Arabic Magic Squares: Structure, Symbolism, and Practice
1. Introduction
Arabic magic squares are numerical or lettered grids in
which the sums of each row, column, and (often) diagonal
are equal. In Arabic, the term wafq (plural awfāq) means
“harmony” or “concordance,” reflecting the belief that these
squares manifest cosmic balance.
In the Arabic-Islamic magical tradition, magic squares are
far more than mathematical curiosities — they are spiritual
tools. They appear in talismans, amulets, healing charms,
and manuscripts on occult sciences (ʿulūm al-ghayb). A
properly constructed magic square is believed to channel
planetary or divine forces, making it a core element of
Arabic talismanic writing.
2. Historical Roots
Magic squares in the Islamic world developed from multiple
influences:
Ancient Chinese Tradition: The “Lo Shu” 3×3 square,
known in China since at least the 1st millennium BCE, is the
earliest recorded magic square.
Indian Mathematics: Sanskrit texts like the Kaksaputa
describe numerical arrangements resembling magic squares.
Greek Hermeticism: Mathematical mysticism and planetary
correspondences entered Arabic via translations in the
Abbasid period.
Islamic Synthesis: By the 10th century, Arabic
mathematicians like al-Būzjānī studied magic squares as
pure mathematics, while occult authors like al-Būnī
integrated them into talismanic work.
3. Structure of a Wafq
A magic square is defined by:
Order (ʿadad al-ṭaraf): The number of cells on each side
(e.g., 3×3, 4×4, 5×5).
Magic Constant (al-jamʿ al-sirrī): The sum that each row,
column, and diagonal equals.
Content: Numbers, letters (via the abjad system), or a mix.
Example: 3×3 Wafq
Copy
Edit
492
357
816
Order: 3
Magic Constant: 15
4. Numbers and the Abjad System
In the Arabic tradition, magic squares often replace
numbers with Arabic letters using the abjad numerical
values:
Letter Value Letter Value
ا 1 ي 10
ب 2 ك 20
ج 3 ل 30
د 4 م 40
ھـ 5 ن 50
و 6 س 60
ز 7 ع 70
ح 8 ف 80
ط 9 ص90
…and so on.
This allowed the square to “spell” divine names or encode
Qurʾānic verses numerically.
5. Planetary Correspondences
Arabic magic squares are closely tied to astrology, with each
order linked to a celestial body:
Order Planet Day of Week Common Uses
3×3 Saturn Saturday Protection, binding enemies
4×4 Jupiter Thursday Wealth, honor, success
5×5 Mars Tuesday Courage, victory
6×6 Sun Sunday Power, authority
7×7 Venus Friday Love, attraction
8×8 Mercury Wednesday Knowledge, eloquence
9×9 Moon Monday Healing, travel safety
This correspondence system was standardized in occult
manuals like Shams al-Maʿārif al-Kubrá by Aḥmad al-Būnī
(d. 1225).
6. Methods of Construction
Several techniques exist for generating a magic square, each
with ritual as well as mathematical considerations.
A. Simple “Lo Shu” Method (Odd Orders)
For a 3×3 square:
Place 1 in the middle of the top row.
Move diagonally up and right to place each subsequent
number.
Wrap around edges as needed.
If a filled cell is encountered, move directly down instead.
B. Strachey Method (Even Orders)
For 4×4:
Place numbers sequentially, then swap certain cells to
balance sums.
C. Letter Encoding
Once numbers are placed, substitute with Arabic letters via
abjad values, then adjust placement to spell meaningful
divine or angelic names.
7. Writing and Layout
Magic squares in Arabic talismans are rarely plain grids:
Borders: Qurʾānic verses or divine names surround the
square.
Colors: Inks may be black for the main numbers, red for
divine names, gold for blessings.
Orientation: Sometimes rotated or mirrored to add secrecy.
Embedding in Shapes: Squares may be placed inside circles,
stars, or hexagons.
8. Ritual Rules for Preparation
The construction of a magic square was traditionally
embedded in ritual discipline:
Purification: Practitioner performs ablution (wuḍūʾ) and
wears clean garments.
Timing: Created during the planetary day and hour of the
associated planet.
Invocation: Divine names or angelic beings of the planet are
recited.
Materials: Chosen for sympathetic resonance — e.g., copper
for Venus, lead for Saturn.
Direction: Writing may start at a specific corner, often the
upper right in Arabic tradition.
9. Applications in Arabic Magic
Magic squares were used in numerous contexts:
A. Talismans
Squares were inscribed on:
Paper or parchment (carried as amulets)
Metal plaques (worn as jewelry)
Stone or ceramic (placed in buildings)
B. Healing
Certain squares were written in saffron ink on plates,
washed off, and drunk as part of a healing ritual.
C. Protection
Placed above doorways or sewn into clothing to ward off
harm.
D. Love and Attraction
Venus-linked 7×7 squares written on green silk, perfumed,
and carried.
10. Examples from Manuscripts
In manuscripts like Leiden Or. 14.121, we find richly
decorated magic squares:
Surrounded by bismillah and āyāt from the Qurʾān.
Filled with abjad letter codes for “Allāh,” “Muḥammad,” or
specific angelic names.
Embedded in complex diagrams, often accompanied by
instructions on the exact day, hour, and incense to use.
11. Symbolic and Mystical Interpretations
In Sufi and esoteric readings, the wafq represents the order
of the universe:
Equal Sums: Reflect balance between cosmic forces.
Numerical Codes: Conceal divine names, ensuring secrecy.
Geometric Perfection: Seen as a reflection of divine
harmony.
Some mystics taught that meditating on a magic square
aligns the soul with the cosmic order it encodes.
12. Cross-Cultural Parallels
While magic squares appear in China, India, and Europe,
the Arabic tradition uniquely blends:
Mathematics: Precision in number placement.
Mysticism: Abjad letter substitution and divine name
encoding.
Astrology: Planetary timing and material correspondences.
Calligraphy: Artistic integration into talismanic designs.
13. Decline and Survival
From the late 19th century onward, printed talisman books
circulated mass-produced magic squares, reducing the role
of handcrafted awfāq. However:
In Morocco, Sudan, and parts of Yemen, scribes still prepare
handwritten squares.
In artistic calligraphy, wafq designs are revived for their
geometric beauty.
14. Conclusion
Arabic magic squares are more than mathematical
amusements — they are spiritual matrices, carefully
calculated and ritually prepared to embody cosmic harmony.
Through the interplay of numbers, letters, geometry, and
sacred timing, they channel forces believed to protect, heal,
attract, or empower.
In the medieval Islamic world, mastering the wafq meant
mastering the union of mathematics and mysticism — an art
that demanded both intellectual skill and spiritual discipline.
Today, they remain one of the most striking visual
expressions of the Arabic talismanic tradition, a lasting
testimony to the belief that numbers themselves can be made
to speak the language of the divine.
