Is it permissible to go to Shaykhs to seek treatment for magic? I know a girl who receives many proposals of marriage but things never work out. She went to a Shaykh who told her that she was bewitched and that the spell was buried with a dead person; he informed her of the name of the person who had worked this magic on her. What is the Sharee'ah ruling on this?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Magic is a fact, and it has a real effect on the bewitched. It is a trial from Allaah The Almighty for His slaves, like all other kinds of trials, through which a person is humbled, submits and resorts to Allaah The Almighty. If a person endures this affliction patiently, his degree in Paradise will increase and his sins will be removed.

It is permissible to seek treatment for magic through Sharee‘ah-approved Ruqyahs from the Quran, supplications and Athkaar (mentionings of Allaah), whether this is done by oneself or by another person who is known for their uprightness, religiousness and good morals. A person must beware of going to soothsayers and diviners who claim to know the Unseen, which is most likely the case with those who claim to treat the effect of magic or the evil eye nowadays. Going to seek treatment requires much investigation and caution.

One of the most distinguishing features of diviners and soothsayers is their claim to know the place where the spell is hidden or the person who has worked the magic. Such people are either lying or dealing with Jinns and devils. Moreover, believing what they say is a reason for arousing Fitnah (tribulation), grudges and envy among people.

The Sharee'ah permits a person who is most likely affected by magic to seek treatment through Sharee‘ah-approved methods, and instructs him to resort to supplicating Allaah The Almighty to relieve him from this affliction.

Finally, we pray to Allaah The Almighty to cure our sister from all ailments and to facilitate marriage for her.

Allaah Knows best.