The Ruling on Treating Magic with Magic

Source: Fatawa of the Scholars of Hadith, Volume 09

❖ Question:​

Can magic be treated using magic?

❖ Answer:​

In Islam, practicing magic is considered a grave sin and a destructive act. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ clearly included magic among the seven deadly sins that Muslims are commanded to avoid.

❖ Hadith:​

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Beware of the seven destructive sins."
The companions asked: "O Messenger of Allah, what are they?"

He ﷺ replied:
① Associating partners with Allah (Shirk)
② Practicing magic
③ Unjust killing
④ Consuming usury (interest)
⑤ Misappropriating the wealth of orphans
⑥ Fleeing from the battlefield
⑦ Accusing chaste, believing women of immorality
(Sahih Bukhari)

❖ The Prohibition of Magic in Islam:​

Magic is an act that borders on shirk and is completely forbidden in Islam. Under no circumstances is it permissible to treat magic with magic. Such a practice is not only religiously harmful but also leads an individual further astray.

❖ The Islamic (Shari'ah-compliant) Treatment for Magic:​

Islam prescribes permissible and Shari'ah-compliant methods for protection against and treatment of magic, which include:

✔ Recitation of the Qur’an
✔ Supplications (Dua)
✔ Ruqyah Shar‘iyyah – the use of prescribed prayers and verses from the Qur’an

Surahs like Al-Falaq and An-Naas from the Qur’an are especially effective in providing protection from magic and its effects.

❖ Summary:​

Treating magic with magic is against Islamic teachings and is prohibited. The treatment for magic should be conducted only through permissible and Shari'ah-compliant methods, including the recitation of the Qur’an, prophetic supplications, and Ruqyah Shar‘iyyah.