What is Ruqyah and How is it Performed? The Holy Quran and Ahl al-Bayt (a)

The search for spiritual and physical peace has been one of humanity's most essential needs in every era. In modern times, during stress, emotional tension, the evil eye, and various spiritual afflictions, one of the most effective healing methods offered by Islam is treatment through ruqyah. Ruqyah—a word of Arabic origin—means seeking refuge in Allah, asking for healing, and protection from negative influences through verses of the Holy Quran, Divine Names (Asma al-Husna), and prayers narrated from the Infallibles. This guide explores in detail the Islamic essence of ruqyah, the perspective of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) school on this subject, the correct rules for performing ruqyah, and key points to consider in this field.

The Concept of Ruqyah and Its Islamic Essence

Islam is fundamentally based on the belief in Tawhid (monotheism). From this perspective, ruqyah is a spiritual resort made with the belief that all healing, the warding off of evil, and the attracting of good occur solely with the permission of Allah Almighty. Ruqyah is not fortune-telling, psychic mediumship, or black magic; on the contrary, it is seeking refuge in Almighty Allah through Quranic verses and authentic prayers taught to us by the infallible Imams (a).

In Islamic history and jurisprudence, ruqyah is divided into two categories: lawful (authentic) ruqyah and unlawful (false) ruqyah. Lawful ruqyah is performed using the names of Allah, His attributes, Quranic verses, and authentic texts narrated from the Ahl al-Bayt (a). Unlawful ruqyah, on the other hand, consists of expressions containing polytheism (shirk) and disbelief (kufr), seeking help from satanic forces, and forbidden sorcery methods, which are strictly prohibited in Islam.

The Place of Ruqyah in the Teachings of the Holy Quran and Ahl al-Bayt (a)

The Holy Quran is a divine word that brings healing to both the human soul and body. Allah Almighty states in verse 82 of Surah Al-Isra:

"We send down in the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers..."

In the school of Ahl al-Bayt (a) and hadith studies, great importance has been attached to ruqyah, as well as protective prayers (hirz and ta'weez). Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Imam Ali (a), Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a), and other infallible Imams (a) recommended reciting specific verses and prayers during various illnesses, evil eye afflictions, or emotional distress.

In the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (a), it is emphasized that every verse and letter of the Quran holds a special spiritual secret and healing power. Surah Al-Fatiha, in particular, is known by the names "Al-Shafiya" (The Curer) and "Al-Kafiya" (The Sufficient). Imam Sadiq (a) said that if Surah Al-Hamd (Al-Fatiha) is recited 70 times over a sick person and that person does not recover, it would be surprising. This hadith is a clear example of the profound effect the divine word has on the human soul and body.

Basic Conditions and Requirements of Islamic Ruqyah

Certain divine and Islamic legal rules must be observed for ruqyah to be accepted and effective. If these conditions are not met, ruqyah may lose its efficacy:

• Sincere intention and Tawhid: One must firmly believe that Allah alone grants healing. The person reciting or requesting ruqyah must consider the verses only as a divine means and channel, realizing that true efficacy comes from Allah.
• Relying on authentic sources: The recited texts must consist only of verses from the Holy Quran and authentic supplications passed down to us from the Prophet (pbuh) and the Ahl al-Bayt (a) (for instance, from sources such as "Tibbul-A'immah", "Mafatih al-Jinan", or "Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya").
• Original Arabic text and correct pronunciation: Ruqyah is not a general conversational prayer; therefore, Quranic verses, Divine Names, and ruqyah supplications found in hadiths must be recited in their original Arabic text with accurate pronunciation. This is because the arrangement of sounds and meanings in the letters of the Quranic speech and divine remembrances holds direct power.
• Not denying medical science: Islam highly values scientific treatment and medical means. Imam Ali (a) and other Imams (a) recommended consulting a doctor and taking medication when sick. Ruqyah is not an alternative to medical treatment...