What is the permissibility of employing means to undo magic (hall al-sihr)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
If the method used to undo magic involves utilizing parts of the Qur'an, or any form of remembrance (*dhikr*), adjuration, or speech deemed permissible (that which there is no harm in), then it is permissible. This is supported by the statement of Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab regarding a man prevented from having relations with his wife; he ruled that Allah only forbade that which harms, not that which benefits, and encouraged helping one's brother if able. This suggests that those who use incantations (*mu'awwidh*) do not fall under the category of sorcerers because they are not named as such, and their practice is considered beneficial and non-harmful.
Supporting text
If the means used to break the spell involves employing *sihr* itself, then Ahmad ibn Hanbal refrained from ruling on its permissibility. Imam Abu 'Abdullah (Ahmad) expressed disapproval and uncertainty when informed about a man who claimed to break spells by actions such as making a cauldron turn into water and disappearing within it, indicating hesitation regarding such unconventional methods.