Question:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,
A few years ago my mother started studying Jewish Kabbalah, I have heard that it is connected with black magic, is this true? Some time ago she started learning about Islam, but when I told her Kabbalah is dangerous, it greatly diminished her enthusiasm for Islam. Alhamdulillah she is now learning about Islam again, but I don’t know if she is still doing Kabbalah and I don’t want to bring up the subject for fear of again discouraging her from Islam. Should I then read 3 Surah Falaq, 3 Sura An-Nas, and 3 Ayat-al Kursi in the mornings on her behalf? Could there be any influence on me, my husband, or our unborn child from her involvement with Kaballah? If yes, how should we protect ourselves?
She was also going to a group which claims to attain healing by directly looking at the sun and saying a formula which consists of the group’s founders name, some words like “universe” and “Creator” etc. and the numbers 40, 37, 6, 8, 10 if I remember correctly. Is this dangerous or harmless? My mother and the entire group have said the formula onto my and my husband’s name with the intention of sending healing energy, was there any harm in that? If yes, how should it be removed?
In general, what is the best Dua when praying that non-muslim relatives should be protected from evil/misguiding influences and have their hearts opened to Islam?
What is the best Dua when praying for Muslim family to become strong in their Deen?
Please pray for my parents, my husband and his parents, and our unborn child that Allah may guide us all onto the right path and grant us protection.
May Allah continue to shower his blessings on you!
Salam
Answer:
Aoodhu Billahi min ash-Shaytaani ‘r-rajeem
Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem
`Alaikum Salaam wa rahmatullah,
It sounds like you are anxious for your mother to be on the same path you are on, it is from faith to want good for your parents and humanity. The Quran gives a du`a: Rabbirhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira, “My Lord have mercy upon my parents as they brought me up from childhood.” (al-Isra, 17:24)
It sounds like you were not raised as a Muslim but something in your upbringing from your parents gave you an openness to Islam. As you love your parents and it sounds like they love you too, pray for them. We must also know that Allah says: “You cannot guide whom you love but Allah guides whom He wills.”,(al-Qasas, 28:56) All you can do is lower your wings of mercy towards your family, treating them well and avoiding behaviors that will drive them away from Love of Allah and His Prophet (S).
She has interests in spiritual knowledges which attracts her to Kabbalah and other esoteric arts, as well as opens her to study Islam. Allah knows best. As I understand it, Kabbalah has to do Jewish mysticism and understanding of the universe and these days there are groups that might commercialize the teachings and there are Jewish Rabbis that teach Kabbalah. There are people these days that try to understand the energy of this universe through meditation, tai chi, sun gazing, etc. Many of these people are trying to find spiritual and emotional healing. When people are sincere in their quest this might bring them to behave well and embody qualities that Islam praises. If they are trying to heal, and not becoming arrogant and egoistic, searching for false power and show, but seeking to connect with the Creator what is the harm? Perhaps they will connect with the Oceans of Islamic knowledge and gain an even deeper understanding
Islam has its own sciences of the soul and finding Reality in Tasawwuf and these knowledges are safeguarded and connected through chains of transmission directly to the Prophet Muhammad (saws). Prophet Muhammad was given the greatest of knowledge in Quran and through his ascension and intimacy with Allah swt. Especially his power of shafa`ah, intercession to save humanity from their sins as he (saws) said. “My intercession is for the sinners of my community.” and many other hadith describe his intercessory power. Meditate on and discover what kind of healing energy is with the Prophet (saws).
As you said, keep the three Quls, Ayat al-Kursi, and deepen your understanding of Islam’s teaching of healing and spirituality, this will hopefully strengthen the light of your faith and de-mystify any misgivings you have.
W ‘Allahu `Alam
Kamau Ayyubi
