Adapted from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Volume 09
What is the reality of magic and the evil eye? Can magic actually occur and can someone be affected by the evil eye?
According to Islamic teachings, both magic (sihr) and the evil eye (‘ayn) are real phenomena, and their existence is affirmed in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam not only acknowledges their reality but also provides guidelines for protection from their harm.
Magic is a process involving satanic influence that can cause harm to individuals. The Qur’an mentions magic and acknowledges its potential to affect a person’s mind or body, although it only takes effect by Allah’s will.
① Harm through Magic
Allah states:
"They learned from them the means to cause separation between a man and his wife, but they could not harm anyone except by Allah’s permission."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 102)
② Eye Magic
Allah says:
"They bewitched the eyes of the people and struck terror into them."
(Surah Al-A‘raf: 116)
③ Incident of Musa (عليه السلام)
Allah describes the illusion:
"It seemed to Musa as though their ropes and staffs were moving due to magic."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 66)
Narrated by Aisha (رضي الله عنها) in Sahih Bukhari, a Jewish magician Labid ibn al-A‘sam cast a spell on the Prophet ﷺ which caused him to perceive that he had done things he had not. Allah then revealed verses, and the Prophet ﷺ was cured.
(Sahih Bukhari)
The evil eye is also a true phenomenon in Islam and is mentioned in authentic Hadiths.
✔ Prophetic Statement:
"The evil eye is real."
(Sahih Bukhari: 5740)
The Prophet ﷺ prescribed supplications (du‘a) and spiritual treatments (ruqyah) for those affected by the evil eye. Specific du‘as are recommended to recite when someone is suspected of being afflicted.
◈ Magic (Sihr):
It is real and can cause harm through satanic means, but only by Allah’s permission.
◈ Evil Eye (‘Ayn):
It is real and can affect a person’s health or well-being. Protection through ruqyah, Qur’anic verses (e.g., Surah Al-Falaq, Surah An-Naas, Ayat al-Kursi), and authentic supplications is encouraged.
Both magic and the evil eye have Islamic remedies, and believers are instructed to rely on Allah and maintain spiritual practices for protection.
❖ Question:
What is the reality of magic and the evil eye? Can magic actually occur and can someone be affected by the evil eye?
❖ Answer:
According to Islamic teachings, both magic (sihr) and the evil eye (‘ayn) are real phenomena, and their existence is affirmed in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam not only acknowledges their reality but also provides guidelines for protection from their harm.
❖ The Reality of Magic
Magic is a process involving satanic influence that can cause harm to individuals. The Qur’an mentions magic and acknowledges its potential to affect a person’s mind or body, although it only takes effect by Allah’s will.
❖ Magic in the Qur’an
① Harm through Magic
Allah states:
"They learned from them the means to cause separation between a man and his wife, but they could not harm anyone except by Allah’s permission."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 102)
② Eye Magic
Allah says:
"They bewitched the eyes of the people and struck terror into them."
(Surah Al-A‘raf: 116)
③ Incident of Musa (عليه السلام)
Allah describes the illusion:
"It seemed to Musa as though their ropes and staffs were moving due to magic."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 66)
❖ Magic on the Prophet ﷺ
Narrated by Aisha (رضي الله عنها) in Sahih Bukhari, a Jewish magician Labid ibn al-A‘sam cast a spell on the Prophet ﷺ which caused him to perceive that he had done things he had not. Allah then revealed verses, and the Prophet ﷺ was cured.
(Sahih Bukhari)
❖ The Reality of the Evil Eye (Nazar)
The evil eye is also a true phenomenon in Islam and is mentioned in authentic Hadiths.
✔ Prophetic Statement:
"The evil eye is real."
(Sahih Bukhari: 5740)
❖ Treatment for the Evil Eye
The Prophet ﷺ prescribed supplications (du‘a) and spiritual treatments (ruqyah) for those affected by the evil eye. Specific du‘as are recommended to recite when someone is suspected of being afflicted.
❖ Summary
◈ Magic (Sihr):
It is real and can cause harm through satanic means, but only by Allah’s permission.
◈ Evil Eye (‘Ayn):
It is real and can affect a person’s health or well-being. Protection through ruqyah, Qur’anic verses (e.g., Surah Al-Falaq, Surah An-Naas, Ayat al-Kursi), and authentic supplications is encouraged.
Both magic and the evil eye have Islamic remedies, and believers are instructed to rely on Allah and maintain spiritual practices for protection.
