Shaykh al-Uthaymīn (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “There is nothing wrong with taking precautions against the evil eye in advance, nor does this conflict with reliance upon Allah. Rather, it is part of reliance upon Him, for reliance means depending upon Allah, Glorified be He, while taking the means that He has permitted or commanded. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to seek protection for al-Hasan and al-Husayn, saying: ‘I seek protection for you both in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and venomous creature, and from every harmful eye.’ He would also say: ‘This is how Abraham used to seek protection for Isaac and Ishmael’ (peace be upon them).” (1)

Shaykh Abdullah al-Jibrīn was asked whether it was excessive to fear being afflicted by the evil eye and to prevent children from mixing with people out of fear for them.

He replied: “This is not considered excessive; rather, it is a means of avoiding causes of harm and injury. A report indicating that this is permissible concerns a handsome boy whose appearance they instructed should be altered for fear of the evil eye. This is like the aforementioned report from ʿUthmān, in which he said, ‘Blacken his nūna’—that is, darken it. It is the indentation in the lower part of the face. This is one of the means Allah has sanctioned. Allah Most High says: ‘O you who believe, take your precautions’ (al-Nisā’, verse (71)). This encompasses taking precautions against everything that may harm one’s person or property. He also says: ‘Take your precautions’ (al-Nisā’, verse (102)).” (2)

• Another form of concealment is to pursue one’s needs discreetly and in secret. This helps protect against the harm of the evil eye and envy. A hadith states: “Seek help in successfully accomplishing your needs through discretion, for everyone who possesses a blessing is envied.” (3)

• Another is to guard against the person who casts the evil eye, avoid him, and keep away from him. Among the important