Warding Off Evil Eyes and Magic: A Detailed Guide with Quranic and Hadith References

In the Islamic tradition, belief in the unseen forces of good and evil is fundamental. Among these unseen forces are the harmful effects of the evil eye (al-‘ayn) and black magic (sihr). Both are recognized as sources of harm that can affect an individual’s health, wealth, relationships, and general well-being. While the concept of magic and the evil eye may seem foreign to some, they are deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, with both the Quran and Hadith providing guidance on how to protect oneself from their detrimental effects.

Allah (SWT) warns us of the potential harm of the evil eye, and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of seeking refuge in Allah through specific supplications (duas) and actions. Magic, too, is condemned in Islam, with its practice considered a major sin. However, Islam provides us with a means to safeguard ourselves from such harms, including the recitation of certain Quranic verses, supplications, and the practice of ruqyah (spiritual healing).

The following discussion delves into the concepts of the evil eye and black magic, along with practical methods from the Quran and Hadith that Muslims can use to protect themselves from these forces.

Quranic Reference:

“And from the evil of the jealous when he envies.”
(Surah Al-Falaq 113:5)

Hadith Reference:

“العين حق، ولو كان شيء سابق القدر لسبقته العين.”

“The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the evil eye.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Understanding the Evil Eye (Al-‘Ayn) and Black Magic (Sihr)

The Evil Eye (Al-‘Ayn)

The evil eye is a form of harm that is believed to occur when a person, out of jealousy or envy, casts a negative gaze on another. It is often considered a result of admiration or envy towards someone’s success, wealth, beauty, or blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned about the evil eye and its potential harm to individuals, urging Muslims to seek protection from it.

Black Magic (Sihr)

Sihr, or black magic, refers to the use of supernatural powers to influence or control someone’s life negatively. It is often associated with the invocation of jinn or the use of spells, charms, and incantations to manipulate the will or actions of a person. In Islamic teachings, sihr is considered a major sin, and seeking protection from it is a key part of safeguarding one’s well-being.

Quranic Verses on the Evil Eye and Magic

The Quran mentions the evil eye and magic in several verses, providing guidance on how to protect oneself from these harms. The key verses on this topic emphasize seeking refuge in Allah (SWT) and reciting specific surahs and duas for protection.

The Evil Eye in the Quran

Allah (SWT) refers to the evil eye in the Quran, emphasizing its potential harm. One of the most significant verses that addresses this is from Surah Al-Falaq.

Quranic Reference on the Evil Eye:

“And from the evil of the jealous when he envies.”
(Surah Al-Falaq 113:5)

Arabic:
“وَمِنْ شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ.”
(Surah Al-Falaq 113:5)

In this verse, Allah (SWT) warns of the evil caused by jealousy and envy, which can manifest in the form of the evil eye. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recommended seeking refuge in Allah from the harm of those who harbor jealousy, as it can lead to detrimental effects on others.

Magic and Protection from Sihr in the Quran

The Quran also addresses the issue of sihr (black magic) and provides guidance on how to protect oneself from its influence. The well-known verse from Surah Al-Baqarah emphasizes the importance of seeking protection from the harm of magic.

Quranic Reference on Magic:

“And they follow what the devils recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But neither of the two taught anyone until they had said, ‘We are a trial, so do not disbelieve.’ And they learned from them that by which they could cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And they learned what harms them and does not benefit them.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102)

Arabic:
“وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُوا الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ لِسَانِ سُلَيْمَانَ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَانُ وَلَٰكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَىٰ الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِهِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلَا تَكْفُرْ فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِهِ وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِهِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّـهِ وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102)

This verse refers to the practices of magic, particularly the harmful effects it can have on relationships, and stresses that no harm occurs without the permission of Allah. It serves as a reminder to seek Allah’s refuge from these forms of harm.

How to Ward Off the Evil Eye and Magic According to the Sunnah

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provided practical guidance for Muslims on how to protect themselves from the evil eye and magic. Through his teachings, we learn the importance of seeking refuge in Allah and using specific supplications (duas) and actions for protection.

Seeking Protection from the Evil Eye

The Prophet (ﷺ) taught various supplications to protect oneself from the harm of the evil eye. One of the most common and effective duas is the recitation of Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas.

Hadith on Protection from the Evil Eye:

“The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the evil eye.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Arabic:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “العين حق، ولو كان شيء سابق القدر لسبقته العين.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith highlights the reality of the evil eye and its potential to affect a person’s life. The Prophet (ﷺ) stressed the need for seeking refuge in Allah to ward off its harmful effects.

Dua for Protection from the Evil Eye:

One of the supplications mentioned by the Prophet (ﷺ) for seeking protection from the evil eye is:

“A’udhu bi kalimat illahi tammati min sharri ma khalaq.”
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”

Arabic:
“أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّـهِ التَّامَّةِ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ.”

This dua is recommended for recitation when feeling vulnerable or when one is afraid of being affected by the evil eye.

Reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi for Protection from Magic and Evil

The recitation of Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) is one of the most powerful methods for seeking protection from both magic and the evil eye. The Prophet (ﷺ) recommended its recitation for safeguarding oneself from harm.

Hadith on Reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi:

“Whoever recites Ayat-ul-Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing will prevent him from entering Paradise except death.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Arabic:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “مَن قَرَأَ آيَةَ الكُرْسِيِّ دُبُرَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ مَفْرُوضَةٍ لَمْ يَمْنَعْهُ مِنْ دُخُولِ الجَنَّةِ إِلَّا أَنْ يَمُوتَ.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith demonstrates the immense reward of reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi regularly, not only for spiritual protection but also as a means of gaining closeness to Allah.

Using Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing)

Ruqyah refers to the recitation of specific Quranic verses and supplications for healing and protection from harmful influences, including magic and the evil eye. The Prophet (ﷺ) used ruqyah to heal his companions, and it is a practice recommended for Muslims today.

Hadith on Ruqyah:

“The treatment of the evil eye is in the book of Allah.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Arabic:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “العلاج من العين في كتاب الله.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Ruqyah includes the recitation of Surah Al-Falaq, Surah An-Naas, and other verses that are known to offer protection against the harm of magic and the evil eye. Muslims are encouraged to recite these verses regularly for spiritual well-being.

Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah for Protection

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged the recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah in the home, as it is a means of protection from evil, including magic and the evil eye.

Hadith on Surah Al-Baqarah:

“Do not turn your houses into graves. Indeed, Satan runs away from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Arabic:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “لَا تَجْعَلُوا بُيُوتَكُمْ قُبُورًا، إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَفِرُّ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ الَّذِي تُقْرَأُ فِيهِ سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of reciting Surah Al-Baqarah, particularly as a means of protection from harmful spiritual influences.

Conclusion: Warding off evil eyes and magic

The belief in the evil eye and magic is an integral part of Islamic teachings, and Muslims are encouraged to seek protection from these harms through specific Quranic verses, Hadith, and supplications. The guidance provided by the Quran and Sunnah teaches us to turn to Allah (SWT) for protection, to be aware of the reality of the evil eye and black magic, and to use the powerful means of ruqyah, Ayat-ul-Kursi, and Surah Al-Baqarah for safeguarding ourselves from harm.

By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can ward off the negative influences of the evil eye and magic, and seek refuge in the mercy and protection of Allah. May Allah (SWT) grant us all protection from these harms and guide us to live in accordance with His teachings.