The Basics of 'Magic' Squares: The 3x3 Square

An introduction to "magic" squares (الأوفاق) as used in Islamic occult sciences (العلوم الغريبة). The simplest possible "magic" square is a 3x3 array containing the numbers from 1 to 9 arranged such that each vertical column, horizontal row, and both diagonals sum to 15. The principles of this square are examined step-by-step in this video.



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Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad received his MA and Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Princeton University. He also holds an MA in Arabic from Indiana University and a BSc in Pure Mathematics from Purdue University. He has taught at the University of Texas at Austin, the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation in Kuala Lumpur, the American University of Sharjah, and the American University in Cairo. Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad has also been Reader in Shīʿah Studies at The Shīʿah Institute, London.

His most recent scholarly works include:
1. Philosophy and the Intellectual Life in Shīʿah Islam, edited with Sajjad H. Rizvi (London: The Shīʿah Institute Press, 2017).

2. Universal Science: An Introduction to Islamic Metaphysics, Modern Shīʿah Library Series vol. 2, by Mahdī Ḥāʾirī Yazdī (d. 1420/1999), Trans. John Cooper (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 2017), edited and introduced by Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 2017).

3. Miʿrāj al-ʿUqūl Sharḥ Duʿāʾ al-Mashlūl (The Ascension of the Intellects Commentary on the Supplication of the Lame) by Sayyid Murtaḍā Nawnahrawī Ghāzīpūrī (d. 1336/1917), edited and introduced in Arabic English, and Urdu by Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad (London: The Shīʿah Institute, 2016).

4. Fuṣūṣ al-ḥikam by Muḥyī al-Dīn b. al-ʿArabī (d. 638/1240): A Critical Edition with Introduction and Notes (Cairo: Maktabat Miṣr, 2015) based on the unique Konya MS 1933 (dated 630 H) dictated by the author to his disciple Ṣadr al-Dīn Qunawī (d. 672/1274), Cairo: Maktabat Miṣr, 2015).

5. Fatwās of Condemnation: Islam and the Limits of Dissent. Kuala Lumpur: International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization, 2006.

[gothictheurgist]

The 3x3 is ruled by Saturn, the 4x4 is ruled by Jupiter, also I think al Buni says the letter dal/4 represents completion, that is why Prophet Mohammed's name ended with dal. Jupiter is benefic planet, while Saturn is malefic, so that is probably a reason for preferring 4x4 squares. Anyways thanks for making these videos, they are very interesting, God bless.

[gothictheurgist]

I just tried the method you showed but with 99 and got this
30 35 28
29 31 33
34 27 32
It worked! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[ceejayp]

What a fascinating subject. Please talk more on this.
Thank you for the video.

[szk]

AsSalaamoAlaikum. JazakAllahu khayran Katheer for creating this content and sharing.

[SaiyadNizamuddinAhmad]

There is a mistake in the fourth square: the 9 and the 7 need to swap positions. Sorry.

[hdot]

Hi Saiyad, great video! Would like to see the 4x4 square video and the others as well if possible. Thanks!

[РустемЭнверов-лц]

As salam aleykum! Thank you for this! May Allah increase your knowledge and wisdom. I don't understand one thing. Why should we use numbers when every one can make amulets with letters. We can write Allah's names and use them. Do amulets with numbers have special benefits or functions?

[oz]

Salam! Great video, really well explained. thankyou so much from Melbourne, Australia. peace n blessings.

[akmbrkhan]

@SaiyadNizamuddinAhmad I have curiosity why the direction for Air chart changed from 6 to 7 ? Where were the Earth, Air, and Fire directions for 6 and 7 the same or in a rotation ?

[sumchi]

Dr Saiyad I have a question for you if you would be kind enough to answer.
It’s simple. Why do you think that there would be a difference in the Vedic system and the Sufi /Muslim system you are using, in terms of the elemental correspondences.
Thanks

[sumchi]

Hi, when is your book on the math for making these coming out for sale.
Thanks

[lancesnaggs]

Do a video of how to calculate the minimum quotient for the 3, 4 n 5 grid. We need to be able to learn how to build them from any number.

[Haydarly]

One question please why you use Earth pattern with name Allah. Why you did not use fire... Is there some rules in which element we put each divine name...

[ivornworrell]

good, but no reason is given as to WHY names are manipulated thus to fit into the square, for example. WHY subtract 12 and then divide by 3??

[niazghumro]

A very informative video and i m really interested in magic squares. It is mentioned in the book of david burtin on number theory. One thing that alarms me that 12 has been subtracted from 66. Plz produce logic about it if possible. We are math minded so there should be an specefic algorithim to fill the cells. Is it not be true if we shift each cell of the square by 18-1=17?

[scarfaceyam]

Hello and salam Saiyad Ahmad.I wish you all the God in this world and the next.
I need to know how I can use alBuni and his works for myself and since I have been afflicted my sihr and jinn.
I remember you mentioning, some time ago, that one has to know Arabic, which I know Alhamdulillah.
How can I use alBunis works.Shukran

[cryinglightning]

What are these squares used for? And how do you choose whether to use the Earth, Air, Fire or Water pattern?

[saliabdo]

Only arabic know the secrets. One day everyone will wish to come to arabic word to understand the life and become a human being

[firuzyumul]

Peace and blessings. Great video. Any sources you recommend to learn how to use them for those who are interested in the esoteric applications?

[ikramlakhal]

Very interesting thank you. Can you explosion where the number 12 is coking from?