Nazar (Evil Eye)

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam is reported to have said that the eye is a reality, meaning that if one’s evil gaze falls on any person then it can adversely affect that person. In a narration of Kanzul Ummal Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam is reported to have said,

العين تدخل الرجل القبر وتدخل الجمل القدر (كنز العمال)

“The eye (evil glance of one) will make a person enter the grave and will make a camel enter a pot.”

Yet in another narration Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam mentions that the eye is a reality in which Shaytaan and jealousy is present.

العين حق يحضرها الشيطان وحسد ابن آدم (کنز العمال)

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam also mentioned that the eye is reality, if there was anything that could have preceded destiny, it would have been the eye.

العين حق ولو كان شيء سابق القدر سبقته العين (كنز العمال)

Due to the eye having an adverse effect the Hadith teaches us that one should make Dua for Barakah for his brother if he happens to like what he sees of his brother’s possessions, wealth or physical features).

إذا رأى أحدكم من نفسه أو ماله أو من أخيه ما يعجبه فليدع له بالبركة فإن العين حق” (كنز العمال)شيء سابق القدر سبقته العين (كنز العمال)

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam used to recite the following Dua seeking protection from Shaytaan and Nazr for his grandsons namely Hadrat Hassan Radiallahu Anhu and Hadrat Hussain Radiallahu Anhu.

أعيذكما بكلمات الله التامات من كل شيطان وهامة ومن كل عين لامة

I seek protection for the two of you with the complete words of Allah from every Shaytaan, and every poisonous insect/creature and from every evil eye.

In the Kitaab Mishkaatul Masaabih, some commentators of Hadith have written that ‘complete words of Allah’ refers to recitation of Surah Falaq and Surah Naas which is known as ‘Muawwazatain.” This is one very effective way of being protected from Nazr.

Similarly, recitation of Manzil (which is a compilation of numerous Duas for protection against Jinn, Jadu, Nazr, etc.) and even general recitation of the Quraan Sharif on a daily basis is extremely effective.

The method of using spices, eggs, salt, etc. which seems to be predominantly an Indian custom cannot be substantiated from the teachings of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and should therefore not be used under normal circumstances; unless of course it is an amal (specialized treatment) prescribed by a pious Aamil (practitioner who is experienced and trained in treating ailments such as Jadoo, Nazr, etc); in which case it can be implemented provided  that it is not regarded as a Sunnah and the “certain things” that are recited are verses of the Quráan or permissible Duaas etc. and not impermissible incantations. 

Be that as it may, we advise that the best method would be to treat Nazr by recitation of verses of the Quraan and those Duas mentioned in the Ahadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam which have been prescribed for protection from such evils.