Islamic Healing &
Ruqyah Shariah
The definitive guide to Ruqyah — Quranic healing, authentic duas for illness, scholarly conditions, types, and cross-Madhab rulings. Rooted in the Quran and authenticated Sunnah.
What is Ruqyah?
Ruqyah (Arabic: الرُّقْيَة, plural: ruqan) is the Islamic practice of reciting specific Quranic verses, the Names and Attributes of Allah, and authenticated supplications (duas) over a person who is spiritually or physically afflicted — seeking healing, protection, and divine mercy. It is one of the most important pillars of Tibb al-Nabawi (Prophetic Medicine).
The word Ruqyah derives from the Arabic root r-q-y (رَقَى), meaning to ascend or to rise — pointing to the spiritual elevation that accompanies this healing practice. In Islamic jurisprudence, Ruqyah is divided into two main categories: Ruqyah Shariah (lawful, Quranic Ruqyah) and Ruqyah Bid’ah or Shirk (innovations or forbidden practices that involve elements of disbelief or superstition).
According to the consensus (ijma’) of Islamic scholars across all four Sunni Madhabs — Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfi’ī, and Ḥanbalī — Ruqyah Shariah is not merely permissible but recommended (mustahabb), with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself performing and instructing it. See the full ruling breakdown in our Madhab Rulings section below.
Quranic Healing (Shifa)
The Quran is itself described by Allah as Shifa — healing — for what is in the hearts. Reciting with sincerity and certainty is the foundation of all Islamic healing.
Prophetic Duas
The Prophet ﷺ recited specific healing duas and taught his Companions to use them for illness, evil eye, black magic, and spiritual afflictions.
Protection & Prevention
Ruqyah is both curative and preventative. Daily recitation of Ayat al-Kursi and the Mu’awwidhatayn forms the strongest spiritual shield.
Alongside Medical Care
Islamic scholars unanimously affirm that Ruqyah does not replace conventional medicine. The Prophet ﷺ commanded Muslims to seek medical treatment alongside supplication.
The Quranic & Prophetic Basis
Ruqyah is not a folk practice — it is directly commanded and demonstrated in the Quran and by the Prophet ﷺ. The following are the primary Quranic proofs and authenticated Hadiths that form its scholarly foundation.
“There is no harm in Ruqyah as long as it does not involve shirk (polytheism).”
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ | Sahih Muslim 2200 · Verify on Sunnah.com ↗“Recite it (Al-Fatiha) over him; by Allah, the greatest cure is the Book of Allah.”
— Sahih Bukhari 5736 · Verify on Sunnah.com ↗“Use the two Shifa’s (cures): honey and the Quran.”
— Ibn Majah 3452 · Verify on Sunnah.com ↗Al-Fatiha: The Greatest Healing Surah
Known as Al-Shafiya (the healing one), Surah Al-Fatiha holds the highest place in Ruqyah. In Sahih Bukhari (5736), a Companion performed Ruqyah using only Al-Fatiha and a man afflicted with scorpion bite was cured. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed this, saying: “By Allah, you have done Ruqyah using the Book of Allah.”
The complete healing arsenal of the Quran includes Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) — the most powerful single verse — alongside the final three Surahs: Al-Ikhlas (112), Al-Falaq (113), and An-Nas (114), collectively known as the Mu’awwidhatayn (plus Ikhlas). The last two verses of Al-Baqarah (2:285–286) are also prescribed specifically for evening protection.
Types of Ruqyah
Islamic scholars classify Ruqyah into two fundamental categories based on its content and compliance with Islamic law. Only Ruqyah Shariah is permitted.
Ruqyah
✅ Ruqyah Shariah — رُقْيَة شَرْعِيَّة Permitted
- Recitation of Quranic verses over the afflicted
- Authentic duas from Sahih Hadith collections
- Blowing (nafth) lightly over hands or body
- Ruqyah water — reciting over water or oil
- Recitation in Arabic or understood language
- Self-Ruqyah (Ruqyah on oneself)
- Seeking Ruqyah from a pious Muslim
❌ Ruqyah Bid’ah / Shirk Forbidden
- Words of unknown meaning or non-Arabic spells
- Seeking help from jinn or the deceased
- Amulets containing non-Quranic text or symbols
- Visiting fortune-tellers or magicians for cures
- Practices involving shirk (associating partners with Allah)
- Ruqyah that involves touching non-Mahram
- Charging excessive fees as a condition of Ruqyah
The Three Primary Afflictions Addressed by Ruqyah
- Al-‘Ayn (Evil Eye): Harm caused by the jealous or admiring gaze of another person. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The evil eye is real.” (Sahih Muslim 2187). Ruqyah with Al-Fatiha and the Mu’awwidhatayn is the primary cure.
- Al-Sihr (Black Magic): Harm caused by sorcery performed by humans with the assistance of shayatin. The Quran addresses this in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102). IslamQA ruling on Sihr ↗
- Mass al-Jinn (Jinn Affliction): Spiritual possession or harm from jinn. This is affirmed in the Quran (2:275) and Hadiths. Treatment involves sustained Ruqyah with Surat Al-Baqarah (which the Prophet ﷺ said drives shaytan from the house — Muslim 780).
Essential Healing Duas
The following duas are directly prescribed by the Prophet ﷺ for healing and Ruqyah, sourced from Sahih collections. All Arabic text, transliteration, and translations are provided.
How to Perform Ruqyah Shariah
The following procedure is compiled from authenticated Hadiths and the guidelines of classical scholars including Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim, and contemporary scholars at IslamQA and IslamWeb.
Step 1 — Purification (Taharah)
Ensure ritual purity by performing Wudu. The healer and, where possible, the patient should be in a state of Wudu. This opens the heart and prepares the spiritual state.
Step 2 — Sincere Intention (Niyyah) & Tawakkul
Set a clear intention to seek healing from Allah alone. Renew your Tawakkul (reliance on Allah). Say: تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ — “I place my trust in Allah.”
Step 3 — Seek Refuge (Ta’awwudh)
Begin with: أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ — “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.” This is mandatory before Quranic recitation.
Step 4 — Recite the Healing Verses
Recite in order: Surah Al-Fatiha (7×), Ayat al-Kursi (2:255), Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, Surah An-Nas, and Al-Baqarah 2:255–256, 285–286. For black magic or severe affliction, add Al-A’raf 7:117–122 and Yunus 10:81–82.
Step 5 — Blow Lightly (Nafth) on the Hands
After recitation, blow lightly (with minimal moisture) on the palms, then wipe over the affected area or the whole body. Bukhari 5748 records the Prophet ﷺ doing this each night before sleep.
Step 6 — Ruqyah Water (Optional)
Recite healing verses over water or olive oil. The patient then drinks the water and/or applies the oil to the body. This method is authenticated in scholarly practice and endorsed by Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmu’ al-Fatawa.
Step 7 — Consistency & Patience
Ruqyah is not always instant. The Prophet ﷺ said illness is a form of expiation. Repeat daily — morning and evening — while maintaining salah, making dua, and following medical advice. True cure belongs to Allah alone.
Conditions of Valid Ruqyah
The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah have established clear conditions for Ruqyah to be considered lawful (Shariah-compliant). These were formulated from the Quran, Sunnah, and the statements of the Companions — and are agreed upon by all four Madhabs.
✅ Conditions that Validate Ruqyah
- Composed of Quran, authentic duas, or Names of Allah
- Performed in Arabic or a language understood by the one performing it
- Belief that the cure comes from Allah alone, not the Ruqyah itself
- No prohibited or ambiguous words are used
- Performed with certainty and conviction (yaqin)
- Not conditional on payment (though voluntary gifts are permissible)
- Proper gender boundaries maintained between non-Mahram
- Performed with sincere Niyyah (intention) for Allah’s sake
❌ What Invalidates or Forbids Ruqyah
- Any invocation of jinn, shaytan, or the deceased
- Words that are not understood or of unknown origin
- Relying on the Ruqyah itself rather than Allah as the cure
- Combining Islamic Ruqyah with astrological or magical practices
- A “Raqi” who commits major sins without repentance
- Unlawful seclusion (khalwa) between non-Mahram
- Demanding payment as a prerequisite for performing Ruqyah
- Claiming guaranteed results — only Allah guarantees cure
Self-Ruqyah: The Recommended Primary Form
The strongest consensus of Islamic scholars, including Ibn Taymiyyah (Majmu’ al-Fatawa, vol. 19), Ibn al-Qayyim (Zad al-Ma’ad), and Ibn Baz, is that self-Ruqyah (Ar-Ruqyah li al-Nafs) is the most recommended form. The Prophet ﷺ performed Ruqyah on himself, and Aisha (RA) reported that he would recite the Mu’awwidhatayn each night, blow into his hands, and wipe his body three times (Bukhari 5017). Seeking Ruqyah from another person is permitted but secondary.
Cross-Madhab Rulings on Ruqyah
All four Sunni Madhabs permit and encourage Ruqyah Shariah. Below is a scholarly comparison of their positions on specific aspects of Ruqyah jurisprudence.
| Madhab | Self-Ruqyah | Charging Fees | Ruqyah Water | Amulets (Ta’wiz) | Key Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🕌 Ḥanafī | Recommended | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted with Quran only; forbidden with other text | Al-Durr al-Mukhtar |
| 🕌 Mālikī | Recommended | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted only if Quranic; disagreement on written form | Al-Mudawwana |
| 🕌 Shāfi’ī | Recommended | Permitted | Permitted | Stricter: many scholars permit only worn Quranic amulets | Al-Majmu’ (Al-Nawawi) |
| 🕌 Ḥanbalī | Recommended | Permitted | Permitted | Many scholars (Ibn Taymiyyah) forbid all amulets to block shirk | Majmu’ al-Fatawa |
Note on Ta’wiz (Amulets): The most commonly cited opinion among Ḥanbalī scholars — particularly Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim — is that all amulets (taweez) should be avoided, even those containing Quranic verses, as a precautionary measure against shirk. The Ḥanafī and Mālikī positions are more lenient for Quranic amulets. See the detailed discussion on IslamQA: Ruling on Wearing Amulets ↗.
Symptoms Addressed by Ruqyah
While only a qualified Islamic scholar or trained Raqi should make a definitive assessment, classical scholars have described the common symptoms associated with each spiritual affliction. Always consult a doctor to rule out medical causes first.
“Make use of the two cures: honey and the Quran.” And: “Allah has not sent down any disease except that He has sent down a cure for it.”
— Ibn Majah 3452; Sahih Bukhari 5678 · Verify on Sunnah.com ↗Tibb al-Nabawi — Prophetic Medicine
Tibb al-Nabawi (طِبُّ النَّبَوِيّ) refers to the complete healing system preserved in Hadith literature — comprising Ruqyah, prophetic dietary guidance, herbal remedies, and spiritual practices. Ibn al-Qayyim’s Zad al-Ma’ad (Provisions of the Hereafter) remains the seminal classical text on this subject.
Honey (Asal)
The Quran (16:69) describes honey as a shifa (healing) for people. Modern research corroborates honey’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
Black Seed (Habbatus Sawda)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “In the black seed is a cure for every disease except death.” (Bukhari 5688). Nigella sativa has been extensively studied for its therapeutic properties.
Hijama (Cupping)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of your remedies is hijama.” (Abu Dawud 3857). Wet cupping detoxifies blood and is recommended on specific Sunnah dates.
Zamzam Water
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Ibn Majah 3062). Drinking Zamzam with intention for healing is a beautiful Sunnah practice.
Contemporary Islamic medicine scholars, including those at the IslamWeb Fatwa Centre and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, affirm that Prophetic Medicine does not replace conventional medical treatment. The maqasid al-Shariah (objectives of Islamic law) include the preservation of life and health — making medical treatment an obligation in many cases. For serious illness, seek qualified medical care alongside spiritual healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ruqyah Shariah uses only Quranic verses, the Names of Allah, and authenticated prophetic duas — with the firm belief that healing comes from Allah alone. Ruqyah Shirk involves invoking jinn, shaytan, the deceased, celestial bodies, or using unknown words and incantations that may contain elements of disbelief. The latter is categorically forbidden in Islam and may itself harm the person spiritually. If you are unsure about a practitioner, verify their method against the conditions outlined above. See also: IslamQA on Sihr and Ruqyah ↗
Yes. A woman can absolutely perform Ruqyah on herself, her children, her husband, and her close family (Mahram). The Prophet ﷺ described how Aisha (RA) performed Ruqyah. A woman may also receive Ruqyah from a non-Mahram male Raqi provided: (1) proper gender boundaries are maintained with no khalwa (seclusion), (2) a Mahram is present, and (3) there is no unlawful touching. Many scholars recommend that women seek female practitioners when possible.
The following surahs and verses are specifically prescribed in authentic Hadiths for Ruqyah:
- Surah Al-Fatiha (1) — The Prophet ﷺ called it the greatest cure
- Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) — The greatest verse; repels shaytan
- Al-Baqarah 2:285–286 — Last two verses; protection from evil
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) — Equals one-third of the Quran
- Surah Al-Falaq (113) — Protection from sihr and evil eye
- Surah An-Nas (114) — Protection from Waswas and jinn
- Al-A’raf 7:117–122; Yunus 10:81–82; Taha 20:69 — For black magic specifically
The authenticated Sunnah includes:
- Al-Fatiha: Recited 7 times over the afflicted (Bukhari 5736)
- The three Quls and Ayat al-Kursi: 3 times each — morning, evening, and before sleep
- Ruqyah duas: Odd number of times (3, 7, or 21 are commonly cited)
There is no strict limit set in all cases. The key is consistency. For severe afflictions, scholars recommend daily Ruqyah sessions over several weeks. Ibn al-Qayyim recommended 40 consecutive days for entrenched sihr.
Yes, it is permissible to accept payment for Ruqyah. The Prophet ﷺ approved of the Companion who accepted a flock of sheep as payment after successfully performing Ruqyah on a tribal leader using Al-Fatiha, saying: “You were most entitled to take wages for doing a Ruqyah.” (Bukhari 5736). However, demanding payment as a prior condition or excessive fees is discouraged by many scholars. Voluntary gifts after Ruqyah are the most recommended approach.
No — in fact, Ruqyah Shariah is an expression of Tawakkul. Some Muslims misquote the Hadith about 70,000 people entering Jannah without reckoning as proof that seeking Ruqyah is disliked. However, the scholars clarify that these 70,000 did not ask others to perform Ruqyah for them — they were content with self-reliance. But the Prophet ﷺ himself performed Ruqyah and directed the Companions to it. Seeking healing through lawful means while trusting Allah for the outcome is the correct Islamic position. See IslamQA: Those who will enter Jannah without reckoning ↗.
Verified Islamic Authority Sources
All rulings and claims in this guide are drawn from authenticated primary sources. Verify directly: