Q: I know that learning sihr is not allowed in Islam but what is the ruling on learning about sihr? There is a ruqya course on YouTube whose ustadh has an ijaza in the 6 books of hadiths and is an experienced raaqi but he goes into a lot of details on the kufrs the magician commits, how sihr is performed, and tells the meanings of the numbers in taweez and how the magicians use numbers to calculate the taweez. He has also read actual magic books (e.g. Shams al ma'arif, etc. for "informational" purposes maybe). We also come to know that the magicians say the name, "Baal" and blow on the knots. Even the footage of an actual magician is shown when he was being exposed. If this was allowed, why didn't the prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) go into so many details? And of course, he tells us how to destroy the taweez and perform ruqya. I find it very iman boosting as it shows that Islam is the truth but am I sinning by watching these videos?
A: This is common knowledge that procedures may differ from person to person and time to time and place to place. The mission of the Nabi is to show the right guidance i.e. to lead mankind to the everlasting salvation in a good spirit and with safety. The Nabi will also teach you how to protect yourself in different situations, primarily in spiritual matters. At times, he may show some physical ailments, their causes, and their remedies, but that is not the main purpose and mission of a Nabi. Hence, if he did not tell you exactly how sihr takes place and what is used to make it work and effective, then it is, na`oozubillah, no wrong of the Nabi, as he has accomplished the mission he was sent for. You have physical problems and spiritual problems. Physical problems change from place to place and time to time. Medical experts will show the causes and treatment process. If the Nabi did not teach these in detail then it does not go against the primary function of the mission of the Nabi.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by: