abstract flowers0251 - Eating Dates

Eat seven pressed dates in the morning before eating any food if you can. Dates should preferably be from Al-Madinah. If this is not possible, then eat any pressed dates. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever eats seven pressed dates every morning before eating any food, will not be affected by poison or sihr!" (Al-Bukhari: 10/249, the Book of Medicine, Chapter: Treatment of sorcery with 'Ajwah.)

2 - Al-Wudhoo'

Sihr does not affect a person in a state of Wudhoo', for he is protected by an angel sent by the Merciful (Allaah). Ibn 'Abbaas (RA) reported: "The Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) said: 'Wash these bodies, and Allaah ('azza wa jall) will wash you. There is not a servant who sleeps in a state of Wudhoo', but that an angel accompanies him in his clothes; and there is not a moment that he moves in bed, but that the angel says: 'O Allaah! Forgive Your Servant, for he has slept in a clean state." (Transmitted by At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat. According to Al-Mundiri, the chain of transmission is very good (At-Targhib: 2/13)).

3 - Observing congregational Salaah

Observing Salaah in congregation secures a Muslim person from Satan, and neglecting it makes Satan dominate him. And if Satan dominates a person, he harms him with Sihr and other things which he can easily do. Aboo Ad-Dardaa' (RA) reported: "I heard the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) say: 'There are not three people in a town or in the countryside who do not observe congregational Salaah, but that Satan dominates them. Remain with the community, for the wolf seizes the solitary sheep moving away from the flock.'" (Al-Bukhari: (Fath Al-Bari 3/34) and Muslim: (An-Nawawi: 6/63).)

4 - Qiyaamu Al-Layl (Observing optional Salaah during the night)

Whosoever wishes to protect himself against Sihr should observe Salaah during the night. Neglecting it allows Satan to dominate a man. If he does, then you will make yourself a hot-bed for the effect of Sihr on you. Ibn Mas'ood (RA) reported: "When the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) was asked about his opinion of a man who slept until Salaatul-Fajr, without waking up for Qiyyamul-Layl, he said that Satan urinated in the man's ear.'" (Aboo Dawud: 1/150 (a sound chain of transmission).)

Sa'eed Ibn Mansoor reported: "Ibn 'Umar (RA) said, 'Not a man wakes up in the morning without having observed Salaahul-witr, but that a rope measuring approximately seventy cubits will be put over his head in the morning."' (According to Al-Hafiz, a very good chain of transmission (Fath: 3/25))

5 - Istiaa'dah - Seeking refuge with Allaah ('azza wa jalla) upon entering the toilet

A Muslim should seek refuge with Allaah ('Azza wa Jalla) upon entering the toilet, because Satan takes advantage of the Muslim's presence in the toilet in order to harm him in this filthy place which is the home of Satanic Jinn. One day, a Jinn informed me that he entered and possessed a person because he did not seek refuge in Allaah upon entering the toilet. However, Allaah supported me in driving him out of that person.

Furthermore, one Jinn told me that Allaah ('azza wa jalla) has given us a strong weapon to conquer them, but we do not use it. I asked him what was it, and he said:

'The invocations laid down by the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him).'

It is confirmed that the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) used to say the following invocation upon entering the toilet: "Allaahumma innee a'oodhu bika minal-khubthi wal-khbaa'ithi (O Allaah! I seek refuge in you from the male female Satans.)" (Al-Bukhaari. (Fath Al-Bari: 1/292) and Muslim: (An-Nawawi: 4/70).)

6 - Seeking refuge with Allaah ('azza wa jalla) upon starting Salaah

Jubayr Ibn Mut'im reported: "I (peace be upon him) the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) say: 'Allaahu akbaru kabira, walhamdu lillahi kathira, wa subhanAllaahi bukratan wa asila' three times (and): A'uzu billahi mina shaytani rajimi min nafkhihi wa nafthihi wa hamzihi (Allaah ('Azza wa Jalla) is the Greatest, much Praise be to Allaah if, and Glory be to Allaah if in the morning and in the evening. I seek refuge with Allaah ('Azza wa Jalla) from the Satan's arrogance, poetry, epilepsy and lunacy.) (Aboo Dawud (1/203); classed by Al-Albani as authentic.)

7 - Protecting one's new wife against Sihr at the time of marriage

Soon after concluding the marriage contract, put your right hand upon her forehead and say:

'Allaahumma innee as'aluka khayrahaa wa khayra maa jabaltha 'alayhi, wa a 'uzu bika min sharrihaa wa sharri ma jabaltha 'alayhi' (O Allaah! I ask you for any good that may come from her and any good that You have created in her natural disposition, and seek refuge with you from any evil that may come from her, and any evil that You have created in her natural disposition). (Abi Dawud; according to Al-Albani, a sound chain of transmission (151).)

8 - Initiating Marital Life with Salaah

'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood (RA) said: "On your wedding night; that is on the night when the marriage is to be consummated for the first time; and before intercourse, do two rak'as and ask your wife to follow suit behind you, and say the following invocation:

'Allaahumma barik li fi ahlee, wa barik lahum fiyya, Allaahumma ijma' baynanaa ma jama'ta bikhayr, wa farriq baynanaa idhaa farraqta bikhayr.' (O Allaah! Make my wife blessed for me and make me blessed for her. O Allaah! If You unite us, unite us on what is good, and if you separate us, separate us on what is good.) (Transmitted by At-Tabarani, and classed by Al-Albani as authentic.)

9 - Protection from the Satan during intercourse

Ibn 'Abbaas (RA) reported: "The Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) said, 'If you say the following invocation during sexual intercourse, and a baby is conceived, Satan would never harm that baby.: 'Allaahumma jannibna ash-shaytaan wa jannibi ash-shaytaan maa razaqtanaa' (O Allaah! Keep us away from Satan, and keep Satan away from any blessing you bestow on us.) (Al-Bukhari (Fath Al-Bari: 1/291) and Muslim.)

One Jinn told me, after his conversion to Islaam and repentance, that he used to take part in a man's sexual intercourse with his wife, because that man did not say the above invocation. Glory be to Allaah! We have so many valuable treasures but we do not appreciate their value.

10 - Make Wudhoo' before going to bed, recite Aayatul Kursi

Make Wudhoo' before going to bed, recite Aayatul Kursi and invoke Allaah in bed until you fall asleep. It is confirmed that Satan told Aboo Hurayrah (RA):

"Whosoever recites Aayatul Kursi before going to bed, he will be guarded by Allaah ('azza wa jalla) and no Satan will approach him throughout the night."

The Prophet (Peace and Blessing upon Him) confirmed the Satan's statement and told Aboo Hurayrah:

"Satan told you the truth, but he is a liar." (Al-Bukhaari (Fath Al-Baari: 6/338) and Muslim (An-Nawawi: 17/17).)

11 - Laa ilaaha illaaAllaah

Say: 'Laa ilaaha illaaAllaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahoo lahulmuk wa lahulhamdu wa huwwa 'alaa kulli shay'in qadeer' 100 times after Salaahul Fajr.

The Prophet (Peace and Blessing upon Him) said that: "Whosoever says it will have a reward equal to the manumission of 10 slaves, will have ten good deeds added to and ten bad deeds erased from his register, and will be protected by this supplication the Satan throughout the day until the evening. No one is better than he who says this supplication except a man who says more."

12 - Entering the Mosque

'A'oodhu billaahi al-' azeemi, wa biwajhihi al-karimi, wa sultanihi al-qadimi minash-shaytani ar-rajimi' (I seek refuge in Allaah, the All-Magnificent, His Face the All-Glorious, and His Sovereignty the All-Antiquated, from Satan the outcast.) It is confirmed that the Prophet entering the mosque said, "Whenever a Muslim says the above invocation, Satan says, 'He is defended against me for the rest of the day.'" (Aboo Daawood: 1/127)

13 - Invocation

Say the following invocation, three times in the morning and three times in the evening:

'Bismillahi al-ladhee laa yadhurru ma'asmihi shay'un fil-ardhi wa laa fis-samaa' wa huwwaas-sami'u al-'aleem' (In the Name of Allaah, with Whose Name nothing harms, on earth and in Heavens, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Aware.) (At-Tirmidhi: 5/133)

14 - Leaving the house

Upon leaving the house say: 'Bismillahi tawakkaltu 'ala Allaahi la hawla wala quwwata illa billahi' When you say it, you will be told (without your awareness): "You have been spared, protected and guided" The Satan will keep away from you and will tell another: "What can you do to a man who has been guided, protected and spared?" (Aboo Dawud: 4/325 and At-Tirmidhi: 5/154.)

15 - Say: 'A'oodhu bikalimaati Allaahi at-tammaati min sharri ma khalaq

In the morning and in the evening. Muslim: (An-Nawawi: 17/32)

Protective measures against the Evil Devils

amazingsceneSaying Bismillah when eating and drinking

It was narrated that 'Umar ibn Abi Salamah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon Him) said: "Say Bismillaah and eat with your right hand." (Fath Al-Bari, 7/88. Muslim, 3/1599, no. 108.)

It was narrated that Jaabir (RA) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) say: "When a man enters his house and remembers Allaah upon entering and when eating, the Shaytaan says: 'You have no place to stay and no dinner.' If he enters and does not remember Allaah upon entering, the Shaytan says: 'You have found a place to stay.' And if he does not remember Allaah when eating, he says: 'You have found a place to stay and dinner.'" (Saheeh Muslim, 3/1598, no. 103.)

It was narrated that Hudhayfah (RA) said: When we ate with the Prophet (peace and blessing upon Him), we would not stretch forth our hands until the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) stretched forth his hand first. We were going to eat with him one time, when a young girl came rushing as if she were being pushed. She went to stretch forth her hand to the food, but the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) took hold of her hand. Then a Bedouin came rushing as if he were being pushed, and he took hold of his hand. Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) said: "The Shaytan regards food as permissible (for himself) if the Name of Allaah is not mentioned over it. He brought this girl so that the food might become permissible for him through her, but I took her hand. Then he brought this Bedouin so that the food might become permissible for him through him, but I took his hand. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, his hand is in mine along with her hand." (Saheeh Muslim, Kitab Al-Ashribah, 3/1597, no. 102.) Then he mentioned the Name of Allaah and began to eat.

It was narrated that the Sahaabi, Umayyah ibn Makhshi (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) was sitting and a man was eating who did not mention the Name of Allaah until there was only one morsel left of his food. When he raised it to his mouth, he said: "In the Name of Allaah at the beginning and at the end of it." The Prophet laughed and said: The Shaytaan kept eating along with him, but when he mentioned the Name of Allaah, he (the Shaytan) vomited what was in his belly." (Sunan Abee Dawud, 3/140, no. 3768; Al-Nasa'i, 'Ami Al-Yawm Wa'l-Laylah, p. 102, no. 283.)

Do you not see the importance of mentioning the Name of Allaah when you start to eat or drink? The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) are unanimously agreed that it is Mustahabb to mention the name of Allaah when one starts to eat or drink, but if a person omits to do so for some reason then becomes able to do so whilst eating, it is Mustahabb to say "Bismillahi awwalahoo wa akhirahoo (in the Name of Allaah at the beginning and at the end)." It is also Mustahabb to say it out loud so as to remind others and set an example for them.

What should be said when entering the house?

It is Mustahabb to say when entering one's house: 'Bismillaah, As-salaamu 'Alaykum' (in the Name of Allaah, peace be upon you), whether there are any humans in the house or not, because Allaah says:

فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُم بُيُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةً مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ مُبَارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

"...But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allaah (i .e. say: As-salamu 'alaykum — peace be on you), blessed and good..." (Al-Nur 24:61)

It was narrated that Anas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon Him) said: "O my son! When you enter upon your family, greet them with Salaam; it will be a blessing from Allaah upon you and upon the people of your household.' (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Bab Maja'a Fi'l-taslim Idha Dakhala Baytihi.)

It was narrated that Aboo Malik Al-Ash'ari (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) said: "When a man enters his home, let him say: "'Allaahumma inni asaluka khayra al-mawlij wa khayr Al-makhraj, bismillahi walajna wa bismillahi kharajna, wa 'ala Allaahi rabbina tawakkalna' (O Allaah! I ask of You the best entering and the best exit. In the Name of Allaah we have entered and in the Name of Allaah we have exited, and in Allaah our Lord have we put our trust) then let him greet his family with Salaam." (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab Al-Adab, 5/328, no. 5096; classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani (may Allaah have mercy on him).)

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn 'Abdullah (RA) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (Peace and Blessing upon Him) say: "When a man enters his house and mentions Allaah when he enters and when he eats, the Shaytaan says: '(You have) no place to stay and no supper.' If he enters and does not mention Allaah when he eats, (the Shaytaan) says: 'You have found a place to stay and supper.'" (Saheeh Muslim, 3/1598, no. 103.)

In the Muwatta' of Imaam Maalik it is narrated that he heard that it is Mustahabb when entering an uninhabited house to say: "As-salamu 'alayna wa 'alaa 'ibaad-illahis-saliheen (peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allaah)." (Al-Muwatta', Kitab Al-Salam, Bab Jami' Al-Salam, vol. 2, p. 962, no. 8.)

What a person should do and say if he gets angry

Anger is one of the evil whispers of the Shaytaan. Allaah says:

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

"And if an evil whisper from Shaytan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Knower."

(Fussilat 41:36)

It was narrated that the Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) Sulaymaan ibn Surad (RA) said: I was sitting with the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) and two men traded insults. One of them turned red in the face and became furious, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) said:

"I know a word which, if he said it, what he is experiencing would goaway. If he said, 'A'oodhu billaahi min As-shaytaanir-rajeem (I seek refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytan),' what he is experiencing would go away."

They said to him: "The Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) said: "Seek refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytan."

He said: "Am I insane?" (Fath Al-Bari, Kitab Bad' Al-Khalq, Bab Sifat Iblis, 6/151; Saheeh Muslim, 4/5/20, no. 109.)

It was narrated that 'Aa'ishah (RA) said: The Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) entered upon me when I was angry. He took hold of the end my nose and tweaked it, then he said:

"O 'Uwayyish (diminutive form of 'Aa'ishah), say: ;Allaahummaghfir lee dhanbi wa adhhib ghayda qalbi, wa ajirni min as-Shaytaan' (O Allaah, forgive my sin, take away the anger in my heart, and protect me against the Shaytaan)."

It was narrated that the Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him), 'Atiyyah ibn 'Urwah As-Sa'di (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (Peace and Blessing upon Him) said: "Anger comes from the Shaytaan, and the Shaytaan was created from fire. Fire is extinguished by water, so if one of you becomes angry, let him do Wudhoo'." (Sunan Abee Daawood, Kitaab Al-Adab 5)

It is Mustahabb for the one whom the Shaytan provokes to anger to suppress his anger and to seek refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytan. Then he should hasten to do Wudhoo', and remember that the reward with Allaah for suppressing his anger is great.

It was narrated from the Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessing upon Him) Mu'aadh ibn Anas Al-Juhani (RA) that the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) said: "Whoever suppresses his anger when he is able to act upon it, Allaah will call him before all creatures on the Day of Resurrection and let him choose whoever he wants from among Al-Hoor." (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab Al-Adab, 5/137, no. 4777; Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Kitab Al-Birr, no. 2022. [2] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Kitab Al-Anbiya', 4/179.)

Prayer for protection for a child

It was narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas (RA) said: The Prophet (Peace and Blessing upon Him) used to seek protection for Al-Hasan and Al- Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with them): "Aa'udhu bi kalimaat-Allaah il-taammah min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah wa min kulli 'aynin lammah" (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah from every devil and poisonous reptile, and from every envious evil eye.)

And he would say:

"Your father (i.e., Ibraheem) used to seek protection by means of them (these words) for Isma'eel and Ishaaq." (Saheeh Al Bukhaari, Kitaab al Anbiyaa', 4/179.)

What is to be said by one who is suffering from loneliness

beautifulpurpleIt was narrated from Al-Waleed ibn Al-Waleed (RA) that he said: "O Messenger of Allaah, I feel lonely." He said: "When you go to bed, say:

"A'udhoo bi kalimaatillaahit-tammaati min ghadhabihi wa 'iqaabihi wa min sharri 'ibaadihi wa min hamazaat as-shayaatin wa an yahduroon (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah from His wrath and punishment, and from the evil of His slaves, and from the whispers of the devils and from their being present), then they (the devils) will not harm you or come near you." (Ibn Al-Sunni: Ma Yaqul Idha Akhadha Madja'ahu, p. 201, no. 705.)

It was narrated that Al-Baraa' ibn 'Aazib (RA) said: A man came to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) and complained to him of loneliness. He said: "Repeat often (the words): 'Subhanal-malik al-quddoos, rabbil-maala'ikati war-rooh, jalata Al-samaawati wa'l-arda bi'l-'izzah wa'l-jabaroot' (Glory be to the Sovereign, the Noble, Lord of the angels and of the Spirit, You have encompassed the heavens and the earth with Glory and Might.)" The man said it, and his loneliness disappeared. (Ibn Al-Sunni, Baab my Yaqul Man Ubtuliya Bil-wahshah, p. 206, no. 633.)

The best that can be said by one who is suffering from loneliness is: "Aa'oodhu billahil-sami' il-'alim min ah-shaytaanir-rajeem" (I seek refuge with Allaah, the All-Hearing, All-Knowing, from the accursed Shaytan.)

Allaah ('Azza wa Jalla) says:

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

"And if an evil whisper from Shaytan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Knower."

(Fussilat 41:36)

It was narrated that Aboo Hurayrah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) said: "The Shaytaan will come to one of you and say: 'Who created such and such? Who created such and such?" Until he says, 'Who created your Lord?' If it comes to that, then seek refuge with Allaah and stop thinking about it."

According to a version narrated in Al-Saheeh: "The people will continue to ask questions until it is said: 'This is the creation of Allaah, but who created Allaah?' Whoever sees any of that, let him say, I believe in Allaah and His Messengers." (Fath Al-Bari, Bab Sifat Iblis, 4/149)

It was narrated that 'Aa'ishah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) said: "Whoever experiences anything of this Waswaas (whispers from the Shaytan), let him say: 'I believe in Allaah and His Messengers' three times, then that will go away from him." (Ibn Al-Sunni, Bab Ma Yaqul Man Ubtuliya Bi'l-waswasah, p. 181, no. 626.)

It was narrated that 'Uthmaan ibn Abi'l-'Aas (RA) said: I said: "O Messenger of Allaah! The Shaytaan has interfered between me and my prayer and recitation, and has confounded me." The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon Him) said: "That is a devil called Khinzab. If you notice that, then seek refuge with Allaah from him and spit drily to your left three times." I did that, and Allaah took that away from me." (Saheeh Muslim, Kitab As-Salam, Bab Al-Ta'awwudh Min Shaytan Al-waswasah Fil-salah, 4/1728, no. 68.)

It was narrated that Aboo-Zamil said: I said to Ibn 'Abbas (RA): "There is something I find in my heart." He said: "What is it?" I said: "By Allaah I cannot speak of it." He said to me: "Is it some sort of doubt?" He smiled and said: "No one was spared from that until Allaah revealed the Words:


فَإِن كُنتَ فِي شَكٍّ مِّمَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ فَاسْأَلِ الَّذِينَ يَقْرَءُونَ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكَ ۚ لَقَدْ جَاءَكَ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ

"So if you O Muhammad are in doubt concerning that which We have revealed unto you, then ask those who are reading the Book before you. Verily, the truth has come to you from your Lord. So be not of those who doubt (it)." (Yunus 10:94)

He said to me: "If you feel anything in your heart, then say:

هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ ۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

"He is the First (nothing is before Him) and the Last (nothing is after Him), the Most High (nothing is above Him) and the Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him). And He is the All-Knower of every thing." (Al-Hadeed, 57:3)

In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated with his Isnaad in the letter of Aboo'l-Qaaim Al-Qushayri that Ahmad ibn 'Ata' Al-Rawdhabari Al-Sayyid Al- Jalil said to me: I am experiencing Waswas with regard to purification (Tahaarah); I felt anxious one night because I had used so much water, and my heart would not rest. I said: 'O Lord, Your forgiveness, Your forgiveness.' Then I heard a voice crying out:

Forgiveness is in knowledge.

Then that (anxiety) left me."

One of the scholars said that it is Mustahabb for the one who suffers from Waswaas with regard to Wudhoo' or prayer to say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (there is no god but Allaah), for if the Shaytan hears Dhikr (remembrance of Allaah), he withdraws and goes away, and the phrase Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (there is no god but Allaah) is the best of Dhikr.

And they (the scholars) said that the most effective remedy for warding off waswas is to remember Allaah a great deal (Dhikr).

One of the Imaams said that:

It is only those who are most perfect in faith who are tested with Waswaas, for the thief does not target a ruined house.

Al-Sayyid Al-Jalil Ahmad ibn Abi'l-Hawari said: "I complained to Aboo Sulayman Al-Darani about Waswaas and he said:

'If you want it to stop, then whenever you notice it, rejoice, for if you rejoice in it, it will stop, because there is nothing more annoying to the Shaytan than the happiness of the believer.'

What should be said by one to whom the Shaytan appears or who is frightened by him

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

"And if an evil whisper from Shaytan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Knower."

(Fussilat, 41:36)

وَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ جَعَلْنَا بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ حِجَابًا مَّسْتُورًا

"And when you Muhammad recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter,

an invisible veil (or screen their hearts, so they hear or understand it not)." (Al-lsraa', 17:45)

The one to whom the Shaytaan appears should do the following:

1. He should say: "A'oodhu billaahis-samee'il-'aleem min al-shaytaanir-rajeem" (I seek refuge with Allaah, the All-Hearing, All-Knowing, from the accursed Shaytan).

2. He should constantly read the Qur'aan (he should have a daily Wird)

3. He should give the Adhaan, as pne does for prayer.

It was narrated that Aboo'l-Darda' said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) stood up to pray, and we heard him say: "I seek refuge with Allaah from you." Then he said: "I curse you with the curse of Allaah," three times, and he stretched out his hand as if to take something. When he had finished praying, we said: "O Messenger of Allaah, we heard you say during the prayer something that we have never heard you say before, and we saw you stretching out your hand." He said: "The enemy of Allaah Iblees came with a brand of fire to throw it in my face, and I said, 'I seek refuge with Allaah from you,' three times.

Then I said: I curse you with the complete curse of Allaah' and he retreated three times. Then I wanted to seize him, and by Allaah, were it not for the prayer of my brother Sulayman, this morning he would have been tied up and the children of the people of Madinah would be playing with him." (Saheeh Muslim, Bab Jawaz La'n As Shaytan, 1/385.)

It was narrated from Sahl ibn Abi Salih that he said: My father sent me to Banu Harithah and there was a slave of ours —or a friend of ours—with me. Someone called him by name from behind a wall, and the one who was with me looked over the wall but did not see anything. I told my father about that and he said: "If I had realized that this would happen to you I would not have sent you. But if you hear a voice, give the call to prayer, for I heard Aboo Hurayrah narrating that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) said: "If the call to prayer is given, the Shaytaan runs away." (Saheeh Muslim, Kitab Al-Salah, Bab Fadl Al-Adhan wa Hurub Al-Shaytan, 1/290-291.)

What should be said by one who hears the crowing of a rooster, the braying of a donkey and the barking of a dog?

It was narrated from Aboo Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Peace and Blessing upon Him) said: "If you hear the braying of a donkey then seek refuge with Allaah from the Shaytaan, for it has seen a devil. If you hear the crowing of a rooster, then ask Allaah of His bounty, for it has seen an angel." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Kitaab Bad' Al-khalq, 4/155.)

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn 'Abdillaah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessing upon him) said: "If you hear the barking of a dog and the braying of a donkey at night, then seek refuge with Allaah, for they see what you do not see." (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitaab Al-Adab, 5/332, no. 5103)

What should be said by one to whom ghouls appear

Ghouls (Arabic Ghul, pl. Ghilan) are a type of jinn, and it is said that they are the sorcerers of the jinn. They may appear in various forms, but their evil may be warded off by the Adhaan.

It was narrated from Jabir that the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) said: "If the ghouls appear to you, then give the call to prayer." (Ibn Al-Sunni, Bab Idha Taghawwalat Al-ghilan, p. 153, no. 524.)

That is because the Adhaan makes the Shaytaan flee

What should be said by one who stops in a new place?

It was narrated that Khawlah bint Hakim (RA) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (Peace and Blessing upon Him) say: "Whoever stops in a place and then says: A'oodhu bi kalimaat-illah il-tammaati min sharri ma khalaq (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah from the evil of that which He has created),' nothing will harm him until he moves on from that stopping-place." (Saheeh Muslim, 4/2080, no. 54)

How to protect yourself against witchcraft?

The doctors say that prevention is better than cure. We say:

The best cure for witchcraft is to protect yourself from it before it happens. If the evil witch who has sold his soul to the Shaytaan seeks the help of the Shaytaan to achieve his evil aims, Islaam has told us how the Muslim may protect himself and his family from the Shaytaan. The Muslim must follow the means described below in order to protect himself from the evil of witchcraft and its practitioners.

Strengthening oneself with faith

hijabmaroonThe Muslim must strengthen himself and affirm his belief in Tawhid. In this manner he strengthens his faith and dispels fear of anything other than Allaah from his heart, and reinforces the belief that benefit and harm are both in the hand of Allaah alone. The Muslim should understand that these means are like the movements of the wind, which are in the hand of their Controller and Creator, and cannot cause any harm or bring any benefit except by Allaah's Leave. Allaah says concerning the witches:

وَمَا هُم بِضَارِّينَ بِهِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

"But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's leave." (Al-Baqarah, 2:102)

And Allaah says:

وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ وَإِن يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ ۚ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

"And if Allaah touches you with harm, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour." (Yunus, 10:107)

Whoever is a slave to Allaah, following His commands at times of hardship and of ease, focusing all his fear on Allaah, is included in the Verse in which Allaah says:

أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ ۖ وَيُخَوِّفُونَكَ بِالَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ

"Is not Allaah Sufficient for His slave?" (Al-Zumar, 39:36)

Attaining complete submission and servitude to Allaah ('Ubudiyyah) brings complete protection, and the Shaytan has no authority over them, as Allaah says:

إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ إِلَّا مَنِ اتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ الْغَاوِينَ

"Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves." (Al Hijr, 15/42)

The one who is strong in faith, protected by Allaah and under His care, is rarely affected by witchcraft. The witches themselves know that their spells can ortly affect those who are weak.

Regularly reciting the Adhikr for morning and evening

One of the greatest means of protecting oneself against witchcraft is to persist in regularly reciting the Adhkaar for morning and evening. They prevent against witchcraft before it happens, protecting one against it and warding off its evil, and remedying it if it does happen. Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Among the most effective divinely-prescribed remedies for witchcraft, indeed the only thing that works, for the effects of evil souls and warding off their effects can only be by means of that which opposes and resists them, namely Dhikr, the Qur'anic Verses and Du'as which cancel out their actions and effects. The stronger they are the further they will spread. This is like the meeting of two armies, each of which has its equipment and weapons with it; whichever of them overpowers the other and subdues it will emerge the victor.

If the heart is filled with remembrance of Allaah and has Du'as, Dhikrs, prayers for refuge and a Wird which it never fails to recite, in which the person focuses with his heart and mind, this will be one of the greatest means of warding off witchcraft before it strikes and it is one of the greatest remedies for it after it has struck. The witches know that their witchcraft can only fully have an effect on hearts which are weak and easily influenced, those that are ruled by whims and desires and attached to trivial matters. Hence those who are usually affected are women, children and those who are ignorant and those who live in remote regions, or whose faith, trust in Allaah and belief in Tawhid are weak, and who do not have a Wird, Du'as and prayers for refuge which they recite regularly. In conclusion, their influence usually affects those who are weak and easily influenced, and are inclined towards trivial things.

They said: The victim is the one who allows witchcraft to affect him, for we find his heart is attached to things on which he focuses a great deal, so they control his heart by means of the things towards which he is inclined. The evil souls are only able to gain control over souls which are ready to be overpowered because their hearts are already inclined towards something that is convenient for those evil souls and because they are devoid of spiritual strength and are not prepared to resist. So you find them empty, with no strength or means to fight, inclined towards something convenient, so they overpower them and are able to influence them by witchcraft and other means.

Imaam Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhi narrated a lengthy Hadith from Al-Haarith Al-Ash'ari, in which the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) said:

"... and I enjoin you to remember Allaah, for this is like a man who is being pursued by the enemy, then he comes to a strong fortress and saves himself from them. Similarly a man cannot save himself from the Shaytan except by means of Dhikr." (Narrated by Ahmad in Al-Musnad, 408/202; Al-Tirmidhi, no.2867. This is a Saheeh Hadith.)

Eating 'Ajwah dates on an empty stomach

'Ajwah: a kind of date grown in Madinah

Al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh from 'Amir ibn Sa'd that his father said: The Prophet (Peace and Blessing upon Him) said: "Whoever eats 'Ajwah dates every morning will not be harmed by poison or witchcraft all that day until night comes." (Fath Al-Bari, 10/249.)

Someone else said: "Seven dates." And according to another report: "Whoever eats seven 'Ajwah dates in the morning, will not be harmed that day by poison or witchcraft."

Whoever persists in eating 'Ajwah dates on an empty stomach, with the proper intention and with trust in Allaah and the words of the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) will be as it were inoculated against witchcraft, and neither witchcraft nor poison will harm him. Some of the scholars explained that one of the characteristics of dates is that they are "hot", and that this is sufficient to ward off disease, but the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) mentioned specific protection against witchcraft. It seems, and Allaah knows best, that dates contain something unknown to us that protects against poison and witchcraft. We believe in the word of the truthful one (the Prophet (peace be upon him)), even if we do not know how that works. There is no doubt that the dates of Madinah possess special qualities, but if dates of Madinah are not available, then any dates will do Inshaa'Allaah.

One of the greatest means of protecting oneself against the evil of witchcraft is not going to witches

Because no benefit can come from them for the one who has been harmed, and the one who has nothing wrong with him will not be safe from their harm. The devils who work with the witch know full well that the Muslim man or woman who knocks at the door of the witch is weak in faith and does not put his or her trust in Allaah, so it is easy for them to possess them.

Ten ways of avoiding the harm of the Jinn and protecting oneself against the devils

1. Seeking refuge with Allaah from the traps of the devils
2. Reciting Al-Falaq and An-Naas, because it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) used to seek refuge with Allaah from the jinn and the evil eye of people, until these two Surahs were revealed
3. Reciting Ayat Al-Kursiyy
4. Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah
5. Reciting the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
6. Reciting the first part of Surah Ghaafir
7. Frequently repeating the words:"Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa sharika lahu, lahu'l-mulk wa lahu'l-hamd wa huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in qadir" (there is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the Dominion, to Him be all praise, and He has power over all things)."
8. Frequently remembering Allaah (Dhikr), which includes regularly reciting the Adhkaar which are to be said in various situations and when doing certain things
9. Wudhoo' and prayer
10. Refraining from unnecessary looking, speaking, eating and mixing with people, because going to extremes in these four matters weakens one's spirituality and makes it easy for the evil ones among mankind and the jinn to gain power over you.

List of major sins that have to do with one's inward attitude

1. Associating others with Allaah (Shirk)
2. Minor Shirk (showing off)
3. Hidden anger, grudges and envy
4. Arrogance, self-admiration and showing off
5. Deceit
6. Hypocrisy
7. Wronging others
8. Turning away from people out of arrogance and scorning them
9. Indulging in that which is of no benefit
10. Greed
11. Fear of poverty
12. Being angry with the divine decree
13. Looking at the rich and venerating them because of their richness
14. Mocking the poor because of their poverty
15. Stinginess
16. Competing in worldly gains and showing off
17. Adorning oneself for others with things with which it is forbidden to adorn oneself
18. Compromising religious principles
19. Loving to be praised for what one has not done
20. Being reoccupied with the faults of others whilst ignoring one's own faults
21. Forgetting blessings
22. Strong feelings for religions other than the religion of Allaah
23. Not accepting the decree of Allaah
24. Not taking the rights and commands of Allaah seriously
25. Mocking the slaves of Allaah, looking down on them and despising them
26. Following whims and desires, and turning away from the truth
27. Cheating and deceiving
28. Desiring the life of this world
29. Being stubborn in rejecting the truth
30. Thinking badly of Muslims
31. Not accepting the truth because it goes against one's own whims and desires, or hating those who speak the truth
32. Rejoicing in sin
33. Persisting in sin
34. Loving to be praised for doing acts of worship
35. Being content with the life of this world
36. Forgetting Allaah and the Hereafter
37. Being angry when one is offended and avenging oneself even when one is in the wrong
38. Feeling safe from the plot of Allaah by getting carried away in sin and relying on Allaah's mercy
39. Despairing of the mercy of Allaah
40. Thinking badly of Allaah
41. Despairing of the mercy of Allaah
42. Acquiring knowledge for worldly gain (showing off)
43. Concealing knowledge
44. No acting upon one's knowledge
45. Showing off one's knowledge out of pride
46. Undermining the position of the scholars and belittling them
47. Deliberately telling lies about Allaah
48. Deliberately telling lies about the Messenger of Allaah (Peace and Blessing upon Him)
49. Introducing bad ways
50. Abandoning the Sunnah
51. Not believing in the divine decree
52. Not fulfilling promises
53. Loving wrongdoing or evildoing
54. Hating the righteous
55. Offending the close friends of Allaah and taking them as enemies
56. Cursing time
57. Saying a word that could cause a great deal of mischief and harm
58. Being ungrateful for blessings
59. Showing evil behaviour and foul language so as to make people fear you and avoid your evil