindset is that which attributes phenomena to their scientific causes relying on evidences and proofs. The superstitious mindset is that which does not attribute phenomena to their real causes but to the unseen and does not rely on proofs. A Muslim person must have a scientific mindset that qualifies him to worship Allah, administer the earth, and purify the self. He must not heed the superstitious mindset that follows delusions, suppositions, and does not rely on evidences and proofs. At present, the superstitious mindset has become widespread among Muslims and many ascribe disruptions in rizq (provisions) and other afflictions to magic, the evil eye and the like.

The right thing to do is examine the true and logical reasons behind these phenomena and try to overcome them through the law of casuality on which Allah bases the interests of His servants. You are to seek the help of Allah in this. A Muslim must likewise increase his faith in Allah by accepting what Allah destines for him and by making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du'a` (supplication), sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in abundance and reciting the tried and tested invocations of ruqya (healing words). The ruqya is merely a protection against evil and depression by the will of Allah; it is not magic as some construe it. It is necessary to the take into account the relevant causes for every individual case.

This does not mean that magic and jinn do not exist; we have been informed of their existence. However, we disapprove of indulging in attributing everything that happens to us to magic and jinn. The majority of those who claim to offer cures for magic and jinn [possessions] are charlatans and materialistic while the majority of those who assume that they are under a spell or are harmed by jinn are delusional.

In any case, the person who does not find a logical cause for something that happens to him and is convinced that he is bewitched or the like, must use the ruqya and the permissible means of seeking refuge in Allah such as reciting the chapters of Fatiha, al-Nas, Al-Falaq and the supplications for refuge that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used. Moreover, a person may use supplications of refuge that the Prophet did not mention but which do not contravene the etiquette of du'a` and dhikr. It has been reported that when witchcraft was used against the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he took out the comb and combings that were used for the spell. He then recited surat Al-Nas and Al-Falaq and Allah the Almighty cured him.