Sorcery in Islam: Evidence, Dangers, Signs, and How to Protect Yourself
Sorcery in Islam, or sihr in Arabic, is severely condemned in Islam.
It is mentioned in several verses of the Qur’an and in the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is considered one of the gravest forms of disbelief.
Islam teaches that witchcraft can cause serious spiritual and physical harm and is closely associated with invoking evil forces.
This article delves deeply into witchcraft in Islam, its dangers, the signs that may indicate a person is affected, and the ways to protect oneself from it.
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What is Witchcraft According to Islam?
Sihr refers to the use of supernatural or occult powers to harm others, manipulate circumstances, or invoke evil forces. It often involves the use of jinn, a practice forbidden in Islam. The Qur’an mentions sihr in various verses, such as:
“They followed what the devils recited over Solomon’s kingdom. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people witchcraft…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:102).
This verse highlights that witchcraft is linked to satanic forces and forbidden acts that pull believers away from Allah’s guidance.
The Dangers of Witchcraft in Islam
Islam strongly prohibits the practice of sihr. Those who engage in it face severe spiritual and legal consequences:
Spiritual Condemnation: Practicing witchcraft aligns one with evil forces, causing a loss of faith and guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102), Allah warns that practitioners of witchcraft “will have no share in the Hereafter,” underlining the spiritual destruction that follows.
Legal Consequences: In Islamic law, witchcraft can lead to harsh punishments, including death, due to its serious threat to society and faith.
Proof from Hadith: The Bewitchment of the Prophet ﷺ
A well-known hadith from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was affected by sihr cast by Labid ibn al-A’sam. Despite being the closest to Allah, the Prophet ﷺ suffered symptoms of bewitchment but was cured through his invocation of Allah. This story illustrates that sihr is real and can affect anyone, but healing ultimately comes from Allah alone.
Signs of Witchcraft in Islam
Several signs may indicate that a person is affected by witchcraft, including:
- Unexplained Physical Ailments: Persistent and unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or bodily pain, that don’t respond to medical treatment.
- Psychological Disturbances: Unexplained mental confusion, depression, anxiety, or irrational fears that disrupt daily life.
- Disruptions in Relationships: Sudden and inexplicable tension in personal and family relationships, often leading to frequent arguments or separations.
- Recurring Nightmares: Repeated frightening dreams involving snakes, jinn, or evil forces.
- Spiritual Oppression: A sense of distance from Allah, accompanied by difficulties in performing religious acts such as prayer or reading the Qur’an.
How to Protect Yourself from Witchcraft in Islam
1. Protective Qur’anic Recitations
The Prophet ﷺ recommended reciting Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas three times every morning and evening to protect oneself from harm:
Surah Al-Falaq:
“Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of what He has created, from the evil of darkness when it settles, from the evil of the blowers in knots, and from the evil of an envier when he envies.” (113:1-5)Surah An-Nas:
“Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers in the hearts of mankind, whether it be a jinn or a human.” (114:1-6)
2. Ayat Al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255)
Ayat Al-Kursi is a powerful verse for protection. Reciting it in the morning and evening ensures Allah’s protection:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255).
3. Morning and Evening Adhkar
The adhkar (morning and evening invocations) are vital in safeguarding oneself from evil influences. Some of the key invocations include:
Bismillah illadhi la yadurru ma’ ismihi shay’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i wa huwa Sami’ul Alim:
“In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing on earth or in the heavens can harm, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Recite three times in the morning and evening)A’udhu bi kalimatillah at-tammati min sharri ma khalaq:
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.” (Recite three times in the morning and evening)
4. Ruqyah
Ruqyah refers to the recitation of specific Qur’anic verses and supplications for healing from spiritual ailments, including sihr. The Prophet ﷺ often practiced Ruqyah for protection and healing.
5. Avoid Consulting Sorcerers
Islam strictly forbids consulting sorcerers or fortune-tellers. The Prophet ﷺ warned that anyone who turns to these practices will have their prayers rejected for 40 days.
Example of a Morning and Evening Adhkar Routine for Protection
The morning and evening adhkar are invocations recommended by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for protection against spiritual and physical harm, including sorcery, jinn, and general evil. Here is an example of *adhkar* that can be recited for protection throughout the day and night:
1. Surah Al-Falaq (Recite 3 times)
“Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak, from the evil of what He has created, from the evil of the night when it settles, from the evil of blowers in knots, and from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
(Surah Al-Falaq, 113:1-5)
2. Surah An-Nas (Recite 3 times)
“Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers in the hearts of mankind, whether it be a jinn or a human.”
(Surah An-Nas, 114:1-6)
3. Ayat Al-Kursi (Recite 1 time)
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth…”
(Surah Al-Baqara, 2:255)
4. Invocation to Recite 3 Times:
Bismillahilladhi la yadurru ma’asmihi shay’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i wa huwa As-Sami’ul ‘Alim.
“In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing in the earth or heavens can harm, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”
(Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)
5. Invocation to Recite 3 Times:
A’udhu bi kalimatillahi-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”
(Reported by Muslim)
6. Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi (Recite 100 times)
“Glory and praise be to Allah.”
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever says ‘Subhanallah wa bihamdihi’ 100 times a day, will have their sins forgiven even if they are as numerous as the foam on the sea.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
d night. Their regular recitation allows one to seek Allah’s protection against evil forces, whether sorcery, jinn, or other harmful influences.
These invocations strengthen the believer’s faith, keep their heart and mind connected to Allah, and shield them from visible and invisible harm.
Why These Adhkar Are Important
The morning and evening adhkar are not mere invocations but spiritual fortresses that protect believers throughout the day and night. Their regular recitation allows one to seek Allah’s protection against evil forces, whether sorcery, jinn, or other harmful influences.
These invocations strengthen the believer’s faith, keep their heart and mind connected to Allah, and shield them from visible and invisible harm andd a major sin. However, believers are not left without protection.
The Qur’an and Sunnah provide powerful tools for protection against sorcery, particularly through the recitation of protective verses such as Ayat Al-Kursi and the surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
It is essential for every Muslim to remain firm in their faith, avoid prohibited practices, and place their full trust in Allah for protection from all forms of evil.
Conclusion
Sorcery is forbidden in Islam and is considered a major sin. However, believers are not left without protection.
The Qur’an and Sunnah provide powerful tools for protection against sorcery, particularly through the recitation of protective verses such as Ayat Al-Kursi and the surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
It is essential for every Muslim to remain firm in their faith, avoid prohibited practices, and place their full trust in Allah for protection from all forms of evil.
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