It Must Be with Correct and Permissible Words
It should be with the Qur’an, the names and attributes of Allah, authentic supplications, or a clear du'a whose meaning contains nothing prohibited.
Ruqyah Guidelines
Conditions of Islamic Ruqyah and What Makes Ruqyah Forbidden
Praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
Not every ruqyah is correct. There is Islamic ruqyah that is lawful and beneficial by Allah’s permission, and there are forbidden forms of ruqyah that contain shirk, talismans, seeking help from the jinn, or unknown words. For this reason, a Muslim needs to know the guidelines so he protects his religion before his body.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Show me your ruqyahs. There is no harm in ruqyah as long as it does not contain shirk.” Narrated by Muslim.
قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: "اعْرِضُوا عَلَيَّ رُقَاكُمْ، لَا بَأْسَ بِالرُّقَى مَا لَمْ يَكُنْ فِيهِ شِرْكٌ". رواه مسلم.
This hadith is a great foundation: ruqyah is permissible when it is free from shirk and religious violations.
Conditions of Islamic Ruqyah
It Must Be Free from Shirk
It is not permissible to call upon other than Allah, seek rescue from the jinn, or ask protection from an absent created being who has no power.
Its Words Must Be Understandable
Ruqyah should be in Arabic or in a language whose meaning is understood, so that disbelief, falsehood, or talismans do not enter into it.
One Must Believe Healing Is from Allah
It is not permissible to believe that the raqi, the words, the water, or the oil heals by itself. The true Healer is Allah alone, and these are only means.
It Must Not Include Anything Forbidden
This includes unlawful seclusion, touching what is not permissible to touch, uncovering 'awrah, using impurities, or wearing amulets.
What Makes Ruqyah Forbidden?
Ruqyah becomes forbidden if it contains any of the following:
- Calling upon other than Allah.
- Seeking help from the jinn or addressing them for treatment.
- Talismans or disconnected letters whose meaning is unknown.
- Sacrificing for other than Allah.
- Asking for the mother’s name or clothing traces in a suspicious way.
- Using impurities or blood.
- Hanging charms and amulets.
- Claiming knowledge of the unseen.
- Unlawful seclusion or touching women without right.
- Making people believe that healing is guaranteed with the raqi.
A Brief Table: Islamic Ruqyah vs. Forbidden Ruqyah
| Islamic Ruqyah | Forbidden Ruqyah |
|---|---|
| Qur’an and clear permissible supplications | Talismans and unknown words |
| Attachment to Allah alone | Seeking help from jinn or calling upon other than Allah |
| Preserving modesty and Islamic boundaries | Unlawful seclusion or touching without right |
| The raqi affirms that healing is from Allah | The raqi suggests healing is guaranteed with him |
How Do You Recognize an Upright Raqi?
- He recites Qur’an and clear supplications.
- He affirms that healing is from Allah alone.
- He does not ask for strange things.
- He does not seclude himself with women or take forbidden matters lightly.
- He does not claim knowledge of the unseen.
- He does not exaggerate in frightening people.
- He commands prayer, adhkar, and repentance.
- He does not make money his greatest concern.
Signs of a Sorcerer or Charlatan
- He asks for the mother’s name.
- He gives charms or unknown papers.
- He writes talismans or magic squares.
- He asks for slaughtering or incense in a strange way.
- He claims to know who performed magic or who caused the evil eye.
- He speaks about unseen matters.
- He prevents the patient from prayer or treatment.
- He touches women or secludes himself with them.
- He asks for photos, clothing, or traces.
Is Every Raqi Who Takes Money a Charlatan?
No. Taking payment for ruqyah is generally permissible, and the evidence is the hadith of the Companion who performed ruqyah with Al-Fatihah and accepted compensation, then the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, approved them.
Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.
What is forbidden is exploitation, exaggeration, tying people’s hearts to the raqi, and making them believe that healing only happens through him.
Ruqyah and Medicine
It is wrong for the raqi to make himself a replacement for the doctor in every matter or to prevent the patient from treatment. Ruqyah is a lawful spiritual means, and medicine is a physical means. There is no contradiction between them.
Is It Permissible to Go to a Raqi?
Yes, if he is known for uprightness, and his ruqyah is with the Qur’an, Sunnah, and permissible supplications, free from violations.
Is It Permissible to Use Jinn for Treatment?
This is a dangerous door that should not be entered. It contains great harms and trial for people. One should be satisfied with clear Islamic ruqyah.
Is It Permissible to Hang Verses or Charms for Protection?
Hanging amulets and charms is prohibited. The safer path for the Muslim is to protect himself with adhkar, ruqyah, and du'a, not with hanging objects.
Is Every Illness Caused by Evil Eye or Magic?
No. Illness may be physical, psychological, or due to another cause. It is not permissible to state with certainty that it is evil eye or magic without evidence.
Closing Note
Islamic ruqyah is built upon tawhid, the Qur’an, and du'a. Forbidden ruqyah is built upon obscurity, shirk, superstition, and exploiting people. The Muslim should learn the guidelines, protect his religion, and know that healing is in the hand of Allah alone.