What is ruqyah in Islam?

Ruqyah is the recitation of Quranic verses and authentic prophetic supplications as a means of seeking Allah's protection and healing from illness, evil eye, and spiritual harm. It is a firmly established practice in Islam based on Quran and Sunnah.

Is ruqyah permissible in Islam?

Yes, ruqyah is permissible and encouraged when it consists only of Quran and authentic duas, is recited in a known language without shirk, and the person believes that healing comes from Allah alone. The Prophet ﷺ said there is no harm in ruqyah that does not involve shirk. (Muslim)

Which surah is best for ruqyah?

Surah Al-Fatiha, Ayatul Kursi (2:255), Surah Al-Ikhlas (112), Surah Al-Falaq (113), and Surah An-Nas (114) are the most established surahs for ruqyah, all supported by authentic narrations. The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286) are also strongly recommended.

Can I perform ruqyah on myself?

Yes. Self-ruqyah (ruqyah on oneself) is the most common form. You recite the relevant Quranic verses into your cupped hands and pass them over your body, as narrated from the Prophet ﷺ by Aisha. (Bukhari/Muslim)

How many times should I repeat ruqyah verses?

Surah Al-Fatiha is recited seven times for ruqyah in the relevant narration. Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas are recited three times each in the morning and evening adhkar. There is no strict rule for all situations — sincerity and consistency matter most.

What is the difference between ruqyah and magic?

Ruqyah is the use of Quranic verses and authentic duas, relying entirely on Allah as the source of healing. Magic involves seeking supernatural power from sources other than Allah, including jinn or forbidden means. One is an act of worship; the other is a major sin.

Ruqyah: Seeking Protection and Healing through the Quran and Sunnah

The word ruqyah (رُقْيَة) refers to the recitation of Quranic verses and authentic supplications as a means of seeking Allah's protection and healing. It is one of the most firmly established spiritual practices in Islam, carried out by the Prophet ﷺ himself and explicitly approved in the Sunnah. Unlike many folk or cultural remedies, lawful ruqyah draws its power entirely from the Quran and from sincere reliance on Allah — Who alone is Al-Shafi, the Healer.

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Wa nunazzilu minal-qur'ani ma huwa shifa'un wa rahmatun lil-mu'mineen

"And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers." (Quran 17:82)

Lawful Ruqyah vs. Forbidden Practices

Not all practices called 'ruqyah' are the same. The Prophet ﷺ drew a clear line: "There is nothing wrong with ruqyah as long as it does not involve shirk." (Muslim) Lawful ruqyah — ruqyah al-shar'iyyah — fulfils three conditions that scholars have derived from the Sunnah:

It consists only of the Quran, authentic duas from the Sunnah, or words with a known meaning that do not contradict Islam.
It is done in a language the reciter understands or in Arabic, not in meaningless symbols or words from unknown sources.
The person performing it does not believe the words have power in themselves — all healing comes from Allah, and ruqyah is merely a means of seeking it.

Ruqyah that involves calling on jinn, seeking the help of anyone besides Allah, using unintelligible incantations, or mixing Islamic phrases with prohibited elements is forbidden and falls under shirk or bid'ah. If you are seeking someone to perform ruqyah for you, choose a person of known religious integrity who recites only from the Quran and Sunnah.

The Key Surahs and Verses Used in Ruqyah

The following are among the most established recitations for ruqyah, supported by Hadith:

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Surah Al-Fatiha

A Companion recited Al-Fatiha over a scorpion sting and the man recovered. When the Prophet ﷺ was told, he approved it and said, 'How did you know it was a ruqyah?' (Bukhari)

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Ayatul Kursi (2:255)

Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi in the morning is protected from jinn until the evening, and vice versa. See our full guide to Ayatul Kursi for the complete text and transliteration.

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Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas

The Prophet ﷺ recited these three surahs into his cupped hands and passed them over his body when ill. (Bukhari/Muslim) Reciting each three times gives complete protection when done morning and evening.

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Last two verses of Al-Baqarah (2:285–286)

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.' (Bukhari/Muslim) Scholars explain this includes protection from harm.

How the Prophet ﷺ Practiced Ruqyah

Aisha (RA) narrated: "When the Prophet ﷺ was ill, he would blow into his hands, recite the Mu'awwidhatayn — Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nas — and wipe his hands over whatever he could reach of his body, starting with his head and face." (Bukhari/Muslim) This is the foundational method that scholars base self-ruqyah upon.

He ﷺ also used to say when visiting the sick: "Adhhib al-ba's, Rabb an-nas, washfi anta al-Shafi, la shifa'a illa shifa'uk, shifa'an la yughadiru saqaman" — "Remove the hardship, O Lord of people, and heal, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness behind." (Bukhari/Muslim)

How to Perform Self-Ruqyah

Be in a state of wudu — recommended, though not strictly required for recitation.
Sit facing the qiblah and calm your mind, focusing on the meaning of what you are about to recite.
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha seven times, either aloud or in a low voice.
Recite Ayatul Kursi (2:255) once or three times.
Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas — each three times.
Cup your hands, blow gently into them (a light breath, not forcefully), and pass them over your face, head and body as far as you can reach.
Repeat this after Fajr and before Maghrib, incorporating it into your regular morning and evening adhkar.

Ruqyah is a means, not a magic solution. Islam encourages seeking appropriate medical care alongside spiritual remedies — the Prophet ﷺ said: "Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it." (Abu Dawud) Use ruqyah as a sincere act of worship and a means of drawing closer to Allah, while also seeking all other lawful means of cure.

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