PART 3 – THE EVIL EYE AND ENVY
9. Is the Evil Eye Effective? Does This Contradict the Qur’an?
Question:
Some people argue that the evil eye has no effects because claiming such effects contradicts the Qur‘an. What is the truth?
Answer:
The truth is what the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says about it, “The evil eye is a fact.’’ (Op. Cit.) This has been verified by real experience. I am not aware of any Ayahs that contradict that Hadith. How then can those people claim any contradiction with the Qur‘an?! In fact, Allah has created causes for all phenomena. ‘Yes‘ are interpreted as the evil eye in this Ayah: “And lo! those who disbelieve would faint, disconcert thee with their eyes when they hear the Reminder…’’(Al-Falaq Surah, Aya 51.) However, irrespective of the meaning of the Ayah, the evil eye is an undisputed fact, which has been verified by real experience since the time of Allah‘s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. If affected by the evil eye, what must one do?
The evil eye must be treated with Ruqyas, but if the eye- caster is identified, he should be asked to do ablution, and the wash-water is to be given to the eye-receiver to pour on his head and back and to drink some of it. This results in healing, by Allah‘s permission. It has been customary to take some of the eye-caster‘s clothes, particularly the ones touching his body, such as a hat, and wash it in water to be drunk by the eye-receiver. This has proved beneficial according to documented incidents. Therefore, this prescription can be used, for the cause is valid since it is verifiable in real or legal terms; whatever has no real or legal basis must be rejected, such as the wearing of amulets for protection from the evil eye. There are no Qur‘anic statements to support such use of amulets. However, Qur‘anic amulets have been allowed by some of the Salaf, particularly if there is real need for them. (Ifta‘ Permanent Committee, Fatwas on Treatment Using the Qur‘an and the Sunnah, Ruqyas and Related Issues, by Ibn-Baz and Ibn-Uthaimeen, p. 43-44)
10. How to Treat Evil Eye Effects & Guarding Against the Evil Eye vs. Trust in Allah
Question:
Does the evil eye affect people? How can its effects be treated? Is guarding against the evil eye incompatible with trust in Allah?
Answer:
We believe that the evil eye is true both legally and physically. Allah says, “And lo! those who disbelieve would faint and disconcert thee with their eyes….’’(Al-Qalam Surah, Aya 51.) This is interpreted by Ibn-Abbas as well as others to mean the casting of the evil eyes by the disbelievers. Also, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “The evil eye is a fact. Should anything precede destiny, it would be the evil eye.’’ (Op. Cit.)
As narrated by Annasa‘i and Ibn-Majah, “Amir Ibn Rabi’ah saw Sahl Ibn-Hunayf doing a ghusl (washing his body) and said, `I have not seen the like of what I see today, not even the skin of a maiden who has never been out of doors.‘ Sahi fell to the ground. The Messenger of Allah was approached and was told, `Messenger of Allah, can you do anything about Sahl? He has fallen to the ground.‘ He said, ‘Do you suspect anyone?‘ They said, `We suspect Amir Ibn-Rabi’ah.‘ The Messenger of Allah said, `Why does one of you kill his brother? If you see something you admire in your brother, you should ask Allah to bless him.‘ He summoned Amir and said to him, ‘Do Ghusl.‘ Amir washed his face, hands, elbows, knees, the end of his feet, and inside his lower garment in a vessel. Then he poured it over him….’’ (Sunnah Ibn-Majah, Kitab At Tib (Book of Medicine), Hadith No. 3509.) Sahl was healed. This is a well-documented incident testifying to the reality of the evil eye, which cannot be denied.
This is how to treat the effects of the evil eye according to Shari‘ah:
1. With Ruqyas:
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “Nothing is as good as Ruqyas for treating evil eyes stings/ صلى الله عليه وسلم bites.’’ (Sunan Abu-Dawood, Kitab At Tib (Book of Medicine), Hadith No. 3889.) Angel Jibreel – may His peace be upon him – used to do a Ruqya on the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم by saying, “In the name of Allah I am doing this Ruqya unto you to get rid of all that is harming you and of the evil of all spirits and eyes. May Allah cure you; in His name I am doing this Ruqya unto you.’’ (Op. Cit.)
2. With the eye-caster’s Ghusl:
An example of such Ghusl is what was done by Amir in the incident of the above-mentioned Hadith.
Regarding the use of the eye-caster‘s urine or stool, there is no foundation for such use or for the use of any other traces. What is valid is the washing of body parts or the inside of garments or other dress articles, such as hats and headscarves.
It is legitimate to take preventive measures against evil eyes. This is not in contradiction with trust in Allah. In fact, it is an act of trust in Him, for it involves relying on Allah while taking the steps He permitted or commanded to be taken. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم did that for Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein by praying, “I seek protection for you in Allah‘s perfect Words from every Satan, crawling creatures and evil eyes,’’ and “This is how Prophet Ibraheem used to seek protection for Iss-haaq and Isma‘eel (Issac and Ishmael) – may His Peace be upon them.’’ (Op. Cit.) & (Ifta‘ Permanent Committee, Fatwas on Treatment Using the Qur‘an and the Sunnah, Ruqyas and Related Issues, by Ibn-Baz and Ibn-Uthaimeen, p. 43-44)
11. On Extra Reward for Death Due to the Evil Eye:
Question:
If one dies as a consequence of the effects of the evil eye, does he receive any privilege or extra rewards?
Answer:
I do not know of extra rewards or privileges in such cases, for this is some kind of test by Allah. However, it can be argued that death resulting from evil eye effects is comparable to death by drowning or burning. Whatever the status, we pray for good rewards to evil eye victims. Nevertheless, we cannot give a definite answer in this regard. (Kitab Ada’wah, (Book of the Call), Ibn-Uthaimeen, Vol. 2, p. 184.)
12. Throwing What You Are Eating if Someone Is Looking at You:
Question:
There are those who would throw whatever they are eating in their hands if they find that someone is looking at them for fear of the evil eye.
How would you judge this?
Answer:
This is unfounded, and it contradicts the Prophet‘s teaching, for he says, “If a piece (of food) drops off you (while eating), clean and eat it.’’ (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Al-Ashribah (Book of Drinks), Hadith No. 2033, 2034.) & (Uthaymeen Fatwa Al-Aqeedah (Belief Fatwas), p. 322.)
By Khaled al-Jeraisy
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