Why do ruqyah

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Ruqyah is an Islamic spiritual healing practice involving Quranic recitation and supplications to seek protection and cure from physical and spiritual ailments. It's based on Quranic verses like Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah An-Nas (114), which Muslims believe offer divine protection. The practice dates back to the Prophet Muhammad's time in the 7th century CE, who reportedly performed ruqyah for illnesses and evil eye. Today, it's widely practiced in Muslim communities globally, with specific guidelines to avoid shirk (associating partners with God).

Key Facts

Ruqyah is derived from Quranic verses, primarily Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah An-Nas (114), recited for protection
The practice originated in 7th-century Arabia during Prophet Muhammad's lifetime, with documented use in early Islamic texts
Ruqyah is performed to address ailments like physical illness, evil eye (al-ayn), and spiritual afflictions (sihr)
It must avoid shirk by using only Quranic verses or permissible supplications, excluding magic or polytheistic elements
Modern applications include ruqyah clinics in countries like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, integrating it with medical treatment

Overview

Ruqyah is an Islamic spiritual healing practice rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, involving the recitation of specific verses and supplications to seek protection and cure from physical and spiritual ailments. Historically, it dates back to the early Islamic period in 7th-century Arabia, where Prophet Muhammad and his companions used ruqyah for issues like fever, scorpion stings, and the evil eye. The term "ruqyah" comes from the Arabic root meaning "to recite" or "incantation," and it's mentioned in hadith collections such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which document its permissibility when free from shirk (associating partners with God). Over centuries, ruqyah evolved within Islamic jurisprudence, with scholars like Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya discussing its therapeutic benefits in works like "Medicine of the Prophet." Today, it's practiced globally by Muslims, often alongside modern medicine, with variations across cultures from the Middle East to Southeast Asia.

How It Works

Ruqyah operates through recitation of Quranic verses, such as Surah Al-Fatihah (1), Ayat al-Kursi (2:255), and the last two chapters (Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nas), believed to have healing properties due to divine revelation. The process typically involves a practitioner (often an imam or trained individual) reciting these verses over the afflicted person, sometimes with blowing on them or using water or oil as mediums. It targets ailments like physical diseases, psychological distress, and spiritual issues such as sihr (magic) or al-ayn (evil eye), based on Islamic beliefs that these verses invoke God's protection. The mechanism is spiritual, relying on faith and divine intervention, with guidelines to ensure it avoids prohibited elements like magic or polytheism. In some cases, ruqyah is combined with medical treatment, reflecting an integrative approach in Muslim-majority regions.

Why It Matters

Ruqyah holds significant cultural and religious importance for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, providing a faith-based remedy for health and spiritual well-being. It reinforces Islamic teachings on reliance on God (tawakkul) and the Quran's healing power, as stated in verse 17:82. Practically, ruqyah clinics in countries like Saudi Arabia and Malaysia offer services for issues like depression and possession, complementing healthcare systems. Its impact includes community support and psychological comfort, though it's debated in modern contexts regarding efficacy and integration with science. Understanding ruqyah helps appreciate Islamic traditions and interfaith perspectives on spiritual healing.