Black Magic in Islam: Protection, Cure, and Prevention

In today’s society, black magic is a terrifying reality. It is not merely a superstition but an unseen weapon that can destroy a person’s life, family, and mental peace. Therefore, the issue of black magic in islam receives the utmost severity; Islam strictly forbids it and considers it a heinous sin, equivalent to Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and Kufr (disbelief). In this article, we will delve into the definition of black magic, its grave dangers, and methods of protection and cure, all in the light of the Quran and Hadith.

The Islamic View on Sihr (Magic)

In Islamic terminology, black magic is known as ‘Sihr’ (سحر). It is a secretive practice that magicians perform with the help of Jinn and devils to harm people. Its foundation rests upon the worship of Shaytan and reliance on evil forces instead of Allah. For example, practitioners carry out horrific acts like casting spells to control someone, causing separation between spouses, inflicting illness, or causing financial ruin through these means.

Ultimately, to practice, commission, or even believe in magic is completely haram (forbidden). In fact, Islam lists it among the seven destructive sins. It turns a person away from the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and leads them down the path of Shaytan, resulting in ruin in this life and the hereafter.

The Dangers of Black Magic in Islam According to the Quran & Hadith

Both the Quran and Hadith provide clear evidence of the reality of magic and its severe consequences.

Guidance from the Quran

Allah (SWT) mentions the reality of magic and the dreadful fate of its practitioners in the Holy Quran. For instance, in the story of the two angels, Harut and Marut, Allah sent them as a trial to teach magic. In this context, Allah says:

وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاهُ مَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ

“…And they certainly knew that whoever purchased it [magic] would have no share in the Hereafter.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse: 102)

This verse confirms that magic is real. Furthermore, it shows that those who engage in it will be utter losers in the afterlife. Allah also clarifies that magic can only take effect by His permission, meaning no magician can harm anyone by their own power.

Guidance from the Hadith

The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), identified magic as a major sin in numerous hadiths.

The Seven Destructive Sins: The Prophet (ﷺ) said,

“Avoid the seven great destructive sins.” The companions asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! What are they?” He then listed them: “1. To join partners in worship with Allah; 2.To practice magic; 3.To kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause…; 4.To eat up Riba (usury); 5.To eat up an orphan’s wealth; 6.To flee from the battlefield at the time of fighting and 7. To accuse chaste, believing women.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2766)

Notice that this hadith mentions magic immediately after Shirk, which highlights its extreme severity.

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Experience: A Jewish man named Labid bin Al-Asam once cast a spell on our beloved Prophet (ﷺ). As a result, he experienced confusion in some worldly matters. It was then that Allah revealed Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas. Upon reciting the 11 verses of these two chapters, the 11 knots of the spell came undone, and he was cured (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5765). This incident proves that magic is real, but thankfully, Allah has also sent down its cure.

Types and Effects of Black Magic

The influence of black magic in islam can manifest in various forms, including:

• Magic of Separation (Sihr al-Tafriq): Practitioners use this to create hatred, suspicion, and enmity between spouses, friends, or family members, which destroys their relationships.
• Magic of Infatuation (Sihr al-Mahabba): This spell makes someone fall blindly and immorally in love with or become submissive to another person.
• Magic of Sickness (Sihr al-Tamarid): This causes physical illness that doctors often cannot diagnose. For example, symptoms may include chronic headaches, a burning sensation in the body, or pain in a specific limb.
• Magic of Illusion (Sihr al-Takhyil): This creates illusions. It makes a person see things that are not there or perceive falsehood as reality.

Protection and Prevention Methods

Islam provides powerful and effective measures to stay protected from black magic. Indeed, prevention is always better than cure.

Faith and Trust in Allah

The greatest shield is complete faith and trust (Tawakkul) in Allah. You must firmly believe that no force on earth can harm you without Allah’s command.

Daily Practices (Amal)

1. Regular Salah: The five daily prayers are the primary protective armor for a believer.
2. Morning and Evening Dhikr (Remembrances):
   • Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas three times each morning and evening (after Fajr and Maghrib prayers). (Abu Dawud, 5082)
   • Recite this Dua three times: “Bismillahilladhi la yadurru ma’asmihi shai’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i, wa Huwas-Sami’ul-‘Alim” (In the Name of Allah, with Whose Name nothing on earth or in heaven can cause harm, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing).
   • Also, recite this Dua three times: “A’udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq” (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created). (Muslim, 2709)
3. Recitation of Ayat al-Kursi: Reciting Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer and before sleeping is a powerful fortress against Shaytan and magic. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2311)
4. Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah: Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night will find them sufficient for protection. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5008)

Special Practices and Natural Remedies

• Ajwa Dates: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by any poison or magic on that day.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5445)
• Honey, Black Seed, and Zamzam Water: According to the Sunnah, these blessed foods have healing properties that aid in physical protection.

The Islamic Cure (Ruqyah) for the Afflicted

If magic afflicts someone, they should not despair. Instead, they should seek treatment through the methods prescribed in Islam, known as Ruqyah Shari’ah.

1. Recitation of Quranic Verses: The most effective treatment is to recite Surah Al-Fatihah, Ayat al-Kursi, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, and other verses over the afflicted person. You can also blow into water after recitation for them to drink and bathe with.
2. Recitation of Supplications (Dua): Recite the dua that Angel Jibril (Gabriel) recited over the Prophet (ﷺ): “Bismillahi arqika, min kulli shay’in yu’dhika, wa min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasidin, Allahu yashfika, Bismillahi arqika” (In the Name of Allah I perform Ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, and from the evil of every soul or envious eye, may Allah cure you. In the Name of Allah I perform Ruqyah for you). (Sahih Muslim, 2186)
3. Beware of Deceivers: You must stay away from individuals who use polytheistic words in their amulets or demand large sums of money. Legitimate Ruqyah Shari’ah is completely free of Shirk and should not involve worldly transactions.

Punishment for Practicing Black Magic in Islam

Due to its severity, Islamic law prescribes a strict punishment for practitioners.

• Death Penalty: The majority of Islamic scholars, including Imam Malik, Imam Abu Hanifa, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, agree on a severe punishment. If a Muslim practices black magic with words of disbelief and an Islamic court proves their guilt, the punishment is death. For this reason, the Caliph Umar (RA) ordered the execution of all magicians during his rule.
• Compensation: The court will force the magician to compensate for any harm they have caused through their magic.

The Prophet (ﷺ) did not kill the person who bewitched him because he never took personal revenge and did not want to cause turmoil (fitna) in society. However, practicing magic is a crime against the state, and an Islamic court is responsible for its prosecution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, black magic is a despicable and destructive sin that corrupts a person’s faith and life. It is the duty of every believer to completely avoid this path and to prevent others from it. The strongest weapons against the effects of black magic in islam are complete faith in Allah, regular prayer, morning and evening remembrances, and a strong connection with the Quran. In times of any affliction or attack, one must seek help only from Allah, for He is the sole owner of all healing and protection.