Wielding the Weapon (Against the Shayaateen)

[ummtaalib]

Weapons of various types have existed throughout human history. Bows and arrows, spears, swords, clubs, maces, axes and the like were the typical weapons found in the past, while the weapon of choice for most in the modern world is the firearm.

 

Nevertheless, whatever the situation may be, a person’s ability to defend himself effectively will depend on two main factors; selecting the correct weapon, and having the skill/strength to wield it.

 

For example, a shotgun is an effective weapon, but due to its powerful recoil, it would not be effective for a weak and frail woman in her eighties. In fact, the recoil may even dislocate her shoulder or at least dislodge her dentures! Thus, for such a woman, a small handgun would be better suited.

 

At the same time, some level of skill and strength is required, for even the best handgun will be useless if placed in the hand of a paralyzed person.

 

In the very same way, when defending ourselves against the evil shayaateen, then these two factors must be taken into consideration as well – the correct ‘weapon’ must be selected, and we must ‘wield’ it with strength.

 

Haafiz Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullah) has discussed the above two points saying, “That which is required from the person afflicted (for his cure) is that he should be strong, and turn his attention and focus to the One who has created these evil shayaateen (i.e. he should turn his attention to Allah Ta‘ala, place his hopes in Him and beg Him in du‘aa).

 

“The correct method of (reciting) the du‘aas of protection is (for one to recite them with) the heart conforming to the tongue (i.e. just as his tongue is begging Allah Ta‘ala for protection, his heart must be focused towards Allah Ta‘ala, and it must be filled with the firm conviction that it is Allah Ta‘ala alone who will cure him).

 

“The reason is that this (struggle against evil shayaateen) is a form of battle, and the person engaged in a battle will not be able to defeat his enemy with his weapon unless two requirements are met; (1) the weapon must be correct and effective, and (2) the arm wielding the weapon must be strong.

 

“Whenever one of the two requirements is not found, the weapon will not prove to be of much benefit. So, imagine how dire the situation will be when both requirements are not found – the heart is devoid of (strong) imaan, tawakkul, taqwa and turning to Allah Ta‘ala, and furthermore, one does not have a weapon (i.e. one does not recite any du‘aas for protection)!” (At-Tibb An-Nabawi pg. 52)

 

In regard to selecting the correct weapon, then the safest and best weapon is the verses of the Quraan Majeed (e.g. the manzil which can be downloaded here) and sunnah du‘aas which have been reported in the blessed ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). For a layman, dabbling in different ‘amals and ta’weez on his own, without expert guidance, is not recommended as one risks suffering the severe consequences and adverse side-effects.

 

In this regard, Shaikhul Hadeeth, Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahimahullah) – the author of Fazaail-e-Aa’maal, had written the following advice to a person who was afflicted with problems relating to evil jinn:

 

“The reason why I prevented you from carrying out an ‘amal for the jinn is that at times, when a person lacks complete expertise (in the field of ‘amaliyyaat), then repelling the jinn becomes difficult. I have already seen many examples, in India, of the various harms that arise from carrying out ‘amals after merely looking into a kitaab (of ‘amals) or using other people’s ta’weez. However, the du‘aas of the Quraan and hadeeth are free from harm.” (Qutbul Aqtaab Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya pg. 550)

 

Shaikhul Hadeeth (rahimahullah) recommended that the person recite the following daily after Fajr, after Maghrib and before sleeping: Durood shareef 3 times, followed by the following 3 times each: (1) Surah Faatihah with bismillah, (2) Aayatul Kursi, (3) Surah Falaq, and (4) Surah Naas, followed by durood shareef 3 times in the end. (Qutbul Aqtaab Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya pg. 548)

 

In regard to wielding the weapon with strength, then as Haafiz Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullah) mentioned above, it refers to one’s heart possessing strong imaan and yaqeen (conviction in the promises of Allah Ta‘ala), leading a life of taqwa (refraining from all sins) and turning his attention and hopes towards Allah Ta‘ala while begging Him in du‘aa.

 

Therefore, if we are afflicted with such a problem, then we should strive to strengthen our imaan and tawakkul, bring more piety into our lives, ensure that we recite the verses and du‘aas of protection regularly, and turn to Allah Ta‘ala in earnest du‘aa.

 

May Allah Ta‘ala grant cure to all those who are suffering in the Ummah, aameen.

 

UswatulMuslimah