How Islam Views the Use of 'Susuk'

Question and Answer Details Name of Questioner Muslimah   - Singapore Title How Islam Views the Use of 'Susuk' Question According to popular belief, ‘susuk’ is a small piece of gold, silver or metal, which is inserted into one’s body to make him/her attractive. What is the ruling for such an act? Date 22/Sep/2005 Name of Mufti Islamic Religious Council of Singapore Topic Muslim Creed, Jinn & Magic Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear sister in Islam, we really appreciate your question, which shows how interested you are in becoming well acquainted with Islam and its teachings. May Allah bless your efforts in the pursuit of knowledge! As for your question, we would like first to make it clear that 'susuk' is associated mostly with black magic, a known Malay tradition that defies Islamic fundamentals but which is still being practiced nowadays. It basically involves the embedding of precious metal, pure silver or gold, usually in the shape of long sharp needles, into strategic places in one's body depending on his/her desires. Responding to your questions, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, issued the following fatwa: Using ‘susuk’ is haram (prohibited in Islam). It should not be practiced by Muslims due to the following reasons: 1.      ‘Susuk’ requires the use of black magic, which is forbidden in Islam. According to the accepted opinion in the Shafi`i's madh-hab (school of jurisprudence), the belief in the permissibility of black magic will render one an apostate. But if one studies black magic but has no intention to practice it, then he is allowed to do so without committing any sin. However, according to the Hanbali madh-hab, dealing with black magic is haram, regardless of whether one believes in its permissibility or not. 2.      Usually, those who practice ‘susuk’ do so with the intention of appearing attractive to others, or to be invincible. 3.      Those who practice ‘susuk’ generally believe that the ‘susuk’ is the only one that has the power to change things. This belief is against Islam and can bring about shirk (association of other partners with Allah). Given the above, it becomes crystal clear that the use of 'susuk' is prohibited in Islam for it contradicts the teachings and beliefs of pure Islamic faith. Muslims should not resort to such practices and should put their trust in Allah, the Creator, the Almighty.