The Reality of Black Magic and Sihr in Islam
An Islamic explanation of sihr, its Qur’anic basis, how it is associated with devils and harmful jinn, the forms of harm it may cause and the role of ruqya, worship and reliance upon Allah.
Is Black Magic Real in Islam?
Yes. The Qur’an and authentic Sunnah establish the reality of sihr. Muslims believe that magic may cause harm only by the permission of Allah and that no magician, devil or jinn has independent power.
Qur’an 2:102 describes devils teaching magic and states that people learned from it what could cause separation between a husband and wife, while affirming that they could not harm anyone except by Allah’s permission.
Authentic reports also state that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was affected by magic worked by Labid ibn al-A‘sam. Allah revealed the matter to him and granted relief. This demonstrates the reality of sihr while also showing that Allah remains the ultimate protector and healer.
The Power and Importance of the Qur’an
The Qur’an is guidance, mercy and healing for believers. Ruqya uses Qur’anic recitation and permissible supplications while seeking protection and relief from Allah.
The power does not belong independently to a practitioner, written object or human voice. Benefit occurs through Allah’s words and by His permission.
“Had We sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and torn apart in awe of Allah.”
Qur’an 59:21 — read the verse
“We have sent you only as a mercy for the whole world.”
Qur’an 21:107 — read the verse
What Is Sihr?
Sihr is commonly translated as magic or sorcery. Within Islamic teaching, it may involve spells, knots, written symbols, offerings, forbidden incantations, impurities, personal items or attempts to seek assistance from devils and rebellious jinn.
The magician may attempt to form an agreement with shayatin by committing acts of disbelief, disobedience or humiliation. In return, the devils are asked to mislead, frighten, divide or harm another person.
Sihr remains subject to Allah’s decree. It cannot overcome Allah or operate independently of His permission.
Why Practising Magic Is Forbidden
Magic is a grave and destructive sin. It may involve shirk, seeking assistance from devils, claiming knowledge of the unseen and harming innocent people.
The Prophet ﷺ included practising sorcery among the seven destructive sins.
A person should not approach magicians, fortune tellers or anyone who asks for strange sacrifices, unknown symbols, a mother’s name, hair, clothing, photographs or secret rituals.
This website does not encourage individuals to punish, confront or accuse suspected magicians. Criminal conduct and threats should be reported to the appropriate authorities. Islamic legal punishments are not for private individuals to carry out.
How Sihr May Be Carried Out
Bound or Hidden Sihr
Knots, threads, written papers, buried objects, hair, clothing or personal belongings may be used in acts of sihr.
Eaten or Drunk Sihr
Sihr may be placed in food or drink so that it enters the body and is believed to produce continuing spiritual harm.
Sihr Hidden in the Earth
Objects may be buried in graves, gardens, fields or concealed places with the intention that the magic remains hidden.
Sihr Placed Around Property
Substances may be sprinkled near a doorway, home, business or route frequently used by the intended victim.
Burned or Blown Sihr
Incense, smoke, powders or other substances may be used within forbidden rituals intended to spread harm.
Photographs and Personal Details
A photograph, name, date of birth or personal possession may be used by a magician when targeting an individual.
Forms of Harm Associated With Sihr
Separation
Sudden hatred, repeated conflict, aversion or division between spouses, relatives, friends or business partners.
Marriage Blockage
Repeated unexplained failure of suitable proposals, sudden rejection or strong aversion to marriage.
Health and Strength
Persistent weakness, pain, heaviness, digestive complaints, exhaustion or symptoms believed to worsen during ruqya.
Work and Provision
Repeated setbacks, sudden conflict, unusual loss or barriers affecting employment and business.
Thoughts and Emotions
Fear, anger, confusion, intrusive thoughts, aversion, sadness or unexplained changes in behaviour.
Worship
Intense heaviness, distraction, sleepiness or resistance during salah, Qur’an recitation and remembrance.
These experiences should be considered as part of a wider pattern rather than used alone as definite proof of sihr.
The Relationship Between Sihr and Jinn
In many forms of sihr, the magician seeks assistance from shayatin or harmful jinn. A jinn may be instructed to frighten, whisper to, divide, oppress or otherwise interfere with the intended victim.
Within ruqya practice, different harmful jinn may be connected with separate acts of sihr or evil eye. Long-standing cases may therefore involve several layers of spiritual harm.
Not every jinn is evil, and not every unexplained difficulty is caused by jinn. The Qur’an describes both righteous and unrighteous jinn.
Jealousy, Resentment and the Motive for Sihr
People may turn to magic because of jealousy, revenge, greed, envy, rivalry or a desire to control another person. In some cases, the person responsible may be someone known to the victim.
However, Muslims should avoid accusing relatives, neighbours or others without evidence. Suspicion can itself destroy families and relationships.
The correct response is to seek Allah’s protection, practise ruqya, maintain daily adhkar and deal with any practical evidence through lawful means.
How Shaytan Deceives Those Who Practise Magic
Shaytan may promise power, wealth, control or revenge, but these promises are deceptive. The magician becomes increasingly dependent upon devils while losing faith, peace and protection.
On the Day of Judgement, Shaytan will disown those who followed him and declare that he merely invited them and they responded.
Protection From Sihr
Obligatory Prayer
Maintain the five daily prayers and strengthen your relationship with Allah.
Morning and Evening Adhkar
Recite established remembrances consistently for spiritual protection.
Ayat al-Kursi
Recite Ayat al-Kursi, particularly after prayer and before sleep.
Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas
Recite the final three Surahs in the morning, evening and before sleeping.
Surah Al-Baqarah
Maintain Qur’an recitation within the home, including Surah Al-Baqarah.
Repentance
Make istighfar, leave sinful behaviour, keep income halal and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
Ruqya Treatment for Sihr
Permissible ruqya uses Qur’anic verses, authentic supplications and words free from shirk. It may include Qur’anic recitation, ruqya water, ruqya oil, ruqya baths and other appropriate practices.
Ruqya Treatment also offers a specialised distance jinn-catching service for concerns involving sihr, accumulated evil eye and harmful jinn influence.
No visit, Skype call or live video appointment is required. Each case is treated individually, and feedback is provided concerning what we believe was addressed during the session.
Ruqya must not contain charms, unknown formulas, fortune telling, prohibited sacrifices or claims that a practitioner independently controls healing or the unseen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sihr real according to Islam?
Yes. Qur’an 2:102 and authentic hadith establish the reality of magic, while affirming that it cannot cause harm except by Allah’s permission.
Was the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ affected by magic?
Authentic reports state that Labid ibn al-A‘sam worked magic upon the Prophet ﷺ and that Allah revealed the matter and granted him relief.
Does sihr always involve jinn?
Many forms of sihr involve seeking assistance from devils or harmful jinn. The circumstances and methods may differ between cases.
Can sihr affect marriage and relationships?
Qur’an 2:102 specifically mentions magic used to cause separation between a husband and wife.
Can every hardship be blamed on sihr?
No. Ordinary causes, personal decisions and practical circumstances should also be considered. A careful assessment should examine the overall pattern.
How should Muslims seek protection?
Maintain prayer, daily adhkar, Qur’an recitation, repentance and reliance upon Allah, and avoid magicians and prohibited practices.
Concerned About Black Magic or Sihr?
Read about the symptoms associated with sihr, our distance jinn-catching method, treatment charges and preparation requirements before contacting us.
Symptoms of Sihr Jinn Catching Information Treatment and Charges Contact Ruqya Treatment