Principles of PsychologyBlack Magic I. Black magic Black magic or dark magic is type of magic that draws on malevolent powers. It is used for malevolent acts or to deliberately cause harm in some way. It is alternatively spelt with a 'K' (magick), this term is also known as black magick, dark magick, the dark arts of magick and dark side magick. In modern times, people who believe in or claim to practice magic use the term to describe the harmful magic that they consider taboo, as opposed to the good white magic that they do profess to practice. Black magic would be invoked to kill, injure, or cause destruction, or for personal gain without regard to harmful consequences to others. As a term, "black magic" is normally used to describe a form of ritual that some group or person does not approve of. Not everything that is called black magic truly has malevolent intentions behind it, and some also consider it to have beneficial and benevolent uses, such as killing off diseases or pests. II. History Magic in the Greco-Roman world Hecate, the ancient Greek goddess of magic. The prototypical "magicians" were a class of priests, the Magi of Zoroastrianism, and their reputation together with that of Ancient Egypt shaped the hermeticism of Hellenistic religion. The Greek mystery religions had strongly magical components, and in Egypt, a large number of magical papyri, in Greek, Coptic, and Demotic, have been recovered. These sources contain early instances of much of the magical lore that later became part of Western cultural expectations about the practice of magic, especially ceremonial magic. They contain early instances of: • the use of "magic words" said to have the power to command spirits; -1- Principles of Psychology • • Black Magic the use of wands and other ritual tools; the use of a magic circle to defend the magician against the spirits he is invoking or evoking; and the use of mysterious symbols or sigils thought useful to invoke or evoke spirits. The use of spirit mediums is also documented in these texts; many of the spells • call for a child to be brought to the magic circle to act as a conduit for messages from the spirits. The time of the Emperor Julian of Rome, marked by a reaction against the influence of Christianity, saw a revival of magical practices associated with neoPlatonism under the guise of the urge Middle Ages Several medieval scholars were credited as magicians in popular legend, notably Gerbert d'Aurillac and Albertus Magnus: both men were active in scientific research of their day as well as in ecclesiastical matters, which was enough to attach to them a nimbus of the occult. Magic practice was actively discouraged by the church, but remained widespread in folk religion throughout the medieval period. Magical thinking became syncretized with Christian dogma, expressing itself in practices like the judicial duel and relic veneration. The relics had become amulets, and various churches strove to purchase scarce or valuable examples, hoping to become places of pilgrimage. As in any other economic endeavour, demand gave rise to supply. Tales of the miracle-working relics of the saints were compiled later into quite popular collections like the Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine or the Dialogus miraculorum of Caesar of Heisterbach. From the 13th century, the Jewish Kabbalah exerts influence on Christian occultism, giving rise to the first grimoires and the scholarly occultism that would develop into Renaissance magic. The demonology and angelology contained in the earliest grimoires assume a life surrounded by Christian implements and sacred rituals. The underlying theology in these works of Christian demonology encourages the magician to fortify himself with fasting, prayers, and sacraments, so that by using the -2- Principles of Psychology Black Magic holy names of God in the sacred languages, he could use divine power to coërce demons into appearing and serving his usually lustful or avaricious magical goals. 13th century astrologers include Johannes de Sacrobosco and Guido Bonatti. III. Classes of Magic In Magic, there are numerous classes and subdivisions. In the world of Wyrd, these are the basic classes of Magic. Some are very general, while others are exclusive to certain races or are very rare. Each class is further divided into subclasses, which are listed but not described fully here. A person may use more than one kind of Magic, but depending on their race, physical or mental limitations, and the compatibility of the different Magics, it may weaken or completely cancel out the users ability to cast spells. Black Magic (Sorcery) Description: Magic that is used for destructive or offensive purposes. Not technically evil, despite the connotation of the term “Black Magic.” This Magic is like a weapon, which can be used by good, neutral, and evil folk alike. Source: Draws upon the negative energies and emotions of all living things, as well as the life and magical force of the user. Materials Used: Often a staff or wand, sometimes a special knife, but usually only the mage’s bare hands are needed for casting. Casting is done with spoken words and/or gestures of the hands and body. Typical Mage: As a very general field of Magic, just about any sentient creature can use it with enough training. It is especially popular with traveling mages, as they often have nothing more than Magic for protection, hunting, and fire-lighting purposes. Most often used by humans, elves, and other humanoid types. Compatible With: Nearly all Magics. -3- Principles of Psychology Incompatible With: White, Green, and Fey. Black Magic Subclasses: Sorcerer, Wizard, Mage, Necromancer (any death-related Black Magic). White Magic (Clerical) Description: Magic that is used for clerical or defensive purposes. This Magic can be used by good, neutral, and evil folk alike. Source: Draws upon the positive energies and emotions of all living things, as well as the magical force of the user. Materials Used: Staff, wand, crystals, or other magically imbued objects. Most often, the user needs only bare hands. Typical Mage: As a very general field of Magic, just about any sentient creature can use it with enough training. It is especially popular with traveling mages, as they often have nothing more than Magic for defensive, healing, and lighting purposes. Most often used by humans, elves, and other humanoid types. Compatible With: Nearly all Magics. Incompatible With: Black, Fey, and Sword. Subclasses: Healer, Protector, Cleric, Priest/Priestess Gray Magic Description: A very rare class. This is the only way one can use both Black and White Magics without canceling out both types of opposing forces. In other words, the user may be skilled in both Black and White without depleting his or her life force, or weakening the Magics’ effects. It also grants the user more -4- Principles of Psychology Black Magic compatibility with other Magics. This is an incredibly difficult class to learn, and is therefore seldom seen. Source: See Black and White Magic sources. Materials Used: A special tool that is part staff, part weapon. There is a crystal on one end, a double-sided blade on the other. The staff is as tall as the user, and the blade is always exactly as long as the user’s hand, from wrist to middle fingertip. Typical Mage: Usually a humanoid type, but only in rare cases an actual human. Compatible With: Nearly all Magics. Incompatible With: Fey. Subclasses: None Red Magic Description: Magic that requires blood for casting, thus the name. Red spells are actually powerful seals and curses, spells that are permanent even when the caster is not present. Some spells have time limits, special conditions for dispelling (i.e.; the caster’s death), or are infinitely permanent. The last type, thankfully, is quite rare. Source: Energy of the caster and the source of the blood, as well as the blood itself. Materials Used: Blood (of course), knife or sharp object for cutting, special quill or brush to write the casting runes, and in cases that require a lot of blood, a bowl or chalice (usually made of silver or bone). Typical Mage: Usually a Black, White, or Gray mage with great power. -5- Principles of Psychology Compatible With: Nearly all types. Incompatible With: Fey. Subclasses: Sealer, Curse-witch Black Magic Amber Magic Description: Magic used for summoning objects, creatures, or deities. Fairly rare. Source: User and the things the user summons. Materials Used: Whatever is needed to mark the summoning seal. Seals are different shapes, depending on what is summoned. Typical Mage: Usually a mage that is already skilled in other Magics, particularly Green. Compatible With: Most other Magics, particularly green. Incompatible With: Fey. Subclasses: Summoner, Procurer, Conjurer, Acolyte Green Magic Description: Magic that deals with nature. Source: The life energy of all living things, including the user. Materials Used: Usually none, unless they are materials found in nature. Typical Mage: Humanoid, often those with Fey blood in them, and Elves. Compatible With: Nearly all kinds. -6- Principles of Psychology Incompatible With: Black and Sword. Subclasses: Greenthumb, Tamer, Dryadic Black Magic Blue Magic Description: Magic that deals with Illusions. Source: Mage’s energies and power of imagination. Materials Used: Usually nothing more than the hands, though crystals and other objects can be used to “anchor” an illusion in place. Typical Mage: Usually one skilled in other Magics, especially Violet. Compatible With: Most other Magics, especially Violet. Incompatible With: Fey. Subclasses: Illusionist, Hallucinist, Delusionist Violet Magic Description: Magic that deals with scrying, destiny, and psychic powers. Source: The user’s mind, spiritual energy, and (some say) the gods. Materials Used: Usually a reflective surface for scrying; card, sticks, or stones for determining future events and exploring past and present events more thoroughly; special headbands can enhance the psychic abilities. Typical Mage: Usually humanoid, most often a human with some extrasensory or precognitive abilities to begin with. Compatible With: Nearly all Magics. -7- Principles of Psychology Incompatible With: Fey. Subclasses: Black Magic Seer, Pyrokinetic, Telekinetic, Telepath, Empath, Oracle, Fortune- teller, Rune-master, Puzzler, and Teleporter Prism Magic Description: An extremely rare type of class, even more so than Gray, which allows the user to know all types of “color” magic without compromising the strength of any of the Magics. As this is nearly impossible for most mages, it is only seen once or twice in a millennium. Source: See other “color” Magics. Materials Used: A special crystal which, when held up to light, is rainbowcolored. However, depending on which Magics the mage uses, only those colors will appear. The crystal can even cast White and Black light! Crystals may be of any size, and either worn in jewelry or set in a staff or weapon. Typical Mage: Since these mages are so rare, there is no such thing as a “typical” Prism mage. However, most of the recorded mages have been— surprisingly—human. Compatible With: Nearly all Magics. Incompatible With: Fey. Subclasses: Bicolor, Tricolor, Quatcolor, Quintcolor, Full Prism Mage Sword Magic Description: Magic that can be used in combination with specially made weapons, like swords. Usually Black or other colored Magics, but almost never White or Green. -8- Principles of Psychology Black Magic Source: The user’s physical and magical energy, as well as whatever other sources the Magics require. Materials Used: Usually bladed weapons, like swords and daggers, although staves, maces, whips, and other non-bladed weapons are sometimes used. Typical Mage: Often the more physically active mages who can handle weapons as easily as they do Magic. Such a class is good to learn, since it provides a backup weapon to be used in situations where magic would be useless. Compatible With: Nearly all types. Incompatible With: Fey, White, and Green. Subclasses: Sword Mage, Paladin (Amber and Black, usually), Duelist Thief Magic Description: A collection of spells that aid thieves and other persons that live by stealth and cunning. Mainly concerned with disappearing, agility, and opening locks. Source: The user’s skill and energy. Materials Used: Picks, bags (for carrying loot), daggers, and shoes. Typical Mage: Intelligent thieves, rogues, and other folk of that type will often learn at least a few useful spells from their fellows over time. Some of these spells seem to have no affiliation with other types of Magic, though some are merely variations of already existing spells in other classes. Compatible With: Everything, including Fey, as this Magic has no real affiliation. Incompatible With: Nothing. -9- Principles of Psychology Black Magic Subclasses: Pickpocket, Burglar, Con Artist, Spy, Assassin, Acrobat Bardic Magic Description: Magic that is strongly connected to sound, especially music. These spells, like Thief Magic, have no affiliation and can be used in conjunction with other Magics. Some spells are basic and useful for traveling, like healing spells (though not usually as powerful as true White spells). Other spells are unique, like Charm, Sleep, Confuse, Enamor, and so forth. Source: The bard’s energies, music, and sometimes instrument. Materials Used: Either voice or some type of musical instrument. Typical Mage: Poets, story weavers, and musicians of all types and races. Compatible With: Everything. Incompatible With: Nothing. Subclasses: Singer, Bard, Lutist, Flutist, Drummer, Harpist, Story-weaver, Dancer, Writer Fey Magic Description: Magic that can only be used by those with Fey or Elven blood. Spells are widely varied, but only a few are documented, as this is an extremely obscure Magic. Fey folk do not share secrets easily. Source: Fey energy. Materials Used: None needed. Typical Mage: Fey creatures, like Faeries, Unicorns, etc, and Elves. Humans cannot use Fey Magic at all unless they have some Fey or Elven blood in them. - 10 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic Compatible With: Green (because they’re similar), Bardic and Thief, because the Magics never need to mix. Incompatible With: Everything else. Subclasses: None IV. Forms of Black Magic: Black magic refers to the powers of darkness, usually seen from a Left-Hand Path point of view. This may or may not contrast with White magic, depending on the sorcerer's acceptance of dualism. Following are the various forms of dark arts or black magic: 1). Enochian magic: Enochian magic is a system of ceremonial magic based on the evocation and commanding of various spirits. It is based on the 16th century writings of Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley, who claimed that their information was delivered to them directly by various angels. Compared to other theories of magic, Enochian magic is strikingly more complex and difficult to understand. Also, parts of the original manuscripts written by Dee have been lost, mainly due to a fire in his house after his death, thus key parts of the system are missing. This has allowed numerous interpretations to arise, some of which have solidified into schools of thought with individual bodies of interpretative literature. Almost all schools agree, however, in that Enochian magic is a particularly powerful and dangerous form of magic. 2). Chaos magic: Chaos magic is a form of magic which was first formulated in West Yorkshire, England, in the 1970s. Through a variety of techniques often reminiscent of Western ceremonial magic or neoshamanism, many practitioners believe they can change both their subjective experience and objective reality, though some chaos magicians dispute - 11 - Principles of Psychology that magic occurs through paranormal means. Black Magic 3). Necromancy: Necromancy is a form of divination in which the practitioner seeks to summon "operative spirits" or "spirits of divination", for multiple reasons, from spiritual protection to wisdom. Necromancy is used as a more general term to describe the Art (or manipulation) of Death, and generally implies a magical connotation. Originally, necromancy was synonymous with divination by means of conjuring spirits. 4). Divination: Divination is the attempt of ascertaining information by interpretation of omens or an alleged supernatural agency, either by or on behalf of a querent. If a distinction is to be made between divination and fortune-telling, divination has a formal or ritual and often social character, usually in a religious context; while fortune-telling is a more everyday practice for personal purposes. Divination is often dismissed by skeptics, including the scientific community, as being mere superstition. Divination has four types i.e.: Omens and omen text, Sortilege, Augury, Spontaneous. Symptoms of Black Magic Black Magic can be used to harm or hurt another person by performing certain acts even at a far away place - the effect of this technique can be experienced thousands of miles away. With increase of jealousy, frustration, greed, selfishness, negativity and inability to accept other's happiness & growth, the use of Black magic has become the most common way to take out one's vindictiveness and get an evil kind of satisfaction from the turmoil of others. This problem has intensified a lot in the last few years, and many are suffering all over the world, totally unaware of the attacks made by no other than their closest friends, acquaintances and relatives. Many prosperous and happy families are ruined by Black magic. - 12 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic Black magic puts a block on a person's wisdom and intelligence and all efforts to solve the problem go fruitless. One feels a mental block, gets disturbed sleep with bad dreams, and negative thoughts. There is heaviness and weight on the heart and constriction in the throat. At times, there could suddenly be blue marks on thighs without getting hurt, or faster & erratic heartbeat and breathing without any physical exertion. There are quarrels in the family without any reason. One might feel the presence of somebody in the house. One feels one is not getting one's due and can achieve much more. One feels suffocated & restless in all circumstances, and is never at peace. One remains depressed, with lack of enthusiasm or desire to live & rise in life. V. Effects of Black Magic Black Magic can really play havoc with the life of the target person by destroying any aspect of life may it be career/business or wealth/prosperity, creating family problems or unnecessary tensions/phobias, adversely affecting children & family, creating chronic health problems, destroying mental peace, intelligence & happiness, cause inner turmoil, unrest & uncharacteristic/abnormal behavior and even cause unnatural deaths in extreme circumstances. Black Magic not only affects the circumstances and future prospects of a person, but also deprives him materially of everything he was destined for, but also affects the psyche of the victim in such a way that one looses the will-power & mental energy to get out of the sinister situation one is in, and has no desire to live or rise in life. The effects of Black Magic become more chronic, dangerous and fatal with time, if untreated, like a horrible disease. It starts spreading like a contagious disease, affecting the person's mind, brain, body, relationships, attitudes, work, money, marriage, career and everything in life. - 13 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic VI. BLACK MAGIC IN REALITY Evil or the forces of the darkness emerged with the emergence of Satan. Satan was infact a Jin and was elevated to the rank of leader of the Angels but when Allah Almighty created Adam and ordered all the Angels to bow before Adam, Satan refused. He said he was superior to Adam; hence he would not bow before Adam. He thought himself superior as he was made of fire while Adam was made of Mud. Angels are made of light and he was even leader of the Angels so he became jealous and compared himself with Adam and forgot who gave the order. He disobeyed Allah Order and was deprived of all his ranks and was destined to Hell. Satan became revenge full. He asked permission from Allah and said he would misguide humans from the right path if he was given time till the Judgment Day but he admitted he wont be able to misguide those who would be protected by Allah. He was given time and Satan started his work. Satan has some powerful weapons with which he tries to misguide human. Among those include Magic, Unfaithful Jins, Nafs e Amara, Hamzat. In this series we will discuss these one by one. Magic is defined as: 1. The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural. 2. (a) The practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature. (b) The charms, spells, and rituals so used. Black magic would be invoked to kill, injure, or cause destruction, or for personal gain. Difference between Black and White is debatable but all forms of magic are black since it can bring any good. So it’s widely believed magic is black and is used for inflicting pain to others. Practicing magic is banned in many countries. In ancient times, kings used to - 14 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic have magicians with them in their courts and competitions were also held between magicians to show their skills. We have seen movies like Hatim Tai and very famous lines like “Khul ja sim sim. Words have powers associated with them and they act as codes. All you need to know the words. Words are repeated in a particular environment. Its like exercise which bring results after repetition. Its said that magicians read words of holy books in reverse order and by doing so they invoke forces of evil. Probably that is why they are condemned and will be given severe punishment by God. Magicians also create dark environment to attract dark forces. They practice these things in dark rooms, with filth around. Its also said, that magicians or Amileens as they are commonly known, when are able to invoke dark forces, they do work/amal on things like locks and throw then in dark wells and filthy places after putting name of the person for whom the whole exercise is done. Mostly, the work is done either to break a marriage, bring someone’s business down, make someone fell ill and things like that only for the sake of putting evil to others and the amileens do it only for the sake of money. Unfortunately, this thing is becoming common in Pakistan. With no check from government, these amils openly do business and erect large hoarding, claiming to provide you services if you need your beloved in your feet etc. Religious parties have never raise voice against this practice even when it strictly forbidden in Islam (and all other religions). Watch any Islamic channels and you will be surprised to see, people calling from around the world in the programmes like Istikhara, asking the Maulana Sahib about their problems like continued illness, problems in marriages, tensions in families and financial problems. Mostly magic is mentioned the cause behind these problems and Maulana Sahib usually gives wazaifs with promise of unlocking the Bandish. But question is, is there anyone trying to stop these evil doers from doing this practice? Most amileens are illiterate with no knowledge of religion and they can harm people with their practice. There is evidence of effects by Kufar to harm the Prophet Muhammad - 15 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic (Peace Be Upon Him) by Magic and Allah gave the Last two Surahs of Quran to give him protection against magic and evil. Its true that by reciting Quran Sharif and offering regular prayers, one can be saved from forces of evils but people are now vulnerable to dark forces due to present lifestyle. Its need of the time that Muslims should adopt Islamic lifestyle and also government should do something to stop people from selling evil in the markets. VII. Black magic in Pakistan A majority of Pakistani urbanites believe in Black Magic and Taweez Ganda According to results of Gallup Pakistan’s latest survey on ‘Religion and Spiritual Beliefs’, half of Pakistan’s urban population believes that Black Magic is a plausible reality and Taweez Ganda (a kind of ‘amulet’) can be used to heal its ill effects. The other half disagrees. The survey, which was conducted in December 2007, revealed that 52% of the respondents expressed belief in Black Magic (Kala Jadoo) while 47% does not and a further 1% did not give any response. Similar results were observed in regard to Taweez Ganda; half of the respondents (49%) believe in it, whereas the other half (50%) does not. Respondents were also asked to give their opinions on Palmistry. It was noted that one-third of the urbanites (31%) believe in it as opposed to two-thirds of those (68%) who do not do so. This survey was conducted by Gallup Pakistan, affiliated with Gallup International, on a sample of over 1000 respondents in the urban areas of all four provinces of Pakistan. This sample was statistically selected across all ages, income groups and educational levels. The error margin for a sample of this kind is estimated to be + 5% at a 95% confidence level - 16 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic VIII. Black Magic according to Quran: Say, I seek refuge with the Rabb of the Morning from the evil of created things; and from the night when it spreads, and from those who blow into knots (practice secret arts), and from the evil of a jealous person. (Surah al-Falaq; 113) Say, I seek refuge with the Sustainer of mankind, the King of people, Rabb of the people, from he evil of the whisperer who withdraws; he who whispers into the hearts of people; from Jin and human. (Surah An-Naas; 114) Incident: A Jew by the name of Labid did black magic on Prophet (PBUH). He took the hair of Prophet (PBUH) and made eleven knots into a date and placed in under a rock in the well called Zarwan. The effect of this was that it created uncertainty in the mind of Prophet (PBUH) as to whether he had done or not done certain things. At times Prophet (PBUH) felt he had accomplished something yet he had not done so and vice versa. Jibraaeel (AS) informed Prophet (PBUH) as to what had occurred and brought the above mentioned two Surahs. Prophet (PBUH) together with the Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhu) went to the well and removed the knotted hair. As each Aayat was recited, the knots untied miraculously. At the eleventh knot, Prophet (PBUH) was relieved. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer vol.4 pg.614; Darul Ma'rifah) The Reality of Black Magic according to Islam: Magic has a natural effect just as the sun has an effect of heat. The Prophets/Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam) felt the heat on hot days, they felt hungry when they didn't eat, and similarly they could be affected with magic as well. But this magic did not interrupt their prophethood status nor was it allowed to interfere with the authenticity of their mission. Almighty Allah Ta'ala created this entire universe and he has designed its functions according to the cause and effect procedure. Everything has a cause which subsequently has a natural effect. When the sun shines, it is hot, when snow falls it is cold. Heat and - 17 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic cold are the natural effects of the sun and snow. Similarly, if a person is stabbed with a knife, he will bleed. Bleeding is a natural effect of stabbing. If a person is thrown in the center of the sea, he will naturally drown if he cannot swim. Our Belief Although this world functions according to the cause/effect procedure but the effect of anything lies in the Will of Allah. If Allah Wills, the effects of causes will exist but, if Allah does not will, then in -spite of the means we adopt, the effects will not exist. Incidents 1Namrood told his people to make a fire to burn Ibraheem ('alaihis salaam). After the fire was lit, due to the flames being very high, Ibraheem ('alaihis salaam) was put on a catapult to be thrown into the fire. Although the effect of the fire is to burn, Ibraheem ('alaihis salaam) did not burn. This was because it was not the Will of Allah for the fire to be effective. (Ibid vol.3 pg.192) Allah told the fire: [ a r a b i c ] "Oh fire, be cool and peaceful upon Ibraheem." (Qur'an 21 V 69) 2A knife has a natural effect of cutting, the cut could also sometimes be fatal. Ibraheem ('alaihis salaam) passed the knife on his son Ismaaeel ('alaihis salaam) but the knife did not show its natural effect because it was not the will of Allah Ta'ala for it to cut. (Tafseer ibn Katheer vol.4 pg.18; Darul Ma'rifah) 3Firoun and his army were drowned in the Red Sea but the same Red Sea did not drown Moosa (alaihis salaam) and his army. All these incidents clearly indicate that effects of causes are through the Will of Allah Ta'ala. Allah Ta'ala is the One who gives effect to the cause. - 18 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic 'And they followed what Shaitaan had recited on the Kingdom of Sulaimaan ('alaihis salaam), and Sulaimaan ('alaihs salaam) did not transgress but the Shaitaans did it by teaching the people Black Magic' (Qur'an 2 V 102) Black magic was common at the time of Sulaiman (alaihis salaam). The Shaitaan used to teach the people black magic. Allah sent two angels, Haroot and Maaroot, as a test to the people. They taught the people the practice of black magic but warned them that they have been sent as a test from Allah, so the people should not abuse this knowledge. Allah further says: "They (people practicing black magic) cannot harm anyone but with the Will of Allah". (Qur'an 2 V 102) The Challenge Moosa (alaihis salaam) and the people practicing witchcraft at the time of Firoun is mentioned in the Qur'an. Moosa (alaihis salaam) was victorious and Allah further says: "A witchdoctor/person practicing black magic does not succeed wherever he goes" (Qur'an 20 V 69). Labid Ibn A'sam practiced black magic (witchcraft) on Prophet (PBUH) and he was affected for about 6 months, until the Surahs of 'An-naas' and 'Al-falaq' were revealed. Thereafter Prophet (PBUH) was cured. (Ibid vol.4 pg.614) The above explanation is clear that black magic is a reality and it has its effects but only with the Will of Allah, just as poison has its effects with the Will of Allah. Why do people resort to Black Magic? Generally, people are driven to black magic due to jealousy. When a person has a flourishing business or popular and holds a distinguishing postion in society, etc. this is not tolerated and accepted by others. People desire that those - 19 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic prosperities be taken away from their brother. This jealousy causes a person to harm his brother. His ultimate purpose is to cool his eyes by witnessing his brother's downfall. Thus he stoops to the despicable and Haraam act of Jadoo to achieve his ambition. Jealousy Jealousy is an internal sickness, like pride and anger. If it is not cured, the consequences of jealousy are very dangerous to oneself and the society in general. The jealous person is actually objecting to Allah's decree: "Why did You give him wealth, why did You give him position? Why haven't I been given this wealth and position?" Such a person needs to strengthen his Imaan on Taqdeer. Everything is predestined. When a person is in the womb of his mother, his sustenance, life and position is already written. Everything happens according to the absolute Knowledge of Allah (Taqdeer). Such a person must repeatedly remind himself that he is helpless in determining other peoples' affairs. The affairs of people are controlled by Allah Ta'ala. Ponder upon the Hadith of Jealousy. Hadhrath Abu Huraira (RA) reports that Prophet (PBUH) said; Beware of jealousy, for jealousy eats up good deeds just as fire eats up (burns) wood (Mishkat 46 pg. 248) Hadhrath Zubair (RA) reports that Prophet (PBUH) said, 'The sickness of the previous nations will creep into you, i.e. jealousy and hatred. These sicknesses are shavers; I don't say they shave hair but they shave Deen". (Mishkat 2 Pg. 428) A Jealous person is void of the spirit of Deen. His heart is always filled with enmity and malice. He does not perform any Ibaadat. His wish is to harm others. Once Prophet (PBUH) asked Sahaaba, "Do you know who is a pauper?" The Sahaaba (RA) replied, 'A pauper is he who does not have a Dirham or Dinar (no money) nor has - 20 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic he any wealth'. Prophet (PBUH)) said, "A pauper in my Ummah is he who comes on the day of Qiyaamat with Salah, Fast, Zakaah But has verbally abused someone, unjustly eaten another person's wealth, hit someone, etc. (for such a person) his good deeds will be taken and given to the other person. If that person's good deeds are finished, then his sins will be laden upon him and will be put in the Hell Fire. (Mishkat 2 pg. 435) A jealous person should ponder upon all these Ahaadith and rid himself of the evil of jealousy. If he does not, then jealousy can make him stoop to low levels, to the level of Magic and oppressing his brother. Imagine the grief and anxiety caused through Magic. The affected person is oppressed, thus the jealous person is endangering his hereafter. If he only strengthens his Imaan on Taqdeer, he could contain himself. How to save oneself from Black Magic If a person is affected by witchcraft, it is Sunnah to cure himself. The method of cure must be carefully chosen. Many people (Muslims and non-Muslims) claim they can cure. But one must choose a person who strictly adheres to the Qur'an and Hadith. One should abstain from going to a non-Muslim. However, in a case of desperation, if no Muslim is found, he may go to such a person who does not utter words of Kufr and Shirk. The person who cures is not any extraordinary person. He is just a Doctor who specializes in a specific field. Just as a Doctor could make a mistake in his diagnosis, the Aamil too can make a mistake. His words cannot be regarded as absolutely correct. Whilst treating, if somebody's name comes out, it is not certain that the person did Jadoo, etc. Similarly, the taweez the Aanmil gives may be used. The Sahaaba asked Prophet (PBUH) about Taweez. He said, 'It is a power from the power of Allah' It is a means of cure, but Allah is the ultimate Shafee (Curer). - 21 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic IX. PEOPLE VIEWS ABOUT BLACK MAGIC MR ALI Black magic ? That’s just rubbish, it doesn’t exist at all, its only something made up to scare people, mysterious things attract attention as you all know. Though there are some sorcerers who actually do have some sort of powers, that normal people don’t have, their power lies in belief that they have power, as in the case of "healers" that can heal illnesses by just holding their hand over you and such, its all due to the fact that the person healed believes that he will get better and because that he does so, he does get better, nothing to do with the healer, its all in your mind and its ability to heal you. The sorcerers who make potions and things like that, they just know some herbs and how they affect and they are really nothing more then doctors who use medicine they make. Some who actually have some sort of special powers, like can influence others and cause them trouble, are truly unique and rare and should be feared, for they can actually cause some harm. In truth there are alot of people with some sort of powers, but most people just dont know they have any and basicly live theyre lives without even knowing what they could do. Only a very small amount ever discovers them and starts to train/use them them. But enough of this talk of magic and superstition. MISS ENAM No one can use magic, black or otherwise. There are no people who have supernatural powers. There are huge sums of money out their if people can prove if they have supranational powers, and so far no one has collected that money. The only magic out there is slight-of-hand and stage tricks. However, if a person is totally convinced magic is real, and that person totally believes that someone caste a "magic spell" on them, they will make that spell come true one way - 22 - Principles of Psychology Black Magic or another. I.e. blame anything that happens on the "magic spell", and/or just become a nervous wreak because they are constantly worried about the "spell" on them, and perhaps even cause their own nervous breakdown. This is not because of the spell, but the person's own actions. Kind of like a placebo affect. Give some people a sugar pill and tell them it is medication, and some people will fell better. MR KHURAM My cousin and I were recently engaged. There were many people in our social circle/family that were not happy with this for no valid reason; other than greed or envy. Since our engagement (which was totally arranged by our parents with their blessings) my cousin started having major problems at work. Because of this tension, she became really sick. I believe that some people have done black magic on her/us. These people have no valid reason to curse us. We have not done anything to them. This is just out of vain Conclusion Many people experience some downfall and quickly jump to the conclusion that somebody made Jadoo and start casting doubts on different people. Therefore, one should not be too hasty in concluding that the cause of a problem is Jadoo because more often than not, Jadoo has nothing to do with the problem. “And Allah knows the best” - 23 -