Many Muslims have questions about Ruqyah: What exactly is it, and do you need specific credentials or skills to perform it?
Let’s start by clarifying what Ruqyah is.
Ruqyah holds the same status as a dua—it is simply the recitation of specific Quranic verses or authentic hadith that are used to seek refuge in Allah.
More specifically, these verses are believed to be a source of healing: for illnesses and ailments, protection from the evil eye, exorcism of jinn, and relief from sihr (black magic or witchcraft).
You do not need specialized skills to perform Ruqyah.
In fact, the best and most perfect way is to recite Ruqyah yourself. While asking others to perform it is permissible, some acts are better done personally. Performing Ruqyah is not complicated; you can begin by reciting Surah Fatiha or the Al-Mu’awwidhaat (Surah Falaq and Surah Nas).
These are regarded as verses of refuge, and it was the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) to recite them when he was ill.
What is Sihr (Black Magic), and Is It Real?
Sihr is indeed real and refers to black magic or witchcraft. In Islam, it can be learned by those with specific knowledge, and practicing it is a serious sin. There are many Quranic passages that attest to its danger.
In Surah Baqarah Ayat 102, Allah says:
“And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, ‘We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].’ And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.”
And in Surah Yunus Ayat 81:
“And when they had thrown, Moses said, ‘What you have brought is [only] magic. Indeed, Allah will expose its worthlessness. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters.’”
How to Perform Ruqyah
The basic process is to supplicate into your palms, just as you would when making a dua. Then blow into your hands and wipe the area causing pain or discomfort.
When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was seriously ill, Aisha (RA) would perform this for him, as narrated:
“Whenever Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) became sick, he would recite Mu’awwidhat (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas) and then blow his breath over his body. When he became seriously ill, I used to recite (these two Suras) and rub his hands over his body hoping for its blessings.”
Quranic Verses for Ruqyah
Here is a list of Quranic verses that can be recited for Ruqyah:
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Surah Fatiha
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Surah Falaq
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Surah An-Nas
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Surah Ikhlas
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Ayatul Kursi (Surah Baqarah Ayat 255)
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Surah Al A’raf Ayat 106-122
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Surah Taha Ayat 65-69
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Surah Al-Kafirun
Supplications for Ruqyah from Hadith
Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
“When the Prophet (ﷺ) visited any ailing member of his family, he would touch the sick person with his right hand and supplicate: ‘Allahumma Rabban-nasi, adhhibil-ba’sa, washfi, Antash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uka, shifaan la yughadiru saqaman [O Allah! the Rubb of mankind! Remove this disease and cure (him or her)! You are the Great Curer. There is no cure but through You, which leaves behind no disease].’”
In Arabic, this dua is written:
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ مُذْهِبَ الْبَاسِ اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شَافِيَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
We also learn from authentic hadith the dua Prophet Ibrahim (AS) would recite to seek protection from the evil eye. Ibn Abbas narrated:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to seek Refuge with Allah for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain and say: ‘Your forefather (i.e., Abraham) used to seek Refuge with Allah for Ishmael and Isaac by reciting the following: Audhu bi kalimatillahi al-tammati min kulli shaytaanin wa hammatin wa min kulli `aynin lammah [O Allah! I seek Refuge with Your Perfect Words from every devil and from poisonous pests and from every evil, harmful, envious eye].’”
In Arabic:
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لاَمَّةٍ
Ruqyah Dua from Jibril
Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Muhammad (ﷺ)! Do you feel sick?’ He (ﷺ) said, ‘Yes.’ Jibril supplicated thus (i.e., he performed Ruqyah): ‘Bismillahi arqika, min kulli shay’in yu’dhika, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘ayni hasidi, Allahu yashfika, bismillahi arqika. [With the Name of Allah. I recite over you (to cleanse you) from all that troubles you, and from every harmful mischief and from the evil of the eyes of an envier. Allah will cure you; and with the Name of Allah, I recite over you].’”
The fourth supplication, recommended for pain relief, is narrated by Uthman bin Abi Al-‘As:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to me while I had a pain that almost ruined me. So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Rub it with your right hand seven times and say A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru [I seek refuge with Allah and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I fear].’ He said: ‘So I did it, and Allah removed what I had, and I never ceased telling my family and others to do it.’”
In Arabic (begin with “Bismillah” three times):
بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ x3
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ
Virtues and Benefits of Reciting Ruqyah
Authentic hadith highlight the importance of Ruqyah and guidance on when and how to recite it:
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Aishah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to blow when performing Ruqyah.
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Aishah (RA) also narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded her to recite Ruqyah to treat the evil eye.
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Jibril (AS) recited Ruqyah for the Prophet (ﷺ) to alleviate his suffering, seeking protection from the evil of every person and the evil eye.
The Use of Zam-Zam Water
Authentic hadith provides insight into the use of Zam-Zam water. Jabir bin Abdullah narrated:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.’”
This implies that Zam-Zam water serves the intention with which it is drunk. If you drink it to feel better, Allah will aid you; if to be nourished, Allah will feed you; if to quench thirst, Allah will satisfy you.
Conclusion
Inshallah, through the recitation of these Quranic verses and authentic supplications, Allah will hear our call for help and aid us in ways beyond our understanding. We should invoke Allah and remember Him in all our deeds, seeking His healing, protection for our homes and families, and to be among the best of believers. Keep your iman (faith) strong, ignore the whispers of the Shayateen, and understand that some things take longer than we wish. Allah knows what is best for you.
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