Title: Why is Evil Allowed to take Effect? Question: I have read all your Q&As on nazr , jadoo etc, as I have always pondered over this subject. However I do not understand why almighty Allah responds to those that wish bad upon others. Surely if someone tries to ruin another's life by resorting to these means Allah should not grant them, as they are doing evil. Please enlighten me on this. Jazakallah Yasmeen Austria Answer: As a part of the overall scheme of testing man by allowing him the privilege of free will, the Almighty bears with those who scheme to harm their fellow beings, whether through open or through clandestine means. It is because of this privilege bestowed upon man that he may choose to tread the right path or follow the footsteps of Satan. If, after provision of this freewill, God were to interfere and stop a person from resorting to despicable means to execute his evil plans, the entire scheme of the creation of this world and testing man therein would lose its very meaning. It must be appreciated that the Almighty has clarified the right path from the wrong one. He has blessed man with a revealed guidance and also with a sense of morality that helps him find the right track of life. It has been left upon him to decide the pattern of life he wishes to lead. If he plans to live a bad life and harm his fellow beings, God will not interfere and stop him. Rather, the Almighty will bear with him and let him do what he pleases. The Lord would surely decide the matter according to the sublime principles of mercy and justice on the Last Day of judgment. As for the effects of such covert means of interfering in other people's lives, as black magic etc, it is not that they materialize in each case. Even these effects would only materialize when God, according to His absolute knowledge and Wisdom, permits them to materialize [1] . Jhangeer Hanif May 6, 2003 [1] Edited by Moiz Amjad.