Ten Means to Protect Oneself from Sorcery, the Evil Eye and Envy – Ibn al-Qayyim [French]

Ten Means to Protect Yourself from Witchcraft, the Evil Eye and Envy is a doctrinal and educational work that clearly explains the lawful causes by which a believer seeks protection and relief, by Allah’s permission, from the effects of witchcraft, the evil eye and envy. From the outset, it emphasizes that such harms do not operate independently, but unfold within a divine framework governed by Allah’s wisdom and will. Therefore, genuine protection rests upon sound belief, sincere servitude and adherence to the means established by revelation.

The foundation of this book is drawn from the statements of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, taken from his work Bada’i al-Fawa’id. In that passage, he presents ten major causes through which a believer repels the harm of the envier, causes that also encompass the evil eye and witchcraft. This concise synthesis is closely connected to Quranic guidance, particularly Surah al-Falaq, and to the essential principles of monotheism, faith and servitude to Allah. Ibn al-Qayyim shows that spiritual weakness, sins and distance from guidance open doors to harm, whereas piety and trust in Allah serve as true safeguards.

The book takes the form of a detailed commentary on these ten causes, based on a lesson by Shaykh Abd al-Razzaq ibn Abd al-Muhsin al-Badr. His aim is to clarify, expand and make Ibn al-Qayyim’s words accessible, so that the reader can understand them and apply them in daily life. The commentary highlights the educational and spiritual dimension of these causes, showing how authentic knowledge protects the heart, corrects mistaken beliefs and keeps one away from widespread superstitions. In addition, the Shaykh repeatedly stresses that relying exclusively upon Allah is the foundation of every real and lasting protection.

The ten causes form a coherent progression: seeking refuge in Allah, piety and obedience, patience in the face of harm, complete trust in Allah, freeing the heart from obsessive thoughts, directing oneself exclusively to Him, sincere repentance, charity and kindness, repelling evil with good, and finally tawhid. This last cause is presented as the central pillar and synthesis of all the others, because it determines sincerity and strengthens the impact of every means.

The book concludes with a questions-and-answers section that addresses practical issues such as talismans and amulets, popular practices with no sound basis, dealing with the evil eye when its source is known, reciting the Quran over water, or protecting children. This closing section anchors the earlier principles in real life and provides the reader with reliable guidance in accordance with the Sunnah. In this context, Witchcraft — Dangers, Prevention and Remedies can also be a helpful complement for a broader understanding of the topic.

Through its clarity, rigor and fidelity to the sources, Ten Means to Protect Yourself from Witchcraft, the Evil Eye and Envy stands as an epistle of correction and spiritual protection. It invites the reader to abandon illusory causes, strengthen faith and make servitude to Allah the true shield against these trials, while presenting a balanced methodology rooted in Sunni doctrine.