What Is the Islamic Ruling on Accusing Someone of Black Magic Without Evidence?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
What is the Islamic ruling on accusing someone of sihr (black magic) without presenting clear evidence, and how should we respond when such accusations cause harm within the family?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Accusing someone of major sins, like black magic (sihr), without clear and reliable evidence, is a grave sin and is considered buhtan (slander). Sacred Law considers everyone innocent until proven otherwise, and making baseless accusations can lead to significant personal and societal harm. In cases where such claims damage families, the focus should be on mending relationships, upholding justice, and seeking guidance through sincere supplication and reconciliation, rather than suspicion or blame.
False Accusations
Allah (Most High) says,
“O you who believe, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumptions are sinful. And do not spy or backbite each other…” [Quran, 49:12]
Accusations of black magic carry serious consequences in this life and the next. Sacred Law commands to protect the honor and dignity of others, and it forbids making claims without clear, unequivocal proof. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of tales. Do not seek out faults, do not spy on each other, do not contend with each other, do not envy each other, do not hate each other, and do not turn away from each other. Rather, be servants of Allah as brothers.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
Accusing someone of sihr without reliable evidence is a form of false accusation (buhtan), which is an enormity in Islam. Allah Most High says:
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart; about all those [one] will be questioned.” [Quran, 17:36]
To accuse someone unjustly, especially of a crime as grave as sorcery, is to oppress them. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) warned of the oppressive nature of slander and of violating another Muslim’s honor.
A Way Forward
Accusations like those in question often sow deep divisions, mistrust, and long-term familial harm. We advise that you attempt to approach the situation with prophetic wisdom and beauty:
- Avoid retaliation or spreading further rumors.
- Encourage calm, respectful dialogue.
- Seek advice from wise and trusted scholars or mediators.
- Make dua for clarity, guidance, and healing.
- Uphold family ties (silat al-rahim), even when challenging.
Spiritual concerns should be addressed through Quranic recitation, dua, ruqya (spiritual cure compliant with Sacred Law), and trust in Allah, not through accusations based on fear or cultural assumptions.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
