PART 5 – WITCHCRAFT AND SOOTHSAYING
21. Consulting Sorcerers
Question:
In some parts of Yemen, there are some people who are called Sadah (masters). They do activities that contradict religious teachings, such as witchcraft. They claim to possess the power to cure malignant diseases. To prove their claim, they stab themselves with daggers and cut their tongues, then undo the stabs and cuts without being harmed. Nonetheless, some of them do pray. They can marry women from other tribes, but they deny others to marry women from their own tribe. When praying for their patients, they call upon one of their great grandfathers.
In the past, they were revered as extra-ordinary and godly; in fact, they used to be called `men of Allah‘. Nowadays, there is a division concerning their status: on the one hand, they are being challenged, particularly by young people; on the other, they are still held in high esteem by the elderly and the uneducated.
Will you please point out the truth of that matter?
Answer:
The so-called masters and the like of them do objectionable and despicable activities, and they are nothing but soothsayers. About them the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “If one consults a soothsayer, his prayers will not be accepted for forty days.’’ (Op. Cit.) This is because of their claim to know the unseen, their devil worship and service and their deception of people through sorcery. About the reality of sorcery Allah says in the Moses- Pharaoh challenge, “He said: Throw! And when they threw they cast a spell upon the people‘s eyes, and overawed them, and produced a mighty spell.’’ (Al-A’raaf Sura, Ayah 116.) Such sorcerers and soothsayers must not be approached for consultation, for the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “Whoever consults a soothsayer and believes him denies what has been revealed to Muhammad.’’ (Op. Cit.)
As for the sorcerers‘ calling upon other than Allah for help and their claim that their fathers and ancestors have power, cure diseases or answer prayers in spite of their death, all this is nothing but Kufr and Shirk. Therefore, sorcerer‘s activities have to be condemned. They must not be approached, must not be consulted and must not be believed; their activities involve soothsaying, sorcery, worship of other than Allah and invocation of Jinn, the dead and their relatives or who are claimed to have divine power or influence. Such activities are condemned by the purified Shari‘ah.
Regarding the despicable acts of stabbing and tongue cutting, they are nothing but deception and sorcery, forbidden by the Qur‘an and the Sunnah. Sensible people should not be deceived by them, as pointed out in the Qur‘an in relation to Pharaoh‘s sorcerers; “…. Then Lo! Their cords and their staves, by their magic, appeared to him as though they ran.’’ (Taha Sura, Ayahs No. 66.)
Besides, knowledge of the unseen is with none but Allah, Who says, “Say (O Muhammad): None in the heavens and the earth knoweth the Unseen save Allah; and they know not when they will be raised (again).’’ (An-Naml Sura, Ayah 65.)
Muslims are required to condemn such witchcraft and fortune-telling and to point out how serious and objectionable sorcerers‘ activities are. If they are in Muslim countries, such sorcerers have to be prosecuted so that they can be duly punished according to Shari‘ah and so that people can be saved from their deception and fabrications. (Ibn-Baz, Collection of Fatwas and Articles , vol. 5, pp. 276-278)
22. Going to Fortune-Tellers, Asking Them Questions and Believing Them
Praise be only to Allah. Peace and prayers be upon His Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and Messenger, Muhammad, his kin and companions all.
It is common knowledge that some people have been frequently visiting fortune-tellers, astrologers and sorcerers in order to know the future and fortune and to seek marriage and academic success. All future matters are known only to Allah, Who says, “(He is) the knower of the Unseen, and He revealeth unto none His secret, Save unto every messenger whom he hath chosen, and then He maketh a guard to go before him and a guard behind him.’’ (Al-A’raaf Sura, Ayah 26-27.) He also says, Say (O Muhammad): “None in the heavens and the earth knoweth the Unseen save Allah….’’(An-Naml Sura, Ayah 65.)
Allah – glory and praise be to Him – points out to us the aberration and damned end of sorcerers and fortune-tellers in the Hereafter. He has also revealed how they have no knowledge whatsoever of the unseen, how they blatantly lie to people and how they deliberately say about Allah what is not true while knowing the truth. This is evident in His saying, “Solomon disbelieved not; but the devils disbelieved, teaching mankind magic and that which was revealed to the two angels, Harut and Marut, in Babel. Nor did they (the two angels) teach it to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve not (in the guidance of Allah). And from these two (angels) people learn that by which they cause division between man and wife; but they injure thereby no one save by Allah‘s leave. And they learn that which harmeth them and profiteth them not. And surely they do know that he who trafficketh therein will have no (happy) portion in the Hereafter; and surely evil is the price for which they sell their souls, if they but knew.’’ (Al-Baqara Sura, Ayah 102.) In the Moses- Pharaoh encounter, Allah says, “Lo! that which they have made but a wizards artifice, and a wizard shall not be successful to whatever point (of skill) he may attain.’’ (Taha Sura, Ayahs No. 69.) In the same encounter, He also says, “And We inspired Moses (saying):
“Throw thy staff! And lo! it swallowed up their lying show. Thus was the Truth vindicated and that which they were doing was made vain.’’ (Al-A’raaf Sura, Ayahs 117 – 118.)
The above-quoted Quranic verses, like many others, show what a loser the sorcerer is, and how powerless he is in this life and the Hereafter; he is never a source of good, and whatever he learns or teaches is harmful, not useful. Allah describes his products as falsehood.
Warning against witchcraft – among other things – the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Avoid the major seven deadly sins.’’ They (the people) asked, “O Allah‘s Messenger! What are they?’’ He said, “To join partners in worship with Allah; to practice sorcery; to take a human life, which Allah has forbidden except for the administration of justice; to eat up usury (Riba); to eat up the property of an orphan; to desert the battlefield at the time of fighting and to defame chaste, innocent female believers.’’ (Op. Cit.)
The fact that sorcery is associated with Shirk, that it is one of the major seven deadly sins and that it is an act of Kufr demonstrates what a grave crime it is. As for sorcerers‘ Kufr, Allah says, “Nor did they (the two angels) teach it to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve not (in the guidance of Allah).’’ (Al-Baqara Sura, Ayah 102.) According to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم― ,“The penalty of a sorcerer is a strike with the sword.’’ (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab Al-Hudood (Book of Penalties), Hadith No. 1460.)
Aisha reported that some people asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم about soothsayers, and he replied, “They are nothing.’’ The people said, “Sometimes they tell us things that come true.’’ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to them, “The devil takes a particular statement that is true and pours it into the ears of his human agent (soothsayer), who mixes it with a thousand lies. ‘’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Attawheed (Book of Allah’s Oneness), Hadith No. 7561.)
On the authority of Ibn-Abbas, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “If one acquires knowledge of astrology, he acquires sorcery, and the more astrology the more sorcery.’’ (Sunan Abu-Dawood, Kitab At Tib (Book of Medicine), Hadith No. 3905.) On the authority of Abu-Hurayrah, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “If one ties a knot and does Nafth into it, he has performed sorcery, and consequently has had associates with Allah. Whoever wears something (an amulet), he will be entrusted to it.’’(Op. Cit.) This shows, as indicated earlier, that sorcery is Shirk, for it involves invocation and worship of Jinn.
Soothsayers are those who claim to know some unseen matters in a variety of ways. Some study the stars in order to know the events that are taking place. Others utilize the Jinn who eavesdrop on conversations in the heavens. There are also those who claim to know the unseen by means of drawing lines in the sand, reading the cup or the palm, and `opening the book‘. The fact that they claim to know the unseen is in itself Kufr, for it means sharing with Allah one of His Own attributes, i.e., knowledge of the unseen. It represents a challenge to His sayings: “Say (O Muhammad): None in the heavens and the earth knoweth the Unseen save Allah’’; (An-Naml Sura, Ayah 65.) “And with Him are the keys of the invisible. None but He knoweth them’’; (Al-An’am Sura, Ayahs 59.) and, “Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): I say not unto you (that) I possess the treasures of Allah, nor that I have knowledge of the Unseen; and I say not unto you: Lo! I am an angel. I follow only that which is inspired in me.’’ (Al-An’am Sura, Ayahs 50.)
Those who consult soothsayers and believe what they claim to be from the unseen are Kuffar (disbelievers), as stated in the Hadith, “Whoever consults a soothsayer and believes what he tells him disbelieves in what has been revealed to Muhammad.’’ (Op. Cit.) In In another Hadith the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “If one goes to a soothsayer and asks him about something, his prayers will not be accepted for forty days.’’ (Op. Cit.) In a third Hadith, he says, “He who draws omen from birds, does soothsaying or has it done to himself, or does witchcraft or has it done to himself is not one of us. Whoever consults a soothsayer and believes what he tells him disbelieves in what has been revealed to Muhammad(pbuh).’’ (Op. Cit.)
Thus, in the light of the Ayahs and Hadiths mentioned above, all the claims and practices of astrologers, soothsayers and sorcerers are forbidden. Muslims are warned against their grave consequences of the practices of those evil practitioners and their seekers, particularly those who believe them.
All those involved in such forbidden practices are advised to refrain once and for all from them, to repent, to ask Allah for forgiveness and to put their trust in Him alone. They are also advised to abide by available allowed means, Shar‘i as well as material. They should also alert others to the grave consequences of dealing with such evil practitioners and believing them. If this advice is heeded, one can retain his faith, can be obedient to Allah and to His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم ,can avoid Allah‘s wrath and can be saved from Shirk and Kufr, which cause the loss of both this life and the Hereafter.
We beg Allah – praise be to Him – to save and protect us from all that violates His Shari‘ah or angers Him and to guide us and all Muslims to understanding and adhering to His religion. We seek refuge in Him from misleading distractors, from our own evils and our bad deeds. He is the only One Who can answer these prayers. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم his kin and his companions. (Ibn-Baz, Collection of Fatwas and Articles, vol. 2, pp. 118-122.)
23. Asking for the name of the Patient’s Mother Indicates Jinn Involvement
Question:
There are those who treat according to what is called popular medicine. When someone goes to a popular practitioner for treatment, he is told to write his name and his mother‘s and to return the following day. When the patient goes back, the popular practitioner informs him of the diagnosis and the cure. The practitioner claims to use Allah‘s words for treatment.
What is the ruling concerning these people and concerning going to them for treatment?
Answer:
Obviously, whoever does what you have mentioned utilizes the Jinn, and claims to know the unseen. Therefore, one must not go to such people for treatment or any other questions, for the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “If one consults a soothsayer, his prayers will not be accepted for forty days. (Op. Cit.)
In a number of Hadiths, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم prohibits believing and contacting astrologers, soothsayers and sorcerers; he says, “Whoever contacts a soothsayer and believes what he says has disbelieved in what has been revealed to Muhammad(pbuh).’’(Op. Cit.) If one claims to have knowledge of the unseen by means of stones, shells or lines, or by asking the patient about his name or the names of his relatives, this is an indication that he belongs to the horde of soothsayers and sorcerers, whose activities the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم condemns and bans.
We have to guard against such people and shun seeking treatment by them, even if they claim to use the Qur‘an. Such people are accustomed to cheating, so one must not believe them. Once discovered, they must be reported to the concerned authorities so that they can be duly punished, and fellow Muslims can avoid their evil and corruption.
Allah is the only one we can ask for help, and there is no influence or power except with Allah. (Kitab Adda’wah (Book of the Call), Ibn-Baz’s Fatwas, Vol. 2 pp. 22-23.)
24. Concerning Seeking Treatment with Soothsayers and Believing Them
Question:
My father has had a psychological illness for a long time, and has had some hospital treatment. Some of our relatives have advised us to take him to a woman who claims to know how to cure such diseases. All the woman needs is the patient‘s name, then she will diagnose the illness and prescribe the medicine.
Please, let us know if it is allowed to go to that woman. May Allah reward you!
Answer:
Such a woman must not be asked or believed, for she is one of those soothsayers and sorcerers, who claim to know the unseen and who employ the Jinn for treatment and information purposes. In this regard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “If one goes to a soothsayer and asks him about something, his prayers will not be accepted for forty days.’’ (Op. Cit.) He also says, “Whoever consults a soothsayer and believes what he says disbelieves in what has been revealed to Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم‖. ‘’(Op. Cit.) There are a lot of other Hadiths banning dealing with such soothsayers and sorcerers.
The actions of those soothsayers and whoever consults them have to be condemned. People must not deal with them, or consult or believe what they say. In fact, matters of that kind must be reported to the authorities so that the culprits get the punishment they deserve, otherwise more harm will befall society, and their evil practices will be taken for granted as legitimate and believable. With respect to such objectionable, reprehensible practices, Muslims are expected to apply the Prophet‘s صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, “If one comes across Munkar (any Islamically objectionable and abominable act), one should change it with his own hands; if he cannot, he should change it with his tongue; if he cannot, he is to abhor it from his heart, which is minimum faith.’’(Sahih Muslim, Kitab Al-Iman (Book of Faith), Hadith No. 49.)
Therefore, reporting those matters to the concerned authorities falls within the required change of Munkar by means of the tongue, and is considered a contribution to good deeds and piety. May Allah guide all Muslims to whatever is conducive to their righteousness and protection from all evil! (Ifta’s Permanent Committee, Fatwas on Treatment Using the Qur’an and the Sunnah, Ruqyas and Related Issues, by Ibn-Baz and Ibn-Uthaimeen, p. 55. )
25. Sorcery, Soothsaying and Related Matters
Praise be to Allah. May His prayers and peace be upon the seal of His prophets.
This is to alert and advise fellow Muslims on the grave danger of the recent emergence and spread of so many sorcerers, who claim to possess medical knowledge and exploit the innocent and the ignorant. In their treatment of people, those sorcerers use witchcraft and soothsaying, which is a violation of Islamic teachings and which puts trust in other than Allah.
Regarding the matter of treatment, this is what I have to say – by Allah‘s Grace. Seeking medical treatment is allowed. A Muslim patient can go to medical practitioners and specialists to be examined, have his illness diagnosed and take the necessary medications, which are to be legally allowed and in accordance with medical sciences and practice. By taking these commonly followed necessary steps for treatment‘s sake, one does not undermine his trust in Allah. Allah has created the diseases and their corresponding cures, which some people may discover, while others may not. He has not made the cures in what He has forbidden.
On the other hand, it is forbidden to seek treatment by those who claim knowledge of the unseen, and to believe them; they either make haphazard judgements or invoke the Jinn for assistance. Whoever makes that claim and does that is considered a Kafir (disbeliever). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “If one consults a soothsayer, his prayers will not be accepted for forty days.’’ (Op. Cit.) He also says, “Whoever goes to a soothsayer and believes what he tells him has disbelieved what has been revealed to Muhammadصلى الله ‘’عليه وسلم ‘’(Op. Cit.) In a third Hadith, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “He who takes omens from birds, does soothsaying or has it done for himself, or does sorcery or has done unto himself is not one of us. If one goes to a soothsayer and believes what he tells him, he disbelieves what has been revealed to Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم ‘’(Op. Cit.)
As stated in the above-mentioned Hadiths, consulting and believing soothsayers and sorcerers are prohibited and are punishable. The authorities and whoever is concerned among those in positions of power and influence have to condemn such beliefs and ban such practices on the producers‘ as well as the receivers‘ end. Even though those sorcerers and soothsayers may get a lot of customers, and what they say may sometimes be true by sheer coincidence, none must trust them; they remain blatant liars and evil examples to avoid. It is because of their evil beliefs and practices and their dangerous consequences that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم bans dealing with them.
The Hadiths also consider soothsayers and sorcerers as Kafirs (disbelievers), for they claim knowledge of the unseen, and they reach their ends by Jinn worship. Similarly, whoever believes that claim is like them, and so are those who follow in their footsteps. A Muslim must not be deceived by their undecipherable humming and utterances nor by their irrelevant incomprehensible activities, such as pouring liquid lead to be moulded. All they do is nothing but smoke to prevent people from seeing the truth. If people accept such things, they are contributing to the perpetuation of falsehood and Kufr (disbelief).
It is forbidden to ask soothsayers and sorcerers about future matters, e.g., who the future wife of one‘s son or relative will be, or what kind of relationship will be between the future spouses and between their families. Future matters are known to none but Allah. Therefore, to claim such knowledge is a forbidden act of Kufr.
In Al-Baqara Sura, sorcery is condemned as an act of Kufr. Referring to the story of the two angels, the Sura reads, “Nor did they (the two angels) teach it (sorcery) to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve not (in the guidance of Allah). And from these two (angels) people learn that by which they cause division between man and wife; but they injure thereby no one save by Allah‘s leave. And they learn that which harmeth them and profiteth them not. And surely they do know that he who trafficketh therein will have no (happy) portion in the Hereafter; and surely evil is the price for which they sell their souls, if they but knew.’’ (Al-Baqara Sura, Ayah 102.)
This Ayah affirms that witchcraft is Kufr, that sorcerers attempt to separate spouses and that their sorcery in itself has no power to benefit or harm except with the permission of Allah, Who has created good and evil. We beg Him to protect us from their phenomenally increasing harmful practices, which they have acquired from the Mushriks and with which they confuse and deceive the innocent. We are all Allah‘s slaves and to Him we return; He is the most reliable, and it suffices us to depend on Him alone. May He guide the Muslim rulers to taking whatever is necessary to guard against their evil and to save people from wicked deeds. He is the Generous One who answers prayers.
The Ayah also affirms that by learning sorcery, people acquire only what harms them, not what benefits them, and that sorcerers will have no good fortune in the Hereafter. What a great loss they will have made by selling themselves so cheaply! Condemning such a deal, Allah says, “… and surely evil is the price for which they sell their souls, if they but knew.’’
Allah — out of His Grace and Mercy — has taught us how to prevent the evil of sorcery before it occurs and how to treat its effects after it takes place. For prevention purposes, the most important and most beneficial thing is to seek protection by means of Shar‘i prayers, supplications and invocations. For example, one can recite the Kursi Ayah after finishing each compulsory prayer followed by the customary invocations. AlKursi Ayah can be also recited when one goes to bed. It is the greatest in the Qur‘an; it reads, “Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep over taketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.’’ (Al-Baqara Sura, Ayah 255.) Regarding the Kursi Ayah, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “If you recite Al-Kursi Ayah at night, Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no Satan will come near you till morning.’’ (Op. Cit.)
One can also recite Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq and Annas Suras after finishing each compulsory prayer and in the beginning of day (after the dawn prayers) and of night (after the sunset prayers).
At the beginning of night one can recite the last two Ayahs of Al-Baqara Sura, which read, “The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) the believers. Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers–We make no distinction between any of His messengers–and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying. Allah tasketh not a soul beyond its scope. For it (is only) that which it hath earned, and against it (only) that which it hath deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou, our Protector, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk.’’ (Al-Baqara Sura, Ayahs 285, 286.) About theses two Ayahs, the Prophet (pbuh) says, “If you read the last two Ayahs of Al-Baqara Sura at night, they keep all evil away from you’’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Fadha’il Al-Qur’an (Book of the Virtues of the Qur’an), Hadith No. 5009.)
Night and day, and on arrival at any place, one can frequently seek refuge in Allah‘s perfect words from the evil of what He has created. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم says, “If one says on arrival at a place, `I seek refuge in Allah‘s perfect Words from the evil of what he has created‘, nothing will harm him in that place.’’ (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Adhikr Wad-Dua’ (Book of Remembrance and Supplication), Hadith No. 2708.) The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم recommends, as a safety measure from all evil, that we say, “In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing can cause harm on earth or in heaven, and He is the all-Hearing, all- Knowing.’’(Op. Cit.)
Such invocations and prayers are greatly effective in protection from the evil of sorcery as well as other evils, particularly if one observes saying them faithfully and if one wholeheartedly puts his trust in Allah. Not only are they good for prevention purposes, but also for treatment purposes. Once harm is done, one can pray with humility for healing and removal of harm.
For treatment of bewitchment cases, the following Ruqyas, used by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم ,can be said:
“O Allah, Lord of mankind! I beg You, as the Only healer and there is no healing, but yours, to remove the suffering and bring about a healing that leaves behind no ailment.’’ (Op. Cit.) This Ruqya can be said three times.
“In the name of Allah I am doing this Ruqya unto you to get rid of what is harming you and of the evil of souls and envious eyes. May Allah cure you! In the name of Allah I am doing this Ruqya unto you.’’ (Op. Cit.) This Ruqya can be done three times.
The following can be a beneficial treatment for a Marboot (a man so bewitched that he cannot get an erection for sexual intercourse).
Grind seven green Sidr leaves. Put the ground leaves in a clean bowl, and then add an amount of water enough to wash the bowl with. On the bowl of water and ground leaves recite: AlKursi Ayah and the Surah of Al-Kafiroon, Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq and Annas. Also recite the Ayahs on magic in Al-‘Araf, Yunus and Taha Suras:
In Al-A‘raf Sura: “(117) And We inspired Moses (saying): Throw thy staff! And lo! it swallowed up their lying show. (118) Thus was the Truth vindicated and that which they were doing was made vain. (119) Thus were they defeated and brought low. (120) And the wizards fell down prostrate, (121) Crying:
We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, (122) The Lord of Moses and Aaron.’’ (Al-A’raf Sura, Ayahs 117-118.)
In Yunus Sura: “(79) And Pharaoh said: Bring every cunning wizard unto me. (80) And when the wizards came, Moses said unto them: Cast your cast! (81) And when they had cast, Moses said: That which ye have brought is magic. Lo! Allah will make it vain. Lo! Allah upholdeth not the work of mischief makers. (82) And Allah will vindicate the Truth by His words, however much the guilty be averse.’’ (Yunus Sura, Ayahs 79-82.)
In Ta-Ha Sura: “They said: O Moses! Either throw first, or let us be the first to throw? * He said: Nay, do ye throw! Then Lo! their cords and their staves, by their magic, appeared to him as though they ran. * And Moses conceived a fear in his mind * We said: Fear not! Lo! thou art the higher. * Throw that which is in thy right hand! It will eat up that which they have made. Lo! that which they have made but a wizard‘s artifice, and a wizard shall not be successful to whatever point (of skill) he may attain.’’ (Taha Sura, Ayahs No. 65-69.)
After the recitation has been done on the bowl‘s content, the patient is to drink some of the water and wash his body with the rest. This will get rid of the impediment by Allah‘s permission. If the need arises, this can be repeated till healing occurs.
After the recitation has been done on the bowl‘s content, the patient is to drink some of the water and wash his body with the rest. This will get rid of the impediment by Allah‘s permission. If the need arises, this can be repeated till healing occurs.
Thus, we have given some illustrations of the prevention and treatment of witchcraft effects. Allah is the Provider of success.
As for treating the effects of sorcery with sorcery, it is forbidden, for it involves offering sacrifices to the Jinn, which is satanic. In fact, it is an act of major Shirk, and must be shunned altogether. It is also forbidden to get it treated by soothsayers, who are absolute liars for claiming knowledge of the unseen and for being disbelievers. As mentioned earlier, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has alerted us to guard ourselves against them. When asked about Annashrah (treating sorcery with counter-sorcery), he said, “It is Satan‘s work.’’ (Op. Cit.) The right way to cure the effects of sorcery is by means of legal Ruqyas, by refuge seeking in Allah and by allowed medications. This has been the way advocated by Muslim scholars including Ibn-Al-Qayyim and Abdul-Rahman IbnHassan in Fat-h-Al-Majeed.
We pray to Allah to guide and protect all Muslims from all evil, to preserve their faith, to provide them with religious knowledge and to keep them away from all violations of His teachings. May Allah‘s peace be on His Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم ,his kin and his companions. (Ibn-Baz, Collection of Fatwas and Articles, Vol. 3, pp. 274-281.)
26. Does Learning Arithmetic and Astronomy Belong to Soothsaying?
Question:
Are the calculations of time and rain forecast for agricultural and other purposes considered kinds of astrology?
Answer:
No, they are not kinds of astrology. They are allowed types of knowledge that are acquired to facilitate people‘s life. The sun and the moon are to be used in measuring time as Allah says, “He it is who appointed the sun a splendor and the moon a light, and measured for her stages, that ye might know the number of the years, and the reckoning….’’ (Yunus Surah, Ayahs 5.)
Al-Khatabi explains that the study of stars by means of observation, and the knowledge used, for example, to identify parts of the day and the Qibla direction are not forbidden.
It is allowed to use the stars as a guide to directions; Allah says, “And landmarks (too), and by the star they find a way.’’ (An-Nahl Sura, Ayahs 16.) IbnRajab argues that useful knowledge, which facilitates such necessary activities, is considered permissible by the Jumhoor; other than that is considered unnecessary, for it would take the place of more important things.
According to Sahih Al-Bukhari, Qatadah maintains that Allah has assigned stars three functions: (a) being an ornament for the sky, (b) shooting eavesdropping devils, and (c) acting as guiding signals. If one tries to read into the stars other than those functions, he will be taking the wrong path, doing a futile exercise and carrying an unbearable burden. Justifying the three functions, Sulaiman Ibn-Abdullah cites these Qur’anic verses: “And verily We have beatified the world’s heaven with lamps, and We have made them missiles for the devils….” (Al-Mulk Sura, Ayah 5.) ; “And landmarks (too), and by the star they find a way.”
However, forecasting when rain falls is difficult, for it belongs to the unseen, which is known only to Allah. To associate rainfall with the states of stars is considered an act of ignorance practised before Islam, as people invoked rain through the stars. Yet, knowledge of the right time to plant certain seeds depends on knowledge of the seasons, and this can be mathematically calculated.
Wa-Allahu-A’lam (Allah is the One Who knows the whole truth). (Kitab Ad Da’wah, (Book of the Call), Al-Fawzan’s Fatwas, Vol.1, pp.47-48 )
By Khaled al-Jeraisy
Comments
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.