How Can We Distinguish Between Illness Caused by the Evil Eye and Other Illnesses?
Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa
Question
How can we distinguish between an illness caused by the evil eye and other illnesses?
Answer
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.
The Reality of the Evil Eye
The effect of the evil eye is a reality that cannot be denied. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“The evil eye is real, and if anything were to precede destiny, it would be the evil eye. And if you are asked to bathe (for someone afflicted), then bathe.” [Muslim]
Distinguishing Signs of the Evil Eye
Accurately distinguishing between illnesses or afflictions caused by the evil eye and those resulting from other causes is challenging. However, certain indicators—though not definitive—may suggest the influence of the evil eye. These include:
- Sudden and Unexplained Deterioration in Health: For example, persistent headaches, constant fatigue, or illnesses for which doctors cannot determine a cause.
- Psychological Changes: Such as feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, withdrawal, or a sudden desire for isolation.
Guidance for the Afflicted
It is not necessary for a Muslim to constantly investigate the cause of every hardship or misfortune, whether it is due to the evil eye or another reason. Instead, the believer should:
Place Complete Trust in Allah
Recognize that Allah alone has control over harm and its removal. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to Ibn Abbas:
“Know that if the entire nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you except with what Allah has already decreed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with something, they would not harm you except with what Allah has already decreed against you. The pens have been lifted, and the pages have dried.” [Ahmad]
Perform the Prophetic Remedy for the Evil Eye
If you suspect that you have been afflicted by the evil eye, follow the guidance of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace):
“If you are asked to bathe (for someone afflicted), then bathe.” This means requesting the person you suspect caused the affliction to perform ablution. The water from their ablution should then be collected and used by the afflicted person to bathe. Ensure this request is made gently and kindly to avoid animosity or resentment. [Nawawi, Sharh Muslim]
(Note: Imam Nawawi has detailed the method of performing ablution and its rulings regarding its obligation and conditions. For a comprehensive discussion, refer to his explanation in the relevant section.)
And Allah knows best.
May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa
Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.
He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.
He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.
Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.
