RUQYAH

 ‘Ruqyah’ is the practice of treating illnesses through Qur’ānic āyāt and invocations as prescribed by the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم. It provides a cure for evil eye, magic and physical ailments. The Qur’ān offers perfect solace to a believer - both spiritually and physically. Ruqyah should therefore play an essential role in our lives. Allah جل جلاله says: “And say: The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Surely falsehood is ever bound to vanish by its very nature. And We send down in the Qur’ān that which is a cure and a mercy for the believers.” (17:81-2) As well as providing a cure, Ruqyah is an excellent way for the believers to build their Imān and reaffirm their Tawhīd for Allah جل جلاله. Indeed seeking treatment through the Qur’ān demonstrates complete belief in the Book of Allah جل جلاله. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Make good use of the two cures: honey and the Qur’ān.” (Ibn Mājah) ‘Ā’ishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم was ill, Jibril ؑ performed Ruqyah on him.” (Muslim) In another hadith, ‘Ā’ishah  informs us that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم entered upon her and found a woman treating her with Ruqyah (through other than the words of Allah جل جلاله(. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Treat her with the book of Allah جل جلاله.) “Ibn Hibbān) She also said: “The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to command me to perform Ruqyah from the evil eye.” (Muslim) Once the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم saw a girl whose face had changed colour in the house of Umm Salamah, so he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Seek Ruqyah for her, because she has been affected by the evil eye.” (Bukhārī) ‘Ā’ishah  narrated that whenever the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم would become sick, he would recite [the last 3 Sūrahs of the Qur’ān] and then blow over his body. She says: “During his last illness from which he passed away, the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to blow over himself. But when his sickness intensified, I used to (recite and then) blow over him using his own hands because of their blessings.” (Bukhārī) In another hadīth, she  mentions that whenever anyone from his family would become ill, he صلى الله عليه وسلم would blow over them with these three Sūrahs. (Muslim) ‘The Qur’ān is the complete healing for all mental, spiritual and physical diseases; all the diseases of this world and the Hereafter. But not everyone is guided to use it for the purpose of healing. If the sick person uses the Qur’ān for healing in the proper way, and applies it to his disease with sincerity, faith, complete acceptance and firm conviction, fulfilling all its conditions, then no disease can resist it.’ (Ibn al-Qayyim) Conditions for Ruqyah to be successful Before Ruqyah During Ruqyah Intention Ruqyah is a du’ā. The intention should always be to ask Allah to remove the evil by the words of the Qur’ān. Make wudhū, offer two rak‘ats and make sincere du‘ā’. Du‘ā’, especially in tahajjud, brings great reprieve and assistance from Allah جل جلاله. Make abundant and sincere istighfār (seeking forgiveness from Allah جل جلاله(, and stay away from sins. One should restore people’s rights if they have wronged anyone or taken anything unjustly. Give sadaqah as it wards off calamity (Bayhaqī). The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Treat your sick by giving Sadaqah.” (Bayhaqī) Remove animate pictures from the home. Any amulets (ta’wīdh) which contain illegible text or invokes upon other than Allah should also be taken out and disposed of in a river. Remain in a state of wudhū through the day and also sleep with wudhū. Begin Ruqyah by sending Salawāt (salutations) upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Recite the Ruqyah loudly, clearly and with concentration, at least 3 or 7 times. One may recite directly into the hands, blowing into them and rubbing them over the body. One can also recite whilst placing the hands over the part of the body that is in pain. One may recite and blow on water. Keep the mouth close to the water, breathe into it and repeatedly blow over it. This can be used for drinking and bathing. Olive oil and other Sunnah medicines can be recited upon and applied to the body. When reciting on others, place the hand on the forehead of the affected person (mahram only), or on the part of the body in pain, recite and blow. If one cannot recite, then Ruqyah can be listened to. This should be done with full concentration. One should listen carefully and ensure that they do not fall asleep. Conviction (yaqīn) One should recite loudly and clearly, with firm conviction and belief in Allah, who Alone gives cure. Patience & Consistency Like all treatment, consistency is key. Daily recitation, du‘ā’ and other treatments must be maintained for positive results.