The Concept of the Evil Eye in Islam and Beyond
Understanding the Concept of the Evil Eye
We often hear people say, "I have been affected by the evil eye," or "Something of mine has been harmed by the evil eye." The belief in the evil eye is not a myth; it is a reality acknowledged across different cultures and religions. Almost every civilization has its own way of protecting against it. In Hinduism, people hang protective charms like nazar battu on their doors or tie black threads around children’s wrists to ward off negative energy. In Christianity, the evil eye is often attributed to the influence of Satan, and believers seek God's protection through prayer.
From an Islamic perspective, the evil eye is not just folklore; it is a phenomenon mentioned in hadiths, along with remedies to counter its effects.
Islamic Perspective on the Evil Eye
The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
"Al-‘Aynu ḥaqqun, wa law kāna shay’un sābiqal-qadara lasabaqat’hu al-‘Ayn." (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi: 2062)
Translation: The evil eye is real, and if anything could precede destiny, it would be the evil eye.
Another narration states:
"Al-‘Aynu tudkhilu al-rajula al-qabra wa tudkhilu al-jamala al-qidra." (Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir: 11572)
Translation: The evil eye can cause a man to enter the grave and a camel to enter the cooking pot.
This means that the effects of the evil eye can be so severe that they can lead to destruction, illness, or even death.
How Does the Evil Eye Work?
The evil eye is often misunderstood. It is commonly believed that only envious or malicious individuals cast the evil eye, but this is not entirely true. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) mentioned that even a person’s own gaze can cause harm, unintentionally.
The evil eye occurs when a person looks at something with intense admiration, and a form of energy or radiance from their gaze affects the object or person they are looking at. This can happen due to envy, but it can also occur out of deep love or admiration.
A Personal Experience with the Evil Eye
I have witnessed the effects of the evil eye firsthand. My aunt’s daughter was preparing for a family wedding. She styled her long, thick hair beautifully, and many people at the event admired and praised her hair. Within days, her hair started falling out at an alarming rate. She sought various treatments, including medical remedies and alternative therapies, but nothing helped. Eventually, she suspected that she had been affected by the evil eye, not from someone with ill intent, but from those who genuinely loved and admired her hair.
This incident reinforced the idea that the evil eye is not always cast with bad intentions. Even genuine affection can sometimes have unintended consequences.
Remedies and Protection Against the Evil Eye
The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) provided guidance on how to prevent and cure the effects of the evil eye:
Prevention: If you admire something, say MashaAllah, La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. This simple act prevents harm.
Spiritual Healing: Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported:
"Kana Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) ya’muruni an astarqi minal-‘Ayn." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5738)
Translation: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) instructed me to perform Ruqyah (spiritual healing) for protection against the evil eye.
The Power of Quranic Recitations: Surah Al-Falaq, Surah An-Nas, and Ayat-ul-Kursi are among the most effective prayers for protection against all forms of harm, including the evil eye.
The Ritual of Washing: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) advised that if someone is affected by the evil eye, the person who cast the eye (intentionally or unintentionally) should perform ablution (wudu), and the affected individual should bathe with the water from that wudu. This practice is known to remove the effects of the evil eye.
The Scientific Perspective
While the evil eye is primarily a spiritual belief, some scientists associate it with psychosomatic effects. The power of suggestion and belief can influence a person's physical and mental state, causing symptoms of stress, anxiety, or illness. Cultural conditioning also plays a role in reinforcing the belief that misfortune is linked to the evil eye.
However, many unexplained cases, like the sudden deterioration of health or luck after excessive admiration, make the concept difficult to dismiss entirely. Further research is needed to understand the potential link between human energy and its effects on others.
Conclusion: Balancing Faith and Awareness
The evil eye is a phenomenon acknowledged across cultures, supported by religious teachings, and even considered in psychological studies. While we should not live in fear, it is important to take precautions. Expressing admiration with MashaAllah, seeking spiritual protection, and maintaining a strong connection with faith can help mitigate its effects.
At the same time, if someone faces hardships, they should not immediately attribute them to the evil eye. It is crucial to seek medical, psychological, and spiritual guidance when necessary. Understanding the evil eye helps us find a balance between faith, awareness, and practical solutions.
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You might laugh but let me sure you my today’s incident.
I was wearing black with black blazer and black peshawari chapal.
When I was ready , I said to me “ aaj to chikna lg raha hu”😂😂 well and hardly 30 minutes might have passed that I suffered an accodent as I fell down of motorbike. I got injuries and my suit was ruptured as well.
So yes one’s own nazar also affects.
I giess sadqa is best way. Sadqa protects you from harm. Death is inevitable but sadqa protects us grom avoidable hurts and injuries
Something similar happened to me, which inspired me to write this blog. First of all, thank you for sharing your personal experience, it truly adds value to my post. I often update my old posts, as you know, and I’d love to include your story in a future edit if that’s okay with you (if possible, you can share your picture with a similar theme dressing, for blog use).
I recently saw someone at Sheffa Hospital. He was wearing a navy uniform and was part of the hospital staff. He also had a scar on his head. I’ve always been naturally drawn to scars—not the kind from abuse or violence, but the ones earned through life's adventures.
When I saw him, a thought crossed my mind: this guy must have truly lived life to the fullest. As you know, I’m an only male child with helicopter parents. I do a lot in life, but there are always restrictions and challenges, even when it comes to small adventures or just going out for fun.
So, when I looked at him, I found myself admiring many things about him, his presence, and of course, his scar.
A couple of hours later, when we had to head back in the ambulance, Awais (the same guy) was seriously ill. It felt like he might not make it through the day. I immediately started searching for all the remedy verses (Ayats) for protection against the evil eye. The moment I began reciting them, his condition started to improve.
Giving Sadqa is also a nuanced topic. Simply donating to a charity organization may not necessarily fulfill the requirements of Sadqa, and there’s a lot more to explore on that subject. I’ve started drafting my thoughts on it, but I’ll save that deep dive for another time.
I’ll likely edit this blog in the future, including scientific perspectives as well. It might take some time, but feel free to revisit it whenever you’re looking for remedy Ayats for the evil eye. I’ve bookmarked it as well for easy access too.
Once again, thank you for using the 'favorite author' feature to find my work. Your comment genuinely enhances the value of my blog.
I truly feel sorry for humanity and these people.
I feel sorry for religion.
And I feel sorry for you, who entertain such imaginary thoughts.
First of all, your religion is entirely sexual, and it's all in your own book—full of Muhammad's sexual problems and constant encouragement to kill and plunder.
I have read your book twice, with its meaning, and it's all like that.
Secondly, what kind of nonsense is this "evil eye"?
Are we living in the age of sorcerers?
We are not.
What kind of magic do you think you can use with your spells and book to stop a wolf and say, "Don't eat"?
The God of the wolf is also the God of the deer.
😐
We are humans, governed by the laws of physics.
We are governed by the biochemistry of nutrition, the brain, and hormones.
I am Iranian, the cradle of Zoroastrianism, the cradle of world civilization.
Not an Arab, to read your nonsense and stay silent.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. We may see the world differently, but I think there’s always value in exploring different perspectives with an open mind and mutual respect.
Science helps us understand reality through physics, biochemistry, and measurable data, but human experience often goes beyond what a lab test can prove. The concept of the evil eye isn’t just an Islamic belief, it exists in many cultures and religions across the world. Even in psychology, ideas like the placebo and nocebo effects show how belief alone can impact real-world outcomes. Concepts like the law of attraction and the power of the subconscious mind touch on similar themes, showing that what we think and believe can influence our lives in ways science is still trying to fully understand.
If you're interested in a scientific approach, I’d recommend looking into the placebo and nocebo effects, law of attraction, and the power of the subconscious mind. These ideas, studied beyond religion, show how perception and belief can shape reality in fascinating ways.
I don’t expect everyone to agree, and I respect skepticism, but dismissing an idea as ‘nonsense’ without considering its historical, cultural, and even psychological significance might mean overlooking an important part of human experience. Just like you take pride in your heritage and worldview, I believe in respecting different approaches to understanding life’s mysteries.
Interestingly, the evil eye is even debated among Muslims. Some scholars think it's a misunderstood concept, often taken to extremes, while others argue that people simply don’t grasp how it actually works. These discussions, like many others, remind us that even within a belief system, interpretations can vary.
At the end of the day, truth often lies somewhere between belief, experience, and scientific inquiry. Wishing you all the best on your journey of exploration and discovery!
A quick question for you!
Do you want Hive to be a platform where Muslims can share their thoughts openly and engage in respectful discussions, or do you want it to be seen as an Islamophobic space where they feel unwelcome?
It starts with one religious concept, today it’s an Islamic belief, tomorrow it could be Hindu deities, Christian views on Jesus, or debates about vegetarianism and veganism. If we go down this rabbit hole of silencing discussions just because people disagree, it only leads to division. And in the end, that kind of environment doesn’t encourage engagement,it turns Hive into a ghost town where no one feels welcome to share their thoughts.
Should we shadow-ban people who support a cause? And then also shadow-ban those who don’t? Just because two people think differently? That’s not the spirit of freedom and diversity.
Hive is meant to be a space where people from all backgrounds can share their perspectives. I’m not forcing my beliefs on anyone, I’m simply sharing them, just as others do. Disagreeing is fine. Instead, let’s build a culture of mutual respect and make Hive a welcoming place for people of all faiths and viewpoints.
You are a treasure! God bless you.
@topcomment
I’m left wondering about your point.
First, let’s examine religion.
Religion is a human construct, just like idol worship.
Early humans, lacking understanding of their environment, attributed it to the supernatural, and gradually, religion was formed.
Can you tell me what religion has created for humanity besides war and division?
Has it produced peace?
Is God so insignificant that He needs to write a book and require prayers?
It’s interesting that all religious prayers are about personal desires.
Do you know any religious person who prays for the Amazon rainforest to stay lush and green?
No.
It’s all about individual wants and needs.
"God, give me this, guide me, grant me peace..."
These are the prayers.
Four billion years ago, everything started from a single cell.
How can you deny this?
In my opinion, we don’t have "respectful opinions."
Opinions are either honest and valid or nothing at all.
It’s a game to say that others’ opinions are respected.
What if my opinion is that all humans should die? Is that right?
Humans are nothing but needs and desires. If we remove that, there’s nothing left to talk about.
Creativity, art, and everything else are human needs.
We have a biochemical structure and follow the laws of physics, not magic or the supernatural.
Can you pray endlessly to never be hungry or thirsty? No. Can you say, "I pray that wolves won’t eat me"? No.
If religion had any utility, can you name a few?
Did religion create this smartphone?
Humans should be logical.
We shouldn’t live by emotions, which are the result of evolution and instincts.
Was that illogical?
L
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I understand your perspective, but it seems like the questions you've posed lead to a predetermined answer, making a genuine, constructive discussion difficult.
I don’t know what difficult experiences you might have seen or gone through, but if you’d like to share, we are here to listen. Compassion is one of the greatest gifts religion has given us, and it’s a value we will practice regardless of differing beliefs.
If your goal is to explore and learn, I’m more than willing to engage in a thoughtful conversation. However, if the objective is simply to 'win' an argument, then I’d prefer to focus my time on more productive pursuits.
The world is vast, filled with diverse experiences and wisdom, from Buddhist monks in Nepal to Shinto practitioners in Japan. True learning often requires stepping away from extreme absolutes and embracing nuance.
Definitely the evil eye is a psychological construction of the human being, I understand it as a tool that significantly influence the life of human beings, precisely because it moves them out of their comfort zone and exploring other solutions, other possibilities to which It is happening to you.
Understanding that from this point of view, and aside religious concepts, I find this type of construct very healthy, since they promote people to act.
From the other side whether they are myths or not, because that is simply something respectable, individual and very typical of each religion.
I do not believe in the evil eye as an esoteric force, but rather as an energy that drives people to act. We can take this energy as a NLP (neuro linguistic programming) from the point of view in which it contributes to culturally enriching all the language and symbolisms of any culture.
I could spend hours writing about this topic that I know too, but I don't want to make a complete publication within the comments my dear Qassim.
On this occasion you have touched a totally interesting and attractive topic, I congratulate you.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is something I’d like to explore further. When I first wrote on Evil Eye, I had far fewer thoughts and resources than I do now. But as you know, I prefer updating my existing posts rather than creating new ones to keep everything in one place.
I haven’t had much time lately due to my father's recent stroke, but I can’t abandon writing altogether, I have so many drafts waiting. If you come across any useful points I could add to my blogs (I can share unpublished drafts), I’d really appreciate it.
I’m concerned about my dad's health, and I don’t think I can write at my best in this mental state. Still, writing offers a bit of distraction from my worries, so I’ll try to stay active here.
Also, if you ever write about NLP, please let me know. It would help me learn more about the subject.
I will be sharing you when I write on the subject (NLP), since I am a specialist in the field. But I need to order my mind to find the proper way to present it here in Hive, because it is information that I fear can be used intentionally bad, and I want to prevent that from happening.
Your father is normal, you are crossing the stage of shock, each person lives it differently, and there is no certain time to say when and as you assimilated it. Just take your time, these things cost, I say it from my experience.
The evil of the eye and the NLP go hand in hand, I think I will encourage me to write a little about that in HL, perhaps the next week, or depending on my time on Sunday.
Stay firm and don't lose sight of your purposes, I feel that you are going for the correct path, young man.
Nice post
Nice Comment
SpamIt is a great post Sir @dlmmqb in which there is a very knowledgeable discussion about Evil Eye. To avoid the evil eye, keep doing charity, try to hide your precious and beautiful things from people, because the evil eye appears due to two reasons, the first reason is jealousy(حسد) and the second reason is regret(حسرت).
Haiye?
Beauty, Wealth and PhysicalStrength, these three should try to hide.