The basics

Shar'i Ruqyah, simply explained

Ruqyah means reciting the Qur'an, the names of Allah and the Prophet's ﷺ supplications over yourself or someone else, asking Allah for cure and protection.

Is ruqyah allowed?

Yes. A companion told the Prophet ﷺ that people used to recite ruqyah before Islam and asked what he thought of it. He said there is no harm in ruqyah as long as it contains no shirk (associating partners with Allah). Sahih Muslim 2200

The conditions scholars mention

  • It is done with the words of Allah, His names and attributes, or authentic supplications.
  • Its words are clear and understood. No strange words, codes or names nobody can explain.
  • The person believes the ruqyah has no power of its own. Cure comes only from Allah, by His permission.

A ruqyah that calls on anyone other than Allah, or mixes in hidden words, is not shar'i ruqyah.

For yourself and your family

What you can recite

These are the passages most often used for ruqyah. We give only their names and references, so please read them from a proper mushaf or a trusted Qur'an app, and recite in Arabic as best you can.

Surah Al-FatihahQur'an 1:1–7. The companions recited it as ruqyah and the Prophet ﷺ approved. Bukhari 5737
Ayat al-KursiQur'an 2:255. The greatest verse in the Qur'an. Muslim 810
End of Surah Al-BaqarahQur'an 2:285–286
Surah Al-IkhlasQur'an 112
Surah Al-FalaqQur'an 113. Seeking refuge from envy and the harm of what Allah created.
Surah An-NasQur'an 114. Seeking refuge from the whisperer.

A simple daily routine

  1. Keep your salah

    The five prayers on time are the strongest protection a Muslim has.

  2. Morning and evening remembrance

    Read the morning and evening adhkar every day. Fortress of the Muslim (Hisn al-Muslim) collects them.

  3. Before sleeping

    The Prophet ﷺ would cup his hands, recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, blow lightly into them, and wipe over as much of his body as he could, starting with his head and face. He did this three times. Bukhari 5017

  4. Recite over yourself

    When unwell, recite Al-Fatihah and the passages above with full trust in Allah, and make sincere du'a.

  5. Keep your home alive with Qur'an

    Recite in your home regularly, especially Surah Al-Baqarah. The Prophet ﷺ said Shaytan flees from a house where it is recited. Muslim 780

What to avoid

  • Amulets, ta'weez, threads, or written charms worn or hung for protection. The Prophet ﷺ said spells, amulets and love-charms are shirk. Abu Dawud 3883
  • Anyone who asks for your mother's name to "check your stars", tells your future, or claims to know the unseen.
  • Animal sacrifice, or anything done for other than Allah.
  • Recitation in unclear words, or anything you are asked to keep secret from scholars.
  • Anyone who says the jinn told them who did magic to you. Do not accuse family or neighbours based on this.
  • Stopping your medicine because someone said the problem is "only spiritual".
The Qur'an is a cure and a mercy, and the believer turns to Allah first. We still encourage everyone to see a doctor. Taking a means of treatment does not weaken trust in Allah.
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