Magic and its Rules

First Sermon:

All praise is due and belongs to Allâh. We praise Him, seek His help and forgiveness and repent to Him. We seek refuge with Allâh from the evils of ourselves and from the wickedness of our own deeds. Whomever that Allâh guides, none can mislead him, and whomever He sends astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allâh alone with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

(يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلاَ تَمُوتُنَّ إِلاَّ وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ)

(O you who believe, fear Allâh as he should be feared and die not unless you are Muslims) [Al-Imran: 102]

 

(يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالاً كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاء وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءلُونَ بِهِ وَالأَرْحَامَ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا)

(O people fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul. From it, He created its spouse, and from both of them scattered many men and women. Fear Allâh, by whom you ask one another, and (fear) the wombs (lest you sever its relationship). Allâh is ever watching over you). [An-Nisa: 1].

 

(يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا * يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَمَن يُطِعْ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا)

(O you, who believe, fear Allâh and say sound statements. He will mend your deeds for you and forgive your sins. Whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger shall win a great victory) [Al-Ahzab: 70-71].

O believers! The greatest knowledge that can be of benefit to the people, is that relating to the oneness of Allâh, the Most High, believing in Him, being certain and rest assured of that which He has prepared for His slaves that unify Him through Tawhid (Islamic Monotheism), and what He has vowed to inflict upon the polytheists. Allâh, the Most High, said,

 

(فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ)

 So know (O Muhammad) that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allâh) [Muhammad: 19].

 

The Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him), said, "I have been commanded to fight against the people till they testify La ilaha illAllâh (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allâh) and that Muhammad (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him), is His slave and Messenger, and to establish regular prayer (As-Salah), and to pay poor alms (Zakah); and if they do this, then their blood and property are secured except by the rights of Islam, and their accountability is left to Allâh" (Agreed upon). This is so because the unification of Allâh, the Most High, and having faith in Him, the Most Purified, is an impregnable fortress for a person from falling into the webs of aberration, and delusions of whims. Moreover, it helps to walk on the path of goodness until one departs this world, if the person lives holding himself to account, and he is conscious of the dangers around him, in order to avoid being guilty of those dooms that condemn one to Hell, and they are very many.

 

Magic, indeed, is one of the greatest dooms that condemn one to Hell, which one might be exposed to and become guilty of, It constitutes one of the seven grave destructive sins, which the Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him),   mentioned and explained their danger saying, " Avoid the seven destructive sins." It was asked: (by those present): "What are they, O Messenger of Allâh?" He replied, "Associating anyone or anything with Allâh in worship; practicing sorcery, killing of someone without a just cause whom Allâh has forbidden, devouring the property of an orphan, eating of usury, fleeing from the battlefield and slandering chaste women who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers " (Agreed upon).

 

Magic is a form of  spells, incantations, words spoken, and drugs and so on, that cause disease in the body and heart. It may kill and cause division between a man and his wife. Allâh, the Almighty, said,

 

(فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنۡهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِۦ بَيۡنَ ٱلۡمَرۡءِ وَزَوۡجِهِ)

And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife [Al-Baqarah: 102].

 

It is an act of Shirk (polytheism) that is contrary to Tawhid (unification of Allâh), because it involves recourse to other than Allâh in things that are not allowed  on part of man in view of his ability. Furthermore, it involves the belief that the magician can bring some benefit, and avert some harm, which is the exact shirk (polytheism). The Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him), said, " Whoever goes to a fortuneteller or soothsayer and believes what he says, he has disbelieved in that which was revealed to Muhammad, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him) "(Ahmad).

 

Going to the magician and believing what he tells is confession to him that he has the ability to do something, which may not be attributed to humans, because that is something which only the Almighty Creator, has the ability to do. It also involves inclination to the magician in the things demanded from him and others as well. The Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him), has said, " Whoever hangs something, he is entrusted to it "(Ahmad).

 

In addition, going to him is a ratification of his claim of things that exclusively lie in the knowledge of the unseen, which no one knows except Allâh, and Allâh the Almighty has said,

 

(قُل لَّا يَعۡلَمُ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلۡغَيۡبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ)

 (Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows (Al-Ghaib) the unseen except Allâh) [An-Naml: 65].

 

Acts of Shirk (polytheism) have abounded and spread when the faith became weak, and Tawhid became abandoned by some, in terms of learning, teaching, guidance and reminding, in addition to the expansion in worldly affairs through media and travels, leading to a lot of people committing  various aspect that breach Tawhid, and this has extended and spread until it pervaded and prevailed. One of the most notable and evident of these acts is going to the magicians, and visiting the charlatans and quacks.

 

Islam has forbidden performing, learning and using magic, and going to the magicians. It made it one of the invalidators of Tawhid, as it results in the loss of the right of Allâh, the act of directing worship to other than Allâh, and claiming equality between the Creator and the creature, owing to the belief the person holds about the magician, with respect to the ability to detect the unseen, and cause benefit and harm. Also, magic destroys and corrupts the rights of human beings. How many people has magic killed. How many people has it sickened, take away their sense, caused separation between the husband and wife, and triggered enmity and hatred between family members. All this is corruption, injustice and aggression. Allâh, the Most High, said,

 

(وَلَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلسَّاحِرُ حَيۡثُ أَتَىٰ)

And the magician will never be successful, to whatever amount (of skill) he may attain [Ta Ha: 69].

 

Ibn Qudaamah, may Allâh have mercy on him, said, "In fact, we know no disagreement among scholars regarding the fact that learning and teaching magic is haram i.e. unlawful" (Al-Mughni).

 

 Imam An-Nawawi, May Allâh have mercy on him, said: "Learning it, i.e. magic, and teaching it is forbidden" (Al-Minhaj).

 

Sheikh As-Sa'di, May Allâh have mercy on him,  says, Magic is part of Shirk (association of partners to Allâh) from two aspects: the aspect of making use of the demons and being attached to them, and perhaps he may even seek closeness to them by that which they love, in order to serve him, and fulfil his requirement, and from the aspect of divination, and the claim to share knowledge of the unseen with Allâh and thus tread ways that  lead to that, and such is of the divisions of polytheism and disbelief. "

 

Ibn Uthaimeen, May Allâh have mercy on him, said, "Learning magic is forbidden. It is even Kufr (disbelief) if it is done with the method of using demons. Allâh, the Almighty, said,

 

(وَٱتَّبَعُواْ مَا تَتۡلُواْ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلۡكِ سُلَيۡمَـٰنَ‌ۖ وَمَا ڪَفَرَ سُلَيۡمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُعَلِّمُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ ٱلسِّحۡرَ)

They followed what the Shayâtin (devils) used to recite (falsely of the magic) in the reign of Sulaimân (Solomon). Sulaimân did not disbelieve, but the Shayâtin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic.

 

Hence, learning this kind of magic, which is done by hiring demons is kufr (disbelief), and using it also is disbelief, injustice and aggression against the creation".

 

Among the evidence that magic is forbidden is the verse where Allâh, the Most High, said,

 

(وَلَقَدۡ عَلِمُواْ لَمَنِ ٱشۡتَرَٮٰهُ مَا لَهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ مِنۡ خَلَـٰقٍ۬‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ مَا شَرَوۡاْ بِهِۦۤ أَنفُسَهُمۡ‌ۚ لَوۡ ڪَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ)

And indeed they knew that he who buys it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew [Al-Baqarah: 102].

 

I.e: the Jews have learned that he who is pleased with magic instead of the law of Allâh, will have no share in the hereafter; because he sold his religion for this world. This is one of the most vehement threats, as the verse indicates its prohibition.

Furthermore, regarding the verse where Allâh, the Most High, said,

 

(يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡجِبۡتِ وَٱلطَّـٰغُوتِ)

They believe in Jibt (originally the name of an idol but it is also used for every false deity as well as magic) and Taghut (literally means rebel but it is also used for Satan, evil and falsehood),

 

Umar, may Allâh be pleased with him, said, "Al-Jibt is magic, and Taghut is the devil. In this verse, Allâh, the Most Purified, has vilified the Jews who believe in Al-Jibt of which is magic. "

 

In the previous hadith on the authority of Abu Hurairah, may Allâh be pleased with him, the Messenger of Allâh, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him), said: "Avoid the seven destructive sins," and he mentioned the magic "(Agreed upon).

 

Magic combines assault on the soul, wealth, and honour, as well as his assault on the exclusive right of Allâh by associating others with Him. And for the evil being committed by the magician and those going to him, the Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him),   said, " He is not part of us he who takes evil omens, and one for whom evil omens are sought, or one who acts as a soothsayer and one whom soothsaying is done for, or practices magic or magic is done for him" (At-Tabarani).

 

O believers! The magician has certain signs by which he is identified. Knowing these signs may protect against falling into their reprehensible nests. They include the following:

• When the magician asks the person coming to him about his name and his mother's name, and he may perhaps inform him of that even before he tells him.
• When the magician mumbles words one does not understand, and unknown words, and perhaps he may use Talismans and vague phrases.
• When he asks the person who comes to him to come with special clothes, or some of the things of the person upon whom he wants to afflict harm.
• Incomprehensible recitation and use of strange words.
• He may give the patient some papers to put somewhere, or to burn them and balm himself with them.
• He may give the patient a bit of clothing and diets.
• He may ask him to slaughter an animal or a bird, and pour its blood in certain places, and in a special manner, all of this without mentioning the name of Allâh.
• He may give some papers to the patient with unordered and strange writings.
• He may inform the patient of details of his private life affairs.
• He may ask the patient to bring something relating to his special affairs such as nails, hair, and light clothes.

O believers! Based on the above, it is forbidden to go to these sorcerers and charlatans, and believe in them; for their actions and their words are nothing more than deception, the act of making conjectures, and the prohibited seeking of aid from others beside Allâh, which leads to disbelief and misguidance. The Messenger of Allâh, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him),  said, " He who visits a diviner ('Arraf) and asks him about anything, his prayers extending to forty nights will not be accepted "(Narrated by Ahmad).

 

The Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him),  also says, " Whoever goes to a fortuneteller or soothsayer and believes what he says, he has disbelieved in that which was revealed to Muhammad, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him) " (Muslim).

 

May Allâh bless me and you in the Glorious Qur'an, and benefit me and you with the verses and the wise reminder it includes.

I said what you have heard, and I ask forgiveness from Allâh, the Almighty for you and me. Hence, ask for His forgiveness; for He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

 

Second sermon:

 

All praise is due and belongs to Allâh alone. May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon the last Prophet.

Slaves of Allâh!

 

The most useful cures and prevention for magic are the divine medicines. They are its useful and effective medications. Magic is of the effects of debased malignant spirits, and so to push back its impact one needs to use the invocations (adhkaar), verses from the Qur'an and prayers that repel and resist it and those that can  invalidate its impact.

 

Our Prophet Muhammad, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him),   has taught us how to fortify ourselves with legitimate Islamic adhkaar and prophetic supplications including the following:

 

• Reciting the Mu'awwidhaat (Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) three times in the morning and evening and at bedtime, as well as reciting Ayatul-Kursiy (verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah) in the morning and evening, and reading the two ending verses of Surah Al-Baqarah; due to the saying of the Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him), "Whoever recites two verses at the end of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him," i.e.: suffice him against all evil,
• (Al-Bukhari).

Moreover, to say three times in the morning and evening, the words: " 'Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma'as-mihi shai'un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i, wa Huwas-Sami'ul-'Alim (In the Name of Allâh with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing and the All- Knowing)" (Abu Dawud).

 

And to say: " 'A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek the protection of Allâh's Perfect Words from the evil of whatever He has created)" (thrice ) in the morning and evening (Abu Dawu).

 

And to say:  " A’udhu bi kalimatil-lahil- tammah, min kulli shaitanin wa hammah, wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah (I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allâh, from every devil and every poisonous reptile, and from every evil eye)" (Al-Bukhari).

 

And to say: " A’udhu bi kalimati'llahi't-tammati. Allati la yujawizu hunna barrun wa la fajir, min sharri ma khalaqa wa bara'a wa dhara'a, wa min sharri ma yanzilu min as-sama, wa min sharri ma yaruju fiha, wa min sharri ma dhara' fi'l-ard, wa min sharri ma yakhruju minha, wa min sharri tawariqi'l-layli wa'n-nahar, wa min sharri kull taariqin illa tariqan yatruqu bikhayrin ya Rahman! "

 

 " I seek refuge with the Prefect words of Allâh which neither the good person nor the corrupt can exceed from the evil of what He has created and originated and multiplied and from the evil of what descends from the sky and the evil of what ascends in it, and from the evil of what is created in the earth and the evil of what comes out of it, and from the visitations of the night and day, and from the visitations of anyone that visits, except for one that knocks with good, O the Most Merciful! " (An-Nasaei).

• Permanent prayer for protection and shielding from all evils, especially in times when response to prayers is most expected, such as the last one-third of the night, during sujud (prostration), at the end of obligatory prayers, during rainfall, the last hour of Friday, and the prayers of the parents, and the traveler, all of which there are Islamic legal texts that urge to take advantage of them.
• Among the ways of preventing magic is to eat seven dates of Al-'Ajwah species on an empty stomach in the morning, due to the saying of the Prophet, (May the blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him), " He who ate seven 'ajwah dates in the morning, poison and magic will not harm him on that day " (Agreed upon).
• Ibn Baaz, May Allâh have mercy on him, said, "Part of the treatment of magic after its occurrence – and it is a wholesome therapy – is to get seven leaves from green Sidr tree, grind them with stone or so, and put them in a pot and pour water on them as would be enough for him to take bath and recite Ayatul-Kursiy (verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah) on it, and (Surah Al-Kafiroon), (Surah Al-Ikhlaas), (Surah Al-Falaq), (Surah An-Naas) and the verses of magic, which are in Surah Al-A'raf where Allâh the Almighty, said:

(وَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنۡ أَلۡقِ عَصَاكَ‌ۖ فَإِذَا هِىَ تَلۡقَفُ مَا يَأۡفِكُونَ (117) فَوَقَعَ ٱلۡحَقُّ وَبَطَلَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ (118) فَغُلِبُواْ هُنَالِكَ وَٱنقَلَبُواْ صَـٰغِرِينَ)

We revealed to Musa, “Throw your staff.” Then of a sudden, it began to swallow all that they had concocted. (117) Thus the truth prevailed, and what they were doing became a nullity. (118) So, they were overcome then and there and turned humiliated [Al-A'raf: 117-119] and other verses.

I ask Allâh to pardon you and me and grant us wellness and permanent recovery, in this world and the hereafter.

 

Invoke prayers and blessings of Allâh upon the one Allâh, the Most Exalted and Glorified, has commanded you to do so when He said,

 

(إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا)

Allâh sends His Salah (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy, etc.) on the Prophet (Muhammad) and also His angels too (ask Allâh to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! Send your Salah on (ask Allâh to bless) him (Muhammad), and (you should) greet him with the Islamic way of greeting [Al-Ahzab: 56].