The term or word ‘Sihr’ usually refers to magic. Sihr is a set of ‘uqad (knots), ruqā (incantations), and words uttered or written, or carried out in such a way as to affect the body of the subject (al-mashūr), his heart or mind, without even coming into contact with him/her. The reality of sihr is that there are some types that can kill, cause one to fall ill, or act as an obstacle against a man having sexual intercourse with his wife, other types can separate spouses, and can make them hate or love each other. [1]

There is also evidence in Surah Al-Falaq that sihr exists and has an effect, Say: “I seek refuge with (Allāh), the Lord of the day break, from the evil of what He has created; and from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness; (or the moon as it sets or goes away). And from the evil of the witchcrafts when they blow in the knots, and from the evil of the envier when he envies.” [2]

Allāh also says: “They followed what the Shayatin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaiman (Solomon). Sulaiman did not disbelieve, but the Shayatin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Harut and Marut, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, “We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).” And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allāh’s Leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew.” [3]

As for those who reject or deny the fact that sihr (magic) exists, their claims are not only refuted by the above mentioned verses, but also in the Hadith: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said, “He is not one of us who practices tatayyur (ominousness) or has it done for him; who practices takahhun (clairvoyance) or has it done for him; who practices sihr or has it done for him, and whosoever has sought the services of a clairvoyant and believed in what he has come up with, has in fact disbelieved in the Message sent to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)’” (4) And, “He who has hired a clairvoyant, a sāhir or a soothsayer, and has believed in what they came up with, has in fact disbelieved in the Message sent to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)”. (5)

This proves the existence of magic, the kufr of the magician, and the rulings on such people who go to these assumed spiritual people of pious ancestry and believe in them and their claims that they can help by means which cannot be verified by Qur’ān or Sunnah.

Please refer to the link precaution before contacting a spiritual healer. If you find one of the characteristics mentioned in a person who treats people suffering from sihr or other related illnesses, then this person is a sāhir.