Ruqyah Shar'iyyah (Islamic Spiritual Healing)

Definition

Ruqyah (رقية) refers to the recitation of Quran, authentic supplications (adhkar), and the names of Allah as a means of healing and protection from illness, the evil eye (ayn), envy (hasad), magic (sihr), and jinn disturbance. Ruqyah shar'iyyah (legitimate ruqyah) uses only Quranic verses, authentic Prophetic supplications, and the Arabic language, relying entirely on Allah for the cure.

Prophetic Practice

The Prophet performed ruqyah and approved of it. Aisha reported that when the Prophet fell ill, he would recite al-Mu'awwidhat (Surahs al-Falaq and al-Nas) and blow over himself (Sahih al-Bukhari 5735). He also performed ruqyah for others. He said: 'There is no ruqyah except for the evil eye and the scorpion sting' (Sunan Abu Dawud 3884), indicating these are the primary uses, though he approved ruqyah for other ailments as well.

Conditions for Permissible Ruqyah

For ruqyah to be permissible according to scholarly consensus: it must be with the words of Allah (Quran) or His names and attributes, it must be in Arabic or an understood language, and both the practitioner and the recipient must believe that the healing comes from Allah alone, not from the words themselves. Any ruqyah involving shirk, unknown words, talismans, amulets with non-Quranic writing, or communication with jinn is prohibited.

Self-Ruqyah

Scholars encourage self-ruqyah as the best form, as it combines personal faith, sincerity, and reliance on Allah. Regular recitation of Ayat al-Kursi, the last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah, and the three Quls (al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, al-Nas) provides daily protection. The Prophet said: 'Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping, a guardian from Allah will remain with him and no devil will approach him until he wakes' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5010).