Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Because of some seemingly insignificant differences about the amount of jewelry to be given, my mother has threatened to get someone (whom we know to be very dangerous in such things) to do black magic on one of my in-laws so that they die. I have reason to believe that my mother may well have started on this. I have fought with her to stop, for Allah’s sake, but she is hard-headed about such things related to family honor’ Can I desert my family and have nothing to do until she changes? What should I do?
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May His abundant blessing and most perfect of peace be on His Beloved Prophet, the best of creation, and his family, companions and followers,
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
1. I would recommend that you consult a righteous scholar, to seek protection from magic, because ‘black magic’ can be very harmful indeed, as you are probably aware, Sidi.
2. In the meantime, the member of your in-laws’ family who has been threatened should recite Ayat al-Kursi, the end of Surat al-Baqara, and the 3 Quls regularly, as well as being very diligent in their prayers. These all act as general shields against the effects of black magic.
3. Engaging in magic is a serious sin. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned it among the seven greatest sins, and Allah Himself condemned it unequivocally in the Qur’an.
4. You have the right to step away from your parents unless they desist from such activity, but even this must be done in a way that is noble, and polite, because their right that you be “good” to them is unconditional.
5. However, the superior course of action would be to maintain your ties with them, and to convince them, through wisdom and good words, as well as the intervention of local scholars and people they respect (including, for example, respected elder family members) to leave such matters.
6. Keep making dua to Allah Most High, and get your wife to, as well. Such trials are a reminder from Allah, for us to turn to Him.
Imam Kamal ibn al-Humam (Allah have mercy on him) explained in Fath al-Qadir (6.99) that,
“The learning of magic is forbidden without disagreement among the people of knowledge. Believing magic to be permitted is disbelief ( kufr).”
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani