Psychological or Mystical?
Differentiating between psychological and mystical issues is crucial. Mystical problems often stem from black magic or jinn possession, which many psychologists dismiss as superstition. However, as Muslims, we believe in their existence as affirmed by the Quran and Hadith. The Quran mentions jinns: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Quran 51:56). Also, our Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) was afflicted by sihr, prompting the revelation of the last two Surahs of the Quran, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas.
Psychological and Mystical Overlap
At times, psychological issues may coexist with sihr or jinn possession, where the psychological damage worsens the effects of sihr. The jinn can leverage the individual’s weakened mental state to dominate them, making it imperative to address both problems concurrently. After removing the jinn, patients are often advised to seek medical treatment for any residual mental or physical damage.
Hard and Impossible Cases
Certain cases are irreversible. Those afflicted with witchcraft from a young age or in the womb may face permanent physical or mental changes. In these situations, even after removing the witchcraft, the damage is often already done. Patients may experience slight relief, but the effects are generally long-lasting. It’s essential to manage expectations and avoid offering false hope.
Children who have been dominated by jinn from a young age face even more complex issues. If the jinn has controlled their body for years, removing it may leave the body without a master, complicating the healing process. In some cases, these children behave more like animals than humans, never having developed a normal personality.
Symptoms of Sihr (Black Magic)
Signs of black magic are wide-ranging, including:
• Fever, potentially fatal
• Headache, heaviness in the head
• Tiredness, constant lethargy
• Dry cough, unexplained
• Sore throat, often severe
• Congested nose, discomfort
• Muscle aches, sudden pain
In addition, mental symptoms include persistent negative thoughts, feelings of being watched or followed, and nightmares featuring snakes, dead people, or high places. These symptoms reflect the extent of sihr’s harm: “And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic…” (Quran 2:102).
Types of Harm from Sihr
Sihr can cause:
• Strange feelings: like being watched or touched
• Blockages in life: work, marriage, relationships
• Health issues: unexplained pain, infertility, anger, sadness
Sihr is meant to harm its victims, and only through spiritual and medical intervention can relief be sought.