In Islam, belief in the unseen (al-ghayb) is a fundamental aspect of faith. Among the unseen realities acknowledged in the Qur’an and Sunnah is the existence of sihr, commonly known as black magic in Islam. Furthermore, sihr is considered one of the most dangerous evils, as it can affect human beings spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
Allah ﷻ has warned against practicing or seeking help from magic, clearly describing it as an act of disbelief. In addition, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was afflicted by sihr, demonstrating that no one is truly immune from this trial. However, Allah has also provided clear guidance and remedies through the Qur’an and Sunnah for protection and cure.
In this detailed article, we will explore:
- What is shir in Islam
- Its dangers and ruling
- Signs and symptoms of sihr
- Authentic cures through ruqyah
- Preventive steps for Muslims
What is Black Magic in Islam (Sihr)?

Linguistic and Shariah Definition:
- inguistically: The Arabic word sihr (سِحْر) means ‘hidden’ or ‘secret.’ Consequently, it refers to something subtle that operates in ways that are not immediately visible.
- Islamic definition: Scholars define sihr as spells, incantations, or actions that are carried out with the help of devils (shayatin), and, consequently, are intended to cause harm to people
Qur’anic Evidence:
Allah ﷻ speaks about sihr in the story of Babylon:
“They ˹instead˺ followed the magic promoted by the devils during the reign of Solomon. Never did Solomon disbelieve, rather the devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people, along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon.1 The two angels never taught anyone without saying, “We are only a test ˹for you˺, so do not abandon ˹your˺ faith.” Yet people learned ˹magic˺ that caused a rift ˹even˺ between husband and wife; although their magic could not harm anyone except by Allah’s Will. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them—although they already knew that whoever buys into magic would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they knew!”
(Qur’an 2:102)
This verse confirms three realities:
- Sihr is real and can cause harm.
- It is a form of disbelief when learned or practiced.
- However, its effect occurs only by Allah’s will, meaning that no magic can cause harm except by His decree.
Ruling on Black Magic in Islam:
- Practicing sihr is haram (strictly forbidden) and one of the major sins.
- Islam forbids seeking help from magicians or soothsayers. Safiyya reported from some of the wives of Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ), Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) having said:
“He who visits a diviner (‘Arraf) and asks him about anything, his prayers extending to forty nights will not be accepted.”
(Sahih Muslim 2230)
And in another narration:
Furthermore, it was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
“The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: ‘Whoever ties a know and blows on it, he has practiced magic; and whoever practices magic, he has committed Shirk; and whoever hangs up something (as an amulet) will be entrusted to it.'”
(Sunan al-Nasa’i 4079, Hasan)
Types of Sihr
Islamic scholars mention different forms of sihr, such as:
- Sihr of separation (tafriq): Causing discord between husband and wife.
- Sihr of love (mahabba): Forcing unnatural attraction.
- Sihr of illness: Causing unexplained sickness.
- Sihr of madness: Affecting the mind with confusion or hallucinations.
- Sihr of death: Attempting to cause fatal harm.
All these are real but forbidden practices.
Signs and Symptoms of Black Magic
Not every illness or difficulty is due to sihr. Islam teaches us to maintain balance: we should treat medical issues medically and address spiritual issues through ruqyah. However, scholars mention certain possible signs of sihr:
General Symptoms:
- For example, a sudden change in behavior without any clear reason may indicate the harmful influence of sihr.
- Moreover, it can manifest as constant fatigue or laziness, even when there is no medical cause.
- Additionally, it may lead to sudden hatred between spouses or family members, straining close relationships unexpectedly.
- Frequent disturbing dreams or nightmares
- Moreover, unexplained physical pain that doctors cannot diagnose often leaves individuals feeling frustrated and anxious, as they struggle to find answers and effective treatment.
Signs in the Qur’an and Sunnah:
Narrated Aisha:
Magic was worked on Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) so that he used to think that he had sexual relations with his wives while he actually had not (Sufyan said: That is the hardest kind of magic as it has such an effect). Then one day he said, “O `Aisha do you know that Allah has instructed me concerning the matter I asked Him about? Two men came to me and one of them sat near my head and the other sat near my feet. The one near my head asked the other. What is wrong with this man?’
The latter replied the is under the effect of magic The first one asked, Who has worked magic on him?’ The other replied Labid bin Al-A’sam, a man from Bani Zuraiq who was an ally of the Jews and was a hypocrite.’ The first one asked, What material did he use)?’ The other replied, ‘A comb and the hair stuck to it.’ The first one asked, ‘Where (is that)?’
The other replied. ‘In a skin of pollen of a male date palm tree kept under a stone in the well of Dharwan’ ” So the Prophet (ﷺ) went to that well and took out those things and said “That was the well which was shown to me (in a dream) Its water looked like the infusion of Henna leaves and its date-palm trees looked like the heads of devils.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “Then that thing was taken out’ I said (to the Prophet (ﷺ) ) “Why do you not treat yourself with Nashra?” He said, “Allah has cured me; I dislike to let evil spread among my people.” (Bukhari 5765, Muslim 2189).
Therefore, confusion, forgetfulness, and mental disturbance can also be among the effects of sihr.
Dangers of Black Magic
- Spiritual harm: It weakens faith and creates doubts.
- Family destruction: Causes separation and hatred between loved ones.
- Physical illness: Leads to real sickness and pain.
- Disbelief (kufr): Practicing magic or seeking magicians leads to shirk.
Cure for Black Magic in Islam

Islam provides clear, authentic methods of curing sihr through ruqyah shariah.
Qur’anic Verses for Healing:
- Surah Al-Fatiha – Known as a healing chapter.
- Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) – Protection against devils.
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102, 2:255, 2:285-286) – Powerful verses against sihr.
- Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, Al-Nas – The Prophet ﷺ recited them for protection when afflicted by sihr.
Sunnah Remedies:
Narrated A’ishah (RA):
“A man called Labid bin al-A’sam from the tribe of Bani Zaraiq worked magic on Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) till Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) started imagining that he had done a thing that he had not really done. One day or one night he was with us, he invoked Allah and invoked for a long period, and then said, “O `Aisha! Do you know that Allah has instructed me concerning the matter I have asked him about? Two men came to me and one of them sat near my head and the other near my feet. One of them said to his companion, “What is the disease of this man?”
The other replied, “He is under the effect of magic.’ The first one asked, ‘Who has worked the magic on him?’ The other replied, “Labid bin Al-A’sam.’ The first one asked, ‘What material did he use?’ The other replied, ‘A comb and the hairs stuck to it and the skin of pollen of a male date palm.’ The first one asked, ‘Where is that?’ The other replied, ‘(That is) in the well of Dharwan;’ ” So Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) along with some of his companions went there and came back saying, “O `Aisha, the color of its water is like the infusion of Henna leaves.
The tops of the date-palm trees near it are like the heads of the devils.” I asked. “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)? Why did you not show it (to the people)?” He said, “Since Allah cured me, I disliked to let evil spread among the people.” Then he ordered that the well be filled up with earth.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5763, Sahih Muslim 2189)
Step-by-Step Ruqyah for Black Magic:
- Make intention (niyyah) that cure comes from Allah alone.
- Recite:
- Surah Al-Fatiha (7 times)
- Ayat al-Kursi (2:255)
- Surah Al-Baqarah verses (2:102, 285-286)
- Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, Al-Nas (3 times each)
- Blow gently into water after reciting.
- Then, drink some of the water and use the rest for bathing, allowing it to take effect.
- Make sure to repeat this daily, both in the morning and in the evening, for best results.
Authentic Duas for Healing:
Narrated `Abdul `Aziz:
Thabit and I went to Anas bin Malik. Thabit said, “O Abu Hamza! I am sick.” On that Anas said, “Shall I treat you with the Ruqya of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)?” Thabit said, “Yes,” Anas recited, “O Allah! The Lord of the people, the Remover of trouble! (Please) cure (Heal) (this patient), for You are the Healer. None brings about healing but You; a healing that will leave behind no ailment.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5742, Sahih Muslim 2191)
Preventive Measures Against Sihr
- Recite Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer.
- Recite the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night.
- Perform morning and evening adhkar daily.
- Say Bismillah before eating, entering home, and other actions.
- Moreover, always keep close to Allah through regular prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and heartfelt dua.
Common Misconceptions About Black Magic In Islam
- Not every problem is sihr: It is important to remember that many issues may be medical or psychological; therefore, always seek professional medical help alongside performing ruqyah.
- Amulets and charms are not Islamic: Using taweez with unknown writings or calling upon jinn is shirk.
- Only Qur’an and Sunnah-based ruqyah is valid: Islam forbids any practice that involves shirk or superstition.
Benefits of Ruqyah Against Sihr
- Brings protection from Allah alone.
- Strengthens faith and tawakkul (reliance on Allah).
- Provides peace of heart and relief from distress.
- Breaks the effects of sihr without resorting to forbidden means.
Conclusion
Indeed, black magic (sihr) is real, extremely dangerous, and clearly condemned in Islam. Moreover, it serves as a tool of shayatin that not only harms individuals but also disrupts families and corrupts societies.. However, Allah ﷻ has provided healing and protection through the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Muslims must avoid shirk, fortune-tellers, and superstitions. Instead, they should rely on ruqyah shariah, daily adhkar, and trust in Allah. True protection and cure come only from Him.
“And He ˹alone˺ heals me when I am sick.”
(Qur’an 26:80)
If you or someone you know is experiencing the harmful effects of sihr (black magic), remember that true healing and protection come only through the Qur’an, Sunnah, and complete reliance on Allah ﷻ. For more guidance, resources, and Islamic solutions, visit What Is Magic? to understand this issue in detail and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.













