How to protect yourself from evil eye and black magic

Life is never free from trials and challenges. The Almighty Allah tests His servants in different ways—sometimes through illness and hardship, and at other times through the loss of life or property. Falling victim to the evil eye or black magic can also be a form of trial for believers. Islamic teachings stress that true success in the hereafter lies in obeying the commands of Almighty Allah and following the teachings and exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

However, in worldly life, people may sometimes become victims of the evil eye due to the envy of others. Excessive jealousy may also lead some people to resort to harmful practices such as black magic in an attempt to cause harm to others. It must be remembered that, just as the effects of the evil eye are recognised as real in Islamic teachings, practising magic is regarded as one of the major sins.

According to a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that the evil eye is real (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 3879). The Prophet also warned people to stay away from destructive acts such as practising magic.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Avoid the seven destructive sins.” The Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what are they?” The Prophet replied: “Associating partners with Allah, practising magic, unlawfully killing a person whom Allah has forbidden to be killed, consuming usury, unlawfully consuming the property of an orphan, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste, innocent believing women.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 2578)

However, if someone becomes a victim of black magic, sorcery or the evil eye, or fears being harmed by them, hadiths also mention certain practices for protection from their harmful effects.

Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that whoever recites the following supplication three times in the morning and three times in the evening, nothing will harm him:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لاَ يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلاَ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Meaning: In the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the earth or in the heavens can cause harm, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadith No. 3388)

Another hadith states that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that whoever recites the following supplication after arriving at a place will not be harmed by anything until leaving that place:

أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

Meaning: I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created. (Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadith No. 3437)

If someone has suffered harm due to sorcery or the evil eye, Islamic teachings also mention ruqyah—reciting Quranic verses and authentic supplications for protection and healing.

According to a hadith narrated by Saeed (may Allah be pleased with him), Angel Jibreel performed ruqyah for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The hadith in Sahih Muslim states that Jibreel came to the Messenger of Allah and asked, “O Muhammad, are you feeling unwell?” The Prophet replied, “Yes.” Jibreel then recited:

بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ أَرْقِيكَ مِنْ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ يُؤْذِيكَ مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ نَفْسٍ أَوْ عَيْنِ حَاسِدٍ اللَّهُ يَشْفِيكَ بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ أَرْقِيكَ

Meaning: In the name of Allah, I perform ruqyah for you from everything that harms you, from the evil of every soul and the envious eye. May Allah grant you healing. In the name of Allah, I perform ruqyah for you. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 5512).