Sihr in Islamic Sources: What Is Established and What Is Not
Updated: Aug 14
Religious & Health Information Notice: This article discusses Islamic religious beliefs and practices for educational purposes. The information here is not diagnostic criteria for sihr, jinn, evil eye, or any medical or mental-health condition. Similar experiences can have physical, psychological, environmental, or other causes. Bukhari Ruqyah does not provide medical or psychiatric diagnosis. Seek appropriate professional healthcare for health concerns, and do not discontinue or delay prescribed care because of information on this website.
Why Classifications of Sihr Need Caution
A number of detailed classifications of sihr circulate in Ruqyah communities, including descriptions based on how an alleged spell was administered or where an object was supposedly placed. These classifications should not be presented as established categories of Islamic law unless supported by clear Qur'anic or authentic Sunnah evidence.
What the Quran and Sunnah Establish
The Qur'an discusses sihr, including the account in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102, and authentic Sunnah narrations also discuss the Prophet ﷺ being affected by sihr. These sources establish the subject without providing a comprehensive diagnostic taxonomy.
Do Not Diagnose by Circumstances or Symptoms
Digestive problems, pain, relationship difficulties, financial setbacks, changes in worship, sleep problems, or other experiences should not be assigned to a particular category of sihr. Similar experiences can have many ordinary causes.
Avoid Searching for Hidden Objects
If someone suspects that an object has been hidden or buried, that suspicion is not evidence that an object exists. Searching homes, property, gardens, or other people's belongings can cause financial damage, conflict, trespass, and unfounded accusations.
Do not use a suspected object as evidence against another person, and do not accept a practitioner's claim to know who supposedly caused harm through knowledge of the unseen.
Authentic Ruqyah
Muslims may practice Ruqyah through Qur'anic recitation, authentic supplications, salah, dhikr, and reliance upon Allah. The same basic religious practices can be followed without first assigning a person to a particular category of sihr.
What to Avoid
Claims of guaranteed removal or guaranteed results.
Claims of knowing who performed sihr or why it was performed.
Talismans, charms, occult practices, fortune-telling, or unknown symbols.
Advice to stop prescribed medication or delay appropriate healthcare.
Fear-based claims designed to create dependency on repeated paid sessions.
Keep the Focus on Faith and Responsible Practice
The purpose of learning about sihr should not be to create fear or a catalogue of symptoms. Learn what revelation establishes, maintain authentic worship and protection, avoid superstition and accusations, and seek appropriate professional care for health concerns.
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