Ruqyah: Quranic Spiritual Healing
Ruqyah is the recitation of specific Quranic verses and prophetic supplications (duas) for spiritual healing, protection from evil, and treatment of physical or spiritual afflictions like the evil eye, black magic, and jinn. It’s a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who would perform it on himself and others.
The Quran, described as a source of healing and mercy, plays a key role in Ruqyah. As Allah says:
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٞ وَرَحۡمَةٞ لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ “And We send down in the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers” (17:82).
Verses commonly used in Ruqyah include:
1. Surah Al-Fatiha (1:1-7)
The opening chapter of the Quran is often called the greatest chapter, offering complete healing.
2. Ayat Al-Kursi (2:255)
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡحَيُّ ٱلۡقَيُّومُ… “Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence” (Al-Baqarah 2:255). It is a powerful verse for seeking protection.
3. Surah Al-Falaq (113:1-5)
قُلۡ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلۡفَلَقِ… “Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the Daybreak…” This chapter is specifically recited for protection from magic and evil.
4. Surah An-Nas (114:1-6)
قُلۡ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِ… “Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind…” This chapter offers protection from whisperings of evil forces.
Ruqyah involves a focused recitation of these verses or others, combined with firm belief in Allah’s power. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged the use of **Surah Al-Falaq** and Surah An-Nas for protection from harm (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, reciting these verses, along with proper intention and reliance on Allah, plays a significant role in combating spiritual ailments like the evil eye and black magic.
In a hadith, Aisha (RA) narrated that when the Prophet (ﷺ) was seriously ill, he would recite the Mu’awwidhat (the last three chapters of the Quran) and blow over his body. When his pain worsened, Aisha (RA) would recite these chapters and blow over him (Sahih Bukhari).
The practice of Ruqyah is rooted in Islamic tradition and serves as a potent tool for seeking protection and healing from both physical and spiritual harm. It reflects the deep reliance on the Quran and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a cure for the afflictions faced by believers.