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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Evil Eye,in the Sacred Science

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By: Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

PhD (USA), NDI, Shahadat al Aalamiyah (Najaf, Iraq), M.A, LLM (Shariah)

Mushir: Fed. Shariat Court of Pakistan

Member, Ulama Council of Pakistan

Published in the Weekend edition, “Daily News” on 02-06-2007, Karachi, Pakistan

Revised Version 04-05-2011


In the Muslim world, exploiters in the name of religion mislead the masses, who approach them in their times of trouble. These Thug clerics use all tactics to grab money and valuables in the name of ridding them from the Evil Eye. Many women, who visit these thugs become their target and thus lose their chastity. It is time that the government, especially the law enforcing agencies should take serious action to eliminate these criminal clerics.


Media often discusses the issue of Ulum al Khafiyyah and humiliates Muslims with reference of unseen forces. [1] These short sighted writers attempt to show that it is fictitious and is the belief of the fools and illiterates. As a matter of fact, it is discussed by the Qur’an and other sacred literatures. Not only in Asia, Africa and Arabia, but also in the modern world, people of various religions are afraid of the Evil Eye. They make all possible efforts to remain secure from this nasty problem, but it still attacks them.


Cat eye is considered to have an evil affect for infant, even causing the child to die. This is the reason that people take care and never allow a cat to enter into the room of an infant. When a person observes a child with affection, the child may face problem, being the result of the eye. When many people watch any unique item with an amazing eye it can affect its inherent status.


One of the reason for avoiding eating food before anyone is due to protection from an evil eye, which may result in vomiting, pain in stomach or non healthy feelings. Due to the evil eye miscarriages may occur. When an ill feeling person observes his enemy with an evil intention he may be affected and therefore his goods and valuables are affected.

Recorded cases of exploitation and fraud have forced us to write on the topic of the Evil Eye for wider understanding from the primary sources. The best minds in every nation do not ignore the fact that the Evil Eye is true, although they differ on its causes and effects. Some people say that when people who touch others by the Evil Eye feel evilness in their hearts.


Their eyes transform the evil thoughts into harmful rays just like the snake, which looks towards its prey and transmits poison in it, which cause its death. Allah has granted powers to some of its creation that have profound effect on some other creations.


For instance, have you not noticed how the face of a shy person turns red if his sight falls on what is not suitable for him, and turns yellow when he looks at someone he fears? One of the deep and often undiscovered diseases is jealousy. Likewise the Evil Eye is a daughter of jealousy and plays a wicked role due to the poisonous feelings. A poet of Arabi literature discussed the Evil Eye in the following words: [2]


“Ma Kana Ahwaja Zal Kamale ila;

Aebin Yuqehey Min al Ayn”

(A competent person needs more a flaw, which may protect him from the evil eye).

It was the first sin in our creation, committed by the arch criminal, Iblis. The Jealousy of Iblis with Adam (A.S.) and Qabil with Habil (A.S.) was based solely due to the elevation to the high status from their Lord, which resulted in enmity. This jealousy in turn gave birth to the Evil Eye. This evil runs through the history of humankind, like the killing of one of the sons of Adam (A.S.), again due to jealousy. [3]


The Evil Eye is a cancer of the soul. It is a common phenomenon that at time we hear from friends or relatives, praise of someone, and later on find him afflicted. Jealousy is a part of the domain of unseen evil, whose existence is believed by people of all the Sacred-Scriptures unanimously.


Most frequent source of Evil Eye is the jealous-person. It starts when a person likes a thing, which he desires, but which he doesn’t have. His evil feelings starts having by means of his repeatedly watching the object with jealousy and wishes for its removal. Whenever he sees it that pains his heart, and he gathers all his poison to be directed with envy. However, sometimes, one can unintentionally have Ayn (Evil Eye) upon another person, without jealousy. A Hadith says: [4]

“Whoever among you sees something someone’s possessions that he likes let him offer Dua for blessing for it, because the Evil Eye is real.”

The Arabi word al Ayn, translated as the Evil Eye, refers to a person who harms another with his eyes. The Evil Eye is just like a transmitted disease, usually without intention, by someone. A person, otherwise not evil in any way, can harm you, your children, your house, your health, wealth and so on by looking at you with envy.


A well-wisher can also affect someone through his eye for a time. Just out of love unintentionally, so it does not always have "Evil” intentions attached to it. Belief in the Evil Eye, a universal phenomenon, is well established in all the religions. According to the Qur’an, it is the evil effect of a jealous glance, which is visualized. [5] 51st Al Dai al Fatemi, Syedna Taher Saifuddin is one of the significant scholars of the Muslim world. He interpreted the meaning of the Qur’an, in Arabi prose and poetry beautifully. He explained the subject of Surah al Falaq so nicely through following verse: [6]

“Nauzubika Allahumma Min Sharri Man Aata;

Wa Man Kana Naffasan, Wa Man Kana Hasida”

(O Allah! We seek Your protection from the person who disobeyed You; and from the nasty act of the one who practices charm and magic, and from the Evil of the one who is jealous).

A Hadith says:

“The Evil Eye is a reality” [7]

Ibn Khaldun says: [8]


Evil Eye is a psychic influence exercised by the soul of a person, who has the Evil Eye and that it does not depend on the free choice of its possessor. When a thing or situation appears very pleasing to the eye of such a person, it creates jealousy and a desire to take it from its owner. He therefore prefers to destroy it. The application of the Evil Eye is involuntary on his part and therefore; he should not be punished by death, unlike the magician.


Evil Eye can destroy families, friendships and communities. As everything is a creation of Allah, nothing has the unchecked power to hurt human, if one seeks protection of Allah and takes His refuge. For the defense of the object, it is necessary that the observer should recite “Mashallah” and “Barakallah”. Syedna Jabir (R.A.) narrated a Hadith:

“Most of those who die among my Ummah, die because of the will and decree of Allah, and then because of the Evil Eye.” [9]

Another Hadith says:

“One third went in the grave because of the Evil Eye”. [10]

If a person fears of someone’s jealousy, he must ask refuge of Allah and should take defensive measures. The word Hasid (jealous) is more specific in meaning than the word Ayn (one who puts the Evil Eye on another). The Evil Eye is like an arrow, which comes from the jealous soul. Sometimes the Evil Eye may hit the target and sometimes it may miss. If the target is exposed and unprotected, it will affect him, but if the target is alert, vigilant and armed, the arrow will have no effect and may even return towards the one who shot it.

Amar bin Rabiyah once saw Sahl bin Hunaif, while he was taking a bath. He praised his handsome features and said: Wallah! I have never seen the skin of a virgin softer than him (Sahl). Afterwards Sahl fell to the ground. Rasulullah (S) came to Amar and said to him: Why one of you wishes to kill his brother? Why did you not recite Barak Allah (Allah Bless it)? Afterwards he cured Sahl. Another Hadith say:

“The Evil Eye is true, so perform Wazu for (removing) it”. [11]

There is a difference in between a term of Eye and Evil Eye. The term Eye is used for the affected by some ones’ praise and admiration while evil eye is due to jealousy. The following narration proved that Eye can affect any person, even a pious of exemplary record. Rasulullah(S) instructed to dig a trench in Ghazwah al Khandaq, also known as Ghazwah al Ahzab, on the advice of Syedna Salman al Farsi.


Three thousand Muslim soldiers followed the instructions and completed the task in six days. Syedna Salman worked diligently and his contribution was considered equal to ten hardworking soldiers. Qais praised and acknowledged his hard work and an evil eye inflicted him, due to which a health problem occurred and he was unable to continue his work. This was discussed in the Nabavi presence. Rasulullah(S) performed special Amal to remove the evil eye with water and he was cured. [12]

It is noted that when a person comes in the presence of someone honorable, his face becomes reddish. Similarly when he is stare by a person who is jealous of him, his face become pale. The eye has a direct link with the soul, and when a non pious feeling is created about anyone it affects him. This could be done by a blind person also as the evil eye linked with the soul.


Evil Eye is divided in two forms, human and Jinn related. Umm ul Muminin, Umme Salama (R.A) narrated: Once Rasulullah (S) saw a young girl, who had positive signs of Evil Eye on her face. He instructed: Seek Dua for her, because she is touched by the (Jinn) Evil Eye”. [13]


Rasulullah (S) has advised to recite Ruqya (plural: Ruqa, meaning a charm or spell, either written or spoken, formulae of Dua) as divine remedy, against fever, the Evil Eye and sores. Ruqya consists in the pronouncing of supernatural expressions to influence an enchantment. When it is other than Qur’an, or a recommended Ady’at (plural: Dua), it is disapproved. It is permitted on the condition that it brings benefit to people and does not harm anyone. A Hadith says:

“We use a spell (Ruqya) against the Evil Eye. It is also used against poison, bites, and fever”. [14]


It is noteworthy to mention that one of the “Rasail” of “Ikhwan us Safa”, vol. IV of Imam Ahmad al Mastur has dealt in length on the difficult topic of magic, Tawiz and the Evil Eye. [15]

A Hadith says:

“The Evil Eye is true, and if there is anything that would precede fortune, it would be the Evil Eye. [16]


Another Hadith says:

"There is a remedy for every malady”. [17]

Ruqya is a valuable tool for treating a variety of disorders and diseases. This may include snake or scorpion’s bite, the Evil Eye and problems that Jinn may cause. Surah al Falaq and Surah an N’as (Surah 113 & 114) are best weapons against ill forces as well as Evil Eye. Rasulullah (S) recited these Surah for protection.


Rasulullah (S) used to recite Surahs and infuse his breath into his hands and rub his hands over his body, for Barak’at. [18] “Al Tirmizi” narrated that Asma bint Umays (R.A.) submitted:

O Rasulullah (S)! Bani Jafar have been afflicted by the Evil Eye (often); shall we recite Ruqya for them?”


He directed:

“Yes, for if anything was to overtake the divine decree it would be the Evil Eye.” [19]

Ash’ab recited Ay’at and sprinkled water and offered it to the afflicted person to drink for cure. It also helps to cool the effects of evilness. Those who reject the benefits of Sunnat are devoid of the advantage and benefit from it. Following Ay’at are recommended for the removal of Evil Eye:

Hasbi Allahu Laa ilaaha illa Huwa, Alayhi Tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabb ul Arshil Azim”.


(Allah is sufficient for me. There is no God but He (Allah). Upon Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne”. [20]


“Risalah Dafiat al Ehz’an” of Syedi Qamaruddin provides us very affective instruction as remedy to remove the Evil Eye. Al Dai al Fatemi Syedna Ibrahim Wajhiyuddin instructed,[21] recite this course eleven days precisely:

110 times:

Allahu Hafizun Allahu Nazirun Allahu Nasirun Allahu Mughisun Allahu Moinun”.

21 times recite the Ay’at 3-4, Surah 67. And say:

In the name of Allah a command that restraints, a hard rock and a blazing star: I ask that the Evil Eye return to the person who launched it and on the dearest people to him (the envious person himself).

Qur’an provides divine protection from fears proceeding from visible as well as the invisible, known as well as the unknown, physical as well as the supernatural forces. Another highly recommended direction to remove the Evil Eye is provided by “Al Majmuah al Muayyadiyah” as follows: [22]

7 times Salaw’aat

7 times Ayah al Kursi

7 times Surah al Ikhl’as

7 times Surah al Falaq

7 times Surah an Naas

7 times Salaw’at

Sources of the Sacred Scriptures agreed unanimously that Evil Eye is real. Qur’an says:

“And verily, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes (through hatred)” [23]


A Hadith says:

“There is no Ruqya except in the case of the Evil Eye or fever.” [24]

Jibrael used to do Ruqya for Rasulullah (S) and say as follow:

Bismillaahi Arqika Min Kulli Shayin Yudhika, Min Sharri Kulli Nafsin Aw Aynin Hasid Allahu Yashfika, Bismillaahi Arqika”

(In the name of Allah I perform Ruqya for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye, may Allah heal you, in the name of Allah I perform Ruqya for you).”

A precaution should be taken daily as protection against the possible attack of Evil Eye. It does not contradict with the faith of Tawakkul, which means putting one’s trust in Allah. Syedna Qazi an Nauman provides us an authentic reference in this regard in volume II of “Daaem ul Islam”. Imam Jafar Assadiq says:


Rasulullah (S) used to seek refuge from the Evil Eye for Imam Hasan and Imam Husain. He used to take Imam Hasan on his right thigh and Imam Husain on his left and recited following Dua:


“Uizuka Be Kalimatallah at Tammate Min Kulli Shaytanin wa Hammatin wa Min Kulli Aynin Lammatin”

(I seek refuge for both of you in the Perfect Words of Allah, from every devil and every poisonous reptile, and from every Evil Eye).

Rasulullah (S) used to say:

"My ancestor Ibrahim (A.S.) used to offer Dua for the protection of his sons Ismail (A.S.) and Ishaq (A.S.), as above. This Dua should be recited 21 times and lay the hand over the head of the afflicted ones. Rasulullah (S) forbade the use of Tawiz (charms or amulets) except from the Qur’an or those, which mention the names of Allah. Tawiz signifies a kind of amulet, or charm which bears an inscription and is worn by man, woman or child, to protect against the Evil Eye, fright, and supernatural ill influences.


Select Bibliography

1) Common phenomena of the so-called moderate writers (non-believers) on the topic of Evil Eye. They have no idea about Ulum al Khafiyyah or secret sciences. Mahsin an Nazam Fil Adab al Arabi”, Al Ustad Halim Pasha, Istanbul, Turkey

2) Al Majalis al A’ashuriyah”, (written during the era of 28th Ismaili Musta’alavi Dai, Syedna Shaikh Adam Safiyuddin(d.1030[AH] ,Ahmadabad, India),manuscript

3) Hadith Maruf

4) Al Qur’an, Surah 113: Ayah 5

5) 51st Al Dai al Fatemi, Syedna Taher Saifuddin(d.1956,Mumbai,India),”Diw’an”, published Dubai

6) Hadith Maruf

7) Ibn Khaldun

8) Hadith, “Nayl al Awtaar”, al Bazzaar,

9) Hadith Maruf

10) Hadith Maruf

11) Sirah an Nabi, Al Majalis al A’ashuriyah, by: Al Shaikh al Fazil, Abd ut Tayyeb b. Syedi Abdulqadir al Walid. He was Naeb of the Dai in Yemen on behalf of the 47th Dai of the Ismaili Musta’alavi Dawoodi Muslims. He was paternal grandfather of my father; his grave is located outside of the Shrine of Mazun al Dawah, Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin, at “D’aris Surur”, Burhanpur, India.

12) Sirah an Nabi,

13) Narration of Ummul Muminin Umme Salama, Hadith

14) Rasail Ikhwan us Safa”, vol. IV, Imam Ahmad al Mastur, Beirut

15) Hadith Maruf

16) Hadith Maruf

17) Da’aem al Islam”, Syedna Qazi an Nauman, vol. II, published Qahera

18) Hadith, At-Tirmizi” narrated by Asma bint Umays

19) Al Qur’an, Surah at Taubah- 9: Ayah 129

20) Risalah Dafiat al Ehz’an”,Mukasir al Dawah, Syedi Qamaruddin (d.1816 AD, Ujjain, India). He was son of Syedna Hibatullah al Muayyad bin Syedna Ibrahim Wajhiyuddin bin Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin. He held command over various branches of Ulum al Khafiyyah - occult sciences.

21) Al Majmuah al Muayyadiyah”, attributed to Syedi Abdul Ali al Qamari Manuscript, Surat, India

22) Surah al Qalam-69: Ayah 51

23) Hadith, Syedna Qazi an Nauman , vol. II, “Da’aem ul Islam, published Qahera

The Writer is Attorney at Law & Religious Scholar

Email:qazishkborhany@hotmail.com

Website: www.durrenajaf.com


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