Black Magic from an Islamic Perspective
Definition and Origins
Black magic, known as Sihr in Arabic, refers to the practice of supernatural powers with the intent to cause harm or achieve nefarious purposes. Historically, black magic involves invoking jinns or spirits to manipulate natural laws, which is considered a major sin in Islam.
Islamic Teachings on Black Magic
Islam strictly prohibits any form of magic. The Qur’an and Hadith explicitly condemn the practice and warn of severe consequences for those who engage in it:
1. Qur’an:
وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ مَا تَتْلُوا۟ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَـٰنَ ۖ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يُعَلِّمُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ ٱلسِّحْرَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَى ٱلْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَـٰرُوتَ وَمَـٰرُوتَ ۚ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَآ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌۭ فَلَا تَكْفُرْ ۖ فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِۦ بَيْنَ ٱلْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِهِۦ ۚ وَمَا هُم بِضَآرِّينَ بِهِۦ مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ ۚ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا۟ لَمَنِ ٱشْتَرَىٰهُ مَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَـٰقٍۢ ۚ وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَنفُسَهُمْ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ ١٠٢
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102): They ˹instead˺ followed the magic promoted by the devils during the reign of Solomon. Never did Solomon disbelieve, rather the devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people, along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon.1 The two angels never taught anyone without saying, “We are only a test ˹for you˺, so do not abandon ˹your˺ faith.” Yet people learned ˹magic˺ that caused a rift ˹even˺ between husband and wife; although their magic could not harm anyone except by Allah’s Will. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them — although they already knew that whoever buys into magic would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they knew!”
2. Hadith:
حدثني هارون بن سعيد الايلي ، حدثنا ابن وهب ، قال: حدثني سليمان بن بلال ، عن ثور بن زيد ، عن ابي الغيث ، عن ابي هريرة ، ان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال: " اجتنبوا السبع الموبقات "، قيل: يا رسول الله، وما هن؟ قال: " الشرك بالله، والسحر، وقتل النفس التي حرم الله إلا بالحق، واكل مال اليتيم، واكل الربا، والتولي يوم الزحف، وقذف المحصنات الغافلات المؤمنات ".
- — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Avoid the seven destructive sins.” It was asked, “What are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Associating others with Allah, magic, killing a soul which Allah has forbidden except in the course of justice, consuming riba (usury), consuming the orphan’s wealth, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste, innocent, believing women.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Modern-Day Fraud Associated with Black Magic
In contemporary times, the concept of black magic is often exploited by fraudsters and charlatans who claim to have supernatural abilities. Here are common ways in which black magic is used as a means of deception:
1. False Healers and Sorcerers:
Individuals claiming to cure illnesses, solve personal problems, or bring good fortune through magical means often charge exorbitant fees. They prey on the vulnerable and desperate, offering no real solutions but perpetuating fear and dependency.
2. Amulets and Talismans:
Selling objects purported to have magical properties is another common scam. These items are said to protect from evil, bring luck, or influence outcomes, but they hold no true power and often lead people away from their faith.
3. Emotional Manipulation:
Fraudsters use psychological tactics to create fear and dependency. They may convince individuals that they are cursed or under a spell, offering their “services” to remove these non-existent curses, thus maintaining a cycle of exploitation.
Islamic Response to Black Magic
Islam provides clear guidance on dealing with issues often attributed to black magic:
1. Trust in Allah:
Believers are encouraged to place their trust in Allah and seek help through permissible means, such as prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and lawful medical treatments.
2. Recitation of Specific Verses:
Certain verses from the Qur’an are recommended for protection against evil, such as Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) and the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
3. Seeking Knowledge:
Educating oneself about Islamic teachings and understanding that no harm can befall a believer except by Allah’s will helps to dispel fears associated with black magic.
4. Avoiding Superstitions:
Muslims are advised to avoid practices and beliefs that contradict Islamic monotheism (Tawhid). Reliance on amulets, charms, or individuals claiming supernatural powers goes against the core tenet of faith in Allah alone.
Conclusion
From an Islamic perspective, black magic is a grave sin and a serious threat to one’s faith and well-being. In modern times, it is often used as a tool for fraud, exploiting the fears and vulnerabilities of individuals. Muslims are advised to adhere strictly to Islamic teachings, seek legitimate means for resolving their problems, and place their trust solely in Allah.
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