Sihr

Sihr (magic or sorcery) is strictly prohibited (haram) in Islam and classified among the major sins. It involves seeking supernatural effects through means displeasing to Allah, often requiring actions constituting disbelief (kufr) or association with jinn and devils. The Quran explicitly mentions sihr and warns against it: "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" (2:102). This verse distinguishes between Prophet Solomon's legitimate authority and the devils' sorcery, clarifying that magic opposes faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared: "Avoid the seven destructive sins," and mentioned sihr among them (Bukhari and Muslim). Islam categorically prohibits practicing, learning, or seeking magic, as it relies on forces other than Allah and often involves shirk (associating partners with Allah). However, protection from magic's harm is permitted through Quranic recitation (particularly Surah al-Falaq and al-Nas), authentic prophetic supplications (ruqyah), and reliance on Allah. The Prophet himself was protected from magic attempts, and Allah revealed refuge-seeking chapters as shields. Islamic scholars differentiate between magic (requiring forbidden means) and illusion (mere trickery) or legitimate medicine. Sihr violates tawhid by seeking help from other than Allah, corrupts individuals and communities, and leads to spiritual destruction. Muslims are commanded to seek protection in Allah alone, reciting prescribed prayers and maintaining strong faith as the ultimate defense. The reality of sihr is affirmed by the Quran. It can cause harm by Allah's permission, but it cannot benefit. The Prophet was affected by magic, but Allah protected him. The cure for magic is ruqyah,reciting Quranic verses and prophetic supplications. The best protection is faith and reliance on Allah. For believers, sihr is to be avoided. They do not learn it, practice it, or seek it. They seek protection in Allah, recite the refuge surahs, and maintain strong faith. They know that the ultimate protection is from Allah, and they trust in Him. The one who practices sihr is cursed. The Prophet said: "Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and believes him has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad" (Abu Dawud). The believer avoids all forms of sihr, seeking protection in Allah, and trusting that no harm can come without His permission, and no benefit can come without His will.