Evil magic signs in Islam are a serious concern for many Muslims. In Islam, magic is considered to be a form of deception and a violation of the natural order established by Allah. It is believed that those who practice magic are in communication with jinn, supernatural creatures who have the ability to manipulate humans and influence their actions. There are various signs that indicate the presence of evil magic. One of the most common signs is the sudden change in behavior or personality of an individual. This could include becoming unusually aggressive, distant, or even exhibiting signs of possession.
“[White] was interested in people on the margin and the underside of history,” Anne R. Kenney, co-curator of the exhibit, tells Allison Meier of Hyperallergic. “[A]nother big collection that he acquired was the anti-slavery collection.”
Together, these haunting relics illustrate the evolution of a widespread epidemic of paranoia and persecution one that left thousands of supposed witches dead. In an effort to give a voice to the female victims of Europe s witch mania, The World Bewitch d will tell the stories of seven women through court records and imagery.
This could include becoming unusually aggressive, distant, or even exhibiting signs of possession. Other signs may include repeated nightmares or unusual dreams, physical ailments that have no apparent medical cause, and a general feeling of unease or fear. It is important to note that not all unusual occurrences or problems are necessarily caused by evil magic.
200 Artifacts of Witchcraft Cast a Spell in Cornell’s “The World Bewitch’d”
The Nuremberg Chronicle, a late 15th-century text that tells the history of the Christian world, features a grotesque image of an English witch being carried off on horseback by the devil. Her breasts are bared, her hair loose, her expression contorted. The image, a woodblock print, helped popularize the association between witches and the devil, and it was reproduced throughout the 16th century. Now, this influential relic can be seen at a new exhibit, along with 200 other artifacts from the Cornell Witchcraft Collection.
As Kristin Fawcett reports for Mental Floss, “ The World Bewitch’d ,” launched at Cornell’s Carl A. Kroch Library on Halloween (naturally). On display is a trove of rare European items, including handwritten trial transcripts, tomes on demonology, and treatises on witchcraft. Together, these haunting relics illustrate the evolution of a widespread epidemic of paranoia and persecution—one that left thousands of supposed witches dead.
The exhibit draws on the approximately 3,000 artifacts held by the Cornell Witchcraft Collection, many of which were acquired by the university’s co-founder Andrew Dickinson White and his librarian George Lincoln Burr in the 1880s.
“[White] was interested in people on the margin and the underside of history,” Anne R. Kenney, co-curator of the exhibit, tells Allison Meier of Hyperallergic. “[A]nother big collection that he acquired was the anti-slavery collection.”
Among the many intriguing items on display is a crude woodcut from the 1489 treatise De Lamiis et Pythonicis Mulieribus (“On Witches and Female Soothsayers”), which marked the earliest printed image of witches in flight. The woodcut depicts three figures clinging to a fork (the broom iconography would come later), their faces transfigured into animal heads. Also featured are the minutes from the trial of Dietrich Flade, a German judge who spoke out against witch hunts—and was subsequently tried and executed for witchcraft.
One of the main themes of the exhibit is the intersection between witchcraft and gender. In the 16th century, women were deemed particularly susceptible to the temptations of the devil—in part due to their perceived “uncontrollable carnal lust,” writes Meier of Hyperallergic, and in part because they were seen as less intelligent than men.
“Prior to 1500, most sorcerers were men because they were seen as powerful agents — think of Merlin — but as the ecclesiastical leaders began to think of a new form of witchcraft, it was the more powerless people whom the devil contacted to do his work,” Kenney tells Meier. “So they were not independent agents, but slaves of the devil. That powerlessness really became associated with women.”
In an effort to give a voice to the female victims of Europe’s witch mania, “The World Bewitch’d” will tell the stories of seven women through court records and imagery. Two of these supposed witches were ultimately declared innocent. All of them were tortured.
Reflecting on the ways in which popular attitudes toward witchcraft have changed, the exhibit also features a number of movie posters depicting witchcraft, sourced from films like The Exorcist and Harry Potter. No longer are “witches” the helpless victims of a powerful hysteria. As Kenney tells Meier, “[W]itches in popular culture now are more powerful, whether they do good or bad things.”
Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.
Brigit Katz is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including NYmag.com, Flavorwire and Tina Brown Media's Women in the World.
The constellation of issues related to gender around the witch hunts is still present today, Walsh says: “While the witch hunts of early modern Europe and Massachusetts are a thing of the past, the beliefs that drove that violence are still with us today, and they drive violence today, but just in different forms.”
In Islam, it is believed that seeking knowledge and guidance from Islamic scholars and performing acts of worship can protect individuals from the negative effects of magic. Additionally, reciting specific verses from the Quran, such as Ayat al-Kursi (Verse of the Throne) and the last three chapters of the Quran, known as Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas, are considered to be highly effective in protecting against evil magic. If an individual suspects that they are a victim of evil magic, it is recommended to seek help from a knowledgeable Muslim scholar or spiritual healer. These individuals are trained in identifying and removing magic spells and can provide guidance on how to protect oneself and seek spiritual healing. It is important to remember that Islam teaches that ultimate protection and healing come from Allah, and seeking His guidance and help is essential in overcoming the effects of evil magic..
Reviews for "The Role of Evil Magic Signs in the Modern Muslim Society"
- Samantha - 1 star
I found "Evil magic signs in Islam" to be offensive and misleading. The author seems to have a deep bias against Islam and portrays it as a religion filled with evil practices. As someone who has studied and practiced Islam, I can confidently say that this book does not accurately represent the teachings and beliefs of the religion. It is a poorly researched and biased work that only serves to spread misinformation and stereotypes.
- John - 2 stars
I was disappointed with "Evil magic signs in Islam" as I was expecting a more objective and informative exploration of the topic. Unfortunately, the book seemed to be filled with sensationalized stories and unsubstantiated claims. It portrays Islam in a negative light without providing any balanced perspective. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a fair and accurate understanding of the subject.
- Emily - 1 star
I found "Evil magic signs in Islam" to be a highly offensive and Islamophobic piece of literature. The author's ignorance and prejudice against Islam is clear throughout the book. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and promotes fear and misunderstanding. I would advise readers to approach this book with caution and to seek more reputable sources for information on Islam.
- Michael - 2 stars
"Evil magic signs in Islam" disappointed me with its narrow-minded view of Islam. The author fails to acknowledge the diversity within the religion and instead paints a picture of a monolithic, evil faith. It lacks nuance and ignores the rich history and teachings of Islam. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a balanced and accurate understanding of Islamic beliefs and practices.