Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, told us that sorcery was real, and that it was dangerous both physically and spiritually.  However if we face a problem or become ill we should not immediately think we have been harmed by sorcery.  Often those who truly believe they are affected by sorcery one of the first things they think of doing, is using sorcery to heal themselves.  This is entirely incorrect.  Evil cannot, under any circumstances whatsoever, be removed by more evil.  Evil can only be cured or removed by good.

Many diseases of the mind and body mimic the effects of magic therefore a person should always seek help from qualified medical practitioners before jumping to the conclusion that they have had a spell cast on them.  However the reality is that God does allow these things into our lives, either as a test or as a means to greater reward.  It is wise to remember that nothing happens without the permission of God, and God may heal the person affected by sorcery, without any action on the part of the person affected, or others on his behalf, because He is Able to do all things, and He is Wise in all that He does. 

“Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is!” (Quran 36:82)

Prophet Muhammad told us that, “The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial.  When God loves a people He tests them.  Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.”[1]  God does not leave us defenceless in the face of any danger, sorcery included.  There are many ways to protect ourselves from the ill effects of sorcery.  They begin as always with the words of God, the Quran.

Reciting verses from the Quran, certain supplications and words of remembrance will create a protective barrier between a person and the harms of sorcery, thus it is a very good idea to make this a regular practice.  The opening chapter of Quran is known as the greatest chapter and it one of the greatest forms of protection, along with other verses and chapters of Quran including the last three chapters, and Chapter 2, verse 255.  This verse is known as the greatest verse in Quran and Prophet Muhammad said that whoever recited this verse at night would be protected until morning and whoever recited it in the morning would be protected until nightfall.[2]

The Quran talks extensively about sorcery in chapter 2 and this chapter is one of the greatest means of protection from evil of all kinds.  It is wise to recite or play this chapter in your home on a regular basis. 

“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 and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut.  But the two angels did not teach anyone unless they said, ’We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].’  And [yet] they learned from them that which can cause separation between a man and his wife.  But they do not harm anyone through it except by the permission of Allah.  They learned what harmed them, not what benefited them, knowing full well that the buyers of it [magic] would have no share in the Hereafter.  And how bad indeed was that for which they sold themselves, if they but knew.” (Quran 2:102)

Every person, whether affected by sorcery or not, should try to depend on God alone and put his trust in Him in all affairs, knowing that God does not send a disease for which there is no cure.  God has given us permissible means for treating those who have been harmed by sorcery and for protecting ourselves from it.  A person should turn to God; beseech Him with supplication at the beginning of the day, at night and after every prayer.  For God is the One who removes harm and relieves distress and He is merciful; He answers the supplications of all those who call upon Him.  In addition, while holding fast to God, seeking refuge with Him, and putting our trust in Him, we can attain protection from sorcery by striving to do what is right in the sight of God, and turning away from sin. 

Finally let us discuss a few important points to bear in mind about the topic of sorcery.  Sorcery is often referred to as black magic.  This gives the false impression that there is something called white magic and thus not dangerous or as dangerous.  Magic is magic no matter what colour is used to describe it.  While the intent of the practitioner may range from evil to good, believers have been told categorically to stay away from magic in all its forms. 

There is a lot of information about curing a person affected by sorcery circulating on the internet that is downright dangerous, as dangerous as magic.  Some sites will tell you that physical symptoms of ill health are signs of a magic spell, this is often incorrect.  People suffering from flu like symptoms or strange conditions should seek the help of medical practitioners.   Well known and understood mental illnesses are often misdiagnosed as the effects of sorcery; this is particularly dangerous, especially when a person is suffering from delusions or hallucinations.   When medical efforts have been exhausted and the symptoms have not been explained then it would be wise to seek the help of a qualified person of Islamic knowledge.  However, be certain that any “cures” you are given must strictly be in accordance with the instructions given by God and His messenger, Prophet Muhammad.

Lastly remember that using the words of God, that is the Quran itself, as a shield from magic is at all times recommended for it achieves several purposes, including bring a person closer to God.