What is Ruqyah Shar'iyyah?
Ruqyah Shar'iyyah (الرقية الشرعية) is a spiritual remedy prescribed by Islam, based on the recitation of the Quran, authentic supplications of the Prophet ﷺ and prophetic remedies from the Sunnah. It is the legislated means to treat spiritual ailments such as sorcery (sihr), the evil eye ('ayn), jinn possession (mass) and whisperings (waswas). Ruqyah can be performed by oneself or by others, in the privacy of one's home, with complete trust in Allah.
The Foundations of Ruqyah
Ruqyah is firmly rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah. It is not a human invention but a remedy that Allah has prescribed for His servants to protect and heal themselves.
The Quran
Surahs Al-Fatiha, Al-Baqarah, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas are the pillars of ruqyah. The Quran is the Word of Allah and the primary source of spiritual healing.
The Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ practiced ruqyah on himself and others. Authentic prophetic supplications (adhkar) are an essential pillar of spiritual treatment.
Prophetic Remedies
Quran-infused water, honey, black seed oil (habba sawda), sidr (jujube) and hijama (cupping) are among the therapeutic means mentioned in the Sunnah.
The Four Types of Spiritual Afflictions
The Islamic tradition identifies four major categories of spiritual ailments that can affect a Muslim. Each has its symptoms, causes, and treatment approach.
Sihr (Sorcery)
Sihr is harm caused by sorcery practices involving demons. It can affect health, relationships, work and the mental state of the person.
'Ayn (Evil Eye)
The evil eye is a real harm, confirmed by the Prophet ﷺ. It results from a gaze of admiration or envy, sometimes unintentional, and can cause physical and psychological ailments.
Mass (Possession)
Mass refers to affliction by jinn — partial or full possession. It can cause behavioral changes, unexplained pain and psychological disturbances.
Waswas (Whisperings)
Waswas are obsessive thoughts whispered by Shaytan to disturb faith, prayer and the daily life of the Muslim. They aim to sow doubt and anxiety.
Practicing Self-Ruqyah
The Prophet ﷺ performed ruqyah on himself and encouraged Muslims to do so. Self-ruqyah is a recommended practice accessible to every sincere Muslim.
Self-ruqyah is the best ruqyah
The Prophet ﷺ would perform ruqyah on himself every night by reciting Surahs Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, blowing into his hands and wiping them over his body.
Performing ruqyah on yourself is preferable because it relies on your own sincerity (ikhlas) and your direct supplication to Allah, without intermediary. It is an act of worship and trust in The Healer (Ash-Shafi).
Essential Conditions and Principles
- ✦Sincerity (Ikhlas) — ruqyah must be done with a pure intention, addressing only Allah.
- ✦Trust in Allah (Tawakkul) — healing comes from Allah alone. Ruqyah is a means, not a guarantee.
- ✦Use only the Quran and Sunnah — any ruqyah containing shirk, amulets, incomprehensible formulas or un-Islamic practices is forbidden (haram).
- ✦Consistency and patience (Sabr) — healing may take time. Regularity in practice is essential.
- ✦Repent and strengthen your faith — abandoning sins, fulfilling religious obligations and drawing closer to Allah strengthens the effectiveness of ruqyah.
- ✦Daily adhkar — morning, evening and protection supplications are an integral part of continuous spiritual protection.
Discretion is essential
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Keep your affairs secret, for every person who receives a blessing is envied." Don't talk about your ruqyah to everyone. Be discreet about your treatment and the results you observe.
Likewise, be wary of those who present themselves as raqis without you being able to verify their method, knowledge and righteousness. Any raqi who uses practices not in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah must be avoided.
Belief in the Unseen (Al-Ghayb)
Understanding ruqyah requires belief in the Unseen (Al-Ghayb), a fundamental pillar of Islamic faith. The Quran and the Sunnah confirm the existence of jinn, sorcery and the evil eye — realities that reason alone cannot grasp.
The Jinn
Creatures made of fire, endowed with free will. Some are Muslim, others are disbelievers. Evil jinn can harm humans through possession or sorcery.
Sorcery
Sihr is a reality confirmed by the Quran. The Prophet ﷺ himself was affected by it. Sorcery involves an alliance with demons and is a major sin in Islam.
The Evil Eye
The Prophet ﷺ affirmed its reality. A simple gaze charged with excessive admiration or envy can affect the person looked at.
Protection is in your hands
Allah has given every Muslim the means to protect themselves: the Quran, daily adhkar and trust in Allah. Ruqyah is not reserved for scholars — it is accessible to every sincere believer who relies on authentic texts.