Those who hold snakes and scorpions

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Q: We have a bad habit in Upper Egypt; some people claim that they eject snakes and scorpions from their homes. One of them holds a stick in his hand and says some words such as: Madad i.e. help me, O Sidy Rifa`y and other forms like these. Thereupon, the snake or scorpion comes and walks on the stick which the man holds and then he catches it (Part No. 1; Page No. 219) without any harm.Is there any permissible way that enables a person to catch snakes and scorpions with his bare hands? If this is a trick of a sorcerer, what is the best way to break this magic? It is worth mentioning that I recited some Ayahs to break the spell but the snake or scorpion did not change?

A: This way is an act of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), for the one who caught the snake sought help from other than Allah (Exalted be He) saying: O Sidy Rifa`y. Catching snakes and scorpions is not a sign of firm faith or piety. Such persons could be seeking help with Jinn and practice sorcery and magic. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.