Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu, respected Shaykhs. What does affliction in the religion mean? I am afflicted with magic and possession by the jinn, and I face a lot of difficulties in worshipping Allah, the Exalted, properly. Is this affliction in my religion? May Allah reward you, Shaykhs.

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Affliction in the religion means the tests and trials that afflict the Muslim in this life to drive him away from his religion. It is one of the divine norms of Allah, the Exalted, that He tests His slaves with in order to distinguish the sincere believers from the dishonest hypocrites. Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {Alif, Laam, Meem. Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.} [Quran 29:1-3]

The Prophet, sallallahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, said, “Among those before you, a man would be seized and held in a pit dug for him in the ground, and he would be sawed into two halves from his head, and it would not drive him away from his faith; and his flesh would be torn away from his bones with iron combs, and it would not drive him away from his faith...” [Al-Bukhaari]

We have previously mentioned some of the wisdom behind affliction as well as the rewards of patience in fatwa 83577.

Moreover, you should know, dear Sister, that affliction may be a blessing in disguise for the believer, by which Allah expiates their sins and raises their degrees. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, said, “Trials and tribulations will not cease afflicting the believing man and the believing woman in their body and in their wealth until they meet Allah without having any sin.” [Ahmad]

Rather, affliction may be a sign that Allah loves His believing slave. Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, said, “The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever accepts His decrees wins His pleasure, and whoever is discontent with them incurs His wrath.” [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah]

So you should place your trust in Allah, the Exalted, adhere to patience and endure His decrees for you. You should not give in to any kind of satanic whisperings and illusions about being possessed by jinn or magic or the like, and do not accuse anyone of practicing magic without evidence.

Lastly, you should consult a reliable doctor whose religiosity and experience you trust, and those who are experienced in psychiatry could help you find the remedy for your condition. There is also no harm in seeking the help of a healer who recites Ruqyah (healing through Quranic recitation and supplications) and is pious, righteous, and known for his adherence to the sound Islamic beliefs and the authentic Sunnah, provided that you are escorted by one of your Mahram (permanently unmarriageable) men. You should also beware of visiting sorcerers and charlatans.

Allah knows best.