Writing Quraan Backwards

Q: Once I saw a book of my sister-in-law with Bismillah written in reverse. I find this a bit dodgy. Is my sister-in-law sufferening from sihr (witchcraft)?

A: It is not permissible to read or write the Holy Qur'aan backwards, as Allaamah Suyooti and many other Scholars have mentioned in their books. This much should be told to your sister-in-law. However, there is no need to suspect her of Jaadoo or Sihr. If you have other evidence that is strong, indicating that she is involved in Jaadoo and other ‘jantar mantar’ things then contact your local ‘ulema so that they can speak to her and make her stop such evil. But without proof you should not suspect her. This is wrong.

Mufti Siraj Desai