Categories of Sihr
Islamic scholars have classified sihr into several types:
1. Sihr al-‘Ayn (evil eye related magic) — using specific methods to concentrate harmful intent on a person through the eye 2. Sihr al-Mahabbah wa al-Bughd (love and hate magic) — attempting to make someone love or hate a specific person (the Harut and Marut context in 2:102) 3. Sihr al-Takhyil (illusion magic) — creating visual illusions (Pharaoh’s magicians used this: their ropes appeared to be snakes) 4. Sihr al-‘Atf (binding magic) — using knots, strings, or talismans to bind a relationship 5. Sihr al-Tafriq (separation magic) — attempting to separate married couples, the Quran specifically mentions this as the worst use of what Harut and Marut taught
The Prohibition and Its Basis
The Quran on Harut and Marut (2:102): The angels taught people magic only after warning: “We are but a trial, so do not disbelieve.” Those who learned it did so despite the warning, and “they would learn from them that by which they could cause separation between a man and his wife. But they could not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah.”
Three things this passage establishes:
- Sihr is real and can produce effects
- Its effects occur only “by permission of Allah” — nothing acts outside Allah’s will
- Learning sihr after the warning constitutes kufr
The ruling: Practicing sihr is a major sin; in classical fiqh it is the most severe category. Some scholars held it constitutes kufr (disbelief) if it involves invoking jinn or Shaytan.
Sihr vs. Karamat vs. Ruqya
| Sihr | Karamat (saintly gifts) | Ruqya | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Shaytan/jinn | Allah (through the wali) | Allah (through Quran/du’a) |
| Means | Demonic pacts, knots | Divine gift, no mediation | Quranic recitation |
| Purpose | Harm/control | Serve believers | Heal the sick |
| Ruling | Haram | Permitted, real | Permitted, commended |
Protection from Sihr
The Prophet taught specific protections:
- Morning/evening adhkar: Ayat al-Kursi and the Mu’awwidhatain protect the believer
- Surah al-Baqarah: “Do not make your homes like graves — for Shaytan flees from a house in which Surah al-Baqarah is recited.” (Muslim)
- Strong iman and tawakkul: The Quran’s assurance that Shaytan and jinn cannot harm the sincere believer except “by permission of Allah”
Treatment for those affected by sihr: Prophetic ruqya (Quranic recitation + authenticated du’as).
See also: Jinn, Iblis, Waswas, Ruqya, Iman And Kufr, Fiqh Overview, Adhkar Morning