Section: What is Ruqyah ?
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‘Ruqyah ’ is the practice of treating illnesses through Qur’anic ayat and invocations as prescribed by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). It provides a cure for evil eye, magic and physical ailments.The Qur’an offers perfect solace to a believer – both spiritually and physically. Ruqyah should therefore play an essential role in our lives. Allah (ﷻ) says: وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ Translation: “We send down in the Qur’an that which is a cure and a mercy for the believers.” (17:81-2)As well providing a cure, Ruqyah is an excellent way for the believers to build their Iman and reaffirm their tawhid for Allah (ﷻ). Seeking treatment through the Qur’an demonstrates complete belief in the Book of Allah (ﷻ).The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Make good use of the two cures: honey and the Qur’an.” (Ibn Majah)‘A’ishah (RA) said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was ill, Jibril (‘alayhis-salam) performed Ruqyah on him.” (Muslim)In another hadith, ‘A’ishah (RA) informs us that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered upon her and found a woman treating her with Ruqyah (through other than the words of Allah (ﷻ)). He (ﷺ) said: “Treat her with the book of Allah (ﷻ).” (Ibn Hibban)She also said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to command me to perform Ruqyah from the evil eye.” (Muslim)Upon another occasion, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw a girl whose face had changed colour in the house of Umm Salamah (RA), so he (ﷺ) said: “Seek Ruqyah for her, because she has been affected by the evil eye.” (Bukhari)‘A’ishah (RA) also narrated that whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would become sick, he would recite [the last 3 Surahs of the Qur’an] and then blow over his body.She says: “During his last illness from which he passed away, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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.” (Bukhari)In another hadith, she mentions that whenever anyone from his family would become ill, he (ﷺ) would blow over them with these three Surahs. (Muslim)The Ruqyah that is acceptable in the Sharee'ah is that which fulfills three conditions:1. The Ruqyah must be done with the Quran, with the Names and Attributes of Allaah The Almighty, or with a supplication reported on the authority of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.2. The Ruqyah must be composed of comprehensive Arabic words because it is not appropriate to use a language other than Arabic in supplication. It is only permissible for those who are not fluent in Arabic. Using foreign words in Ruqyah is unacceptable. This was stated by Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him.3. It must be known that Ruqyah has no effect on its own, but it is effective only by the will of Allaah The Almighty.Once these three conditions are fulfilled, it becomes a valid Ruqyah. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, mentioned that Ruqyah is permissible, provided that it does not include any of the features of Shirk (polytheism). [Muslim]