| Answer: As
far as magic is concerned, one cannot deny its existence. The Qur’ān
specifically mentions it as an evil discipline (siflī `ilm) practiced by the
devils from both among the men and the jinn-folk:
And they
followed what the devils used to enchant in the reign of Solomon; Solomon did
not commit kufr but these devils did: they used to teach magic to people and
they followed such things as were revealed at Babylon to the angels Hārūt and
Mārūt. But neither of these taught anyone [such things] without saying: We are
only for trial; so do not commit kufr. These people used to learn from them
that which could sow discord between a man and his wife whereas these things
cannot harm anyone without Allah’s permission. (2:102)
As specified
by this verse, this magic is actually kufr (denial of faith), and therefore
people should keep away from it. The question arises as to how should a person
secure himself from becoming a victim to it. The answer is that, as a
principle, in all things which can harm a person and which by nature are
scientifically or medically explicable, help should be sought from the
appropriate quarters. For example, if a person has an ulcer he should consult
a gastroenterologist and if he has a bone fracture he should be shown to a
specialist of orthopaedics. But if a person feels that he is the victim of
some ailment which is not scientifically explicable, then the Qur’ān teaches
him to put all his trust in Allah and pray to Him. The most appropriate thing
to do in such cases is to recite the last two sūrahs of the Qur’ān and spend
as much time as possible in remembering the Almighty. For, as the Qur’ān says
in (2:102) nothing can harm a person unless it is the will of the Almighty.
In contrast
to magic, which is kufr as declared by the Qur’ān, there seems to be another
discipline (`ilm) which was revealed to the angels Hārūt and Mārūt; this was
something of a defence against black magic so in vogue in the times of the
Prophet Solomon (sws) in Babylon. Though it was not at all an evil `ilm, yet
it was called a fitnah (test) which could be used the wrong way as well. This
particular `ilm may be the one which lies with some of the ‘āmils of today;
but then, nothing can be said with certainty.
Now these `āmil's
are generally of two types in our society. The first category which
constitutes almost 95% of them are those who generally fool the innocent
masses by their buffoonery and by dramatic displays of wordplay. People end up
losing lots of money and valuable time while getting "cured" from these
fraudulent elements and sometimes pay the heaviest of prices for this -- they
lose their relationship with Allah and become superstitious. To the second
category belong those `āmil's which are actually psychologists, who handle
patients purely through psychotherapy by suggesting them various mental and
physical exercises. However, they too are not entirely free from practices
such as wazā’if (incantations) which seem to have no basis in our religion.
For example they will recite a verse of the Qur’ān and contend that it creates
such and such effect on the person who recites it. This is something which
finds no mention in the Qur’ān. Nowhere does Qur’ān specify that words or
verses have mystical effects. Therefore, they should not be used for this
purpose.
Consequently,
my opinion in this regard is that one should stay away from these `āmil's as
far as possible and spend one's time in remembering the Almighty and in
seeking His protection by reciting the last two sūrahs of the Qur’ān. Also,
there are many supplications (ad`iyah) mentioned various Ahādīth which serve
the same purpose and can be recited.
The answer to
your last question is that whenever a person is in difficulty, he should ask
for Allah’s help in the very manner that has been prescribed in his Book. The
Qur’ān says:
Seek
Allah’s help through perseverance and prayer. (2:45)
All other
ways lead us astray. |