The word evil eye typically refers to harm that a person suffers due to another’s jealousy or envy. Many Muslims believe it is accurate, and others have adopted specific procedures to shield themselves or their loved ones from its consequences. Others dismiss it as an “old wives’ tale” or superstition. What does Islam say about the evil eye’s abilities?
Evil eye
When a person damages or harms someone with their eye, the Arabic expression al-‘ayn, translated as the evil eye, is used.
It’s a phrase for the misfortune passed down from one person to another due to jealousy or envy.
It begins when a person appreciates something, and then it is affected by his nasty thoughts due to his frequent staring at the object of his envy.
The victim’s misfortune might include illness, loss of riches or family, or a run of poor luck.
The individual who casts the evil eye may do it intentionally or unintentionally.
Allah told Muhammad, His Prophet, to take shelter with Him from the envier, saying (interpretation of the meaning):
“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.” [113:5]
Protection from the evil eye
The following are some do’s for protection:
A’udhu bi kalimat-illah il-tammati min sharri ma khalaq
Meaning in English: I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of that which He has created.
A’udhu bi kalimat-illah il-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabihi, wa min sharri ‘ibadihi wa min hamazat al-shayatini wa an yahduroon
Meaning in English: I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves, and the evil promptings of the devils and their presence.
And one may repeat Allah’s words:
“Hasbi Allahu la ilaha illa huwa, ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa huwa Rabbul-‘arsh il-‘azim
(Allah is sufficient for me. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne).” [9:129]
There are many additional du’as mandated in shari’ah comparable (Islamic law).
This is what Ibn al-Qayyim meant when he said the words at the start of this response.
If the evil eye has plagued a person, the person who cast the evil eye on him shall be compelled to wash for the sake of his brother.
As a result, a water vessel should be delivered, and he should immerse his hand in it and rinse his mouth out into it.
Then he should wash his face in the vessel, wash his right knee with his left hand in the boat, and wash his left knee with his right hand in the ship.
Then wash his right knee with his left hand in the vessel, then wash his left knee with his right hand in the ship.
Then he should wash his clothes from the inside out.
The water should then be thrown over the head of the person on whom he cast the evil eye, dumping it all at once from behind.
Then, with Allah’s grace, he will be cured.”
What Does the Evil Eye Do?
Unfortunately, some Muslims blame the evil eye for everything that goes “wrong” in their life.
People are wrongly accused of supplying someone with an eye.
It’s possible that a biological reason, such as mental disease, is mistakenly attributed to the evil eye and that proper medical care is not sought.
It’s important to remember that physical issues might create specific symptoms, and it’s our responsibility to seek medical help if we notice them.
We must also acknowledge that when things “go wrong” in our life, Allah may be testing us, and we must respond with introspection and repentance rather than blame.
Whether it’s the evil eye or anything else, nothing will affect our life until Allah’s Qadr is there.
We must have trust that things happen for a purpose and not become unduly concerned with the evil eye’s prospective consequences.
Obsessing or being neurotic about the evil eye is a disease (waswaas) in and of itself because it inhibits us from thinking positively about Allah’s plans for us.
While we can take steps to strengthen our faith and defend ourselves against this evil, we cannot allow ourselves to be possessed by Shaytan’s whisperings.
Only Allah has the power to alleviate our suffering, and we must turn to Him for protection.
EFFECTS OF THE EVIL EYE
The adverse effects of the evil eye might include disease, loss of fortune or family, and even death.
“Says the Prophet,” he said.
“Majority of people who die from my ummah after the decree of Allaah and His Qadr is due to the evil eye.” (Declared Hasan by al Albaani)
“The evil eye enters the man’s grave and enters the camel into the pot.” (Declared Hasan by Al Albaani in Saheeh al Jaami? 4144]
How to Protect Yourself From The Evil Eye
If you are affected by the evil eye, you should follow the Shari’ah-recommended therapies, which include:
Saying the ruqyah
“There is no ruqyah except in the case of the evil eye or fever.” al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud.
According to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),
Abu Dawud al-Tirmidhi al-Tirmidhi al-Tirmidhi al-Tirmidhi Jibril (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to do ruqyah for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and would say:
“Bismillahi arqika min kulli shayin yudheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasid Allahu yashfeek, bismillahi arqeek (In the name of Allah I perform ruqyah 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 ruqyah for you).”
Requesting wash that the person who has cast the evil eye on another
In the hadith given above, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) directed ‘Amir ibn Rabi’ah to wash the individual who has cast the evil eye on another.
The water should then be poured on the affected person.
There is no legal basis for collecting his waste, such as urine and feces, and the same is valid for seizing any of his goods.
Instead, the washing mentioned above of his limbs and inside his clothing, or similarly washing within his headgear and apparel, is reported. And Allah is the most knowledgeable.
Read More: How To Eliminate Shaytan: A Guide to Help You Stay Away from Evil
