What is Ruqya and why you need it now

Ruqya (Arabic: الرقية) is a term that refers to the use of divine speech in Islam to heal various ailments, especially those caused by occult forces, such as possession, witchcraft, or evil eye. Ruqya is derived from the verb raqa (Arabic: رقى), which means to charm, enchant, or bewitch. Ruqya is also known as ruqiya charia (Arabic: رقية شرعية), which means lawful or legitimate ruqya, to distinguish it from unlawful or illegitimate forms of ruqya that involve shirk (associating partners with Allah) or bid’ah (innovation in religion).

Ruqya is part of a broader field of Islamic medicine called “prophetic medicine” (Arabic: الطب النبوي), which is based on the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions. Prophetic medicine includes various methods of spiritual and physical healing, such as supplication, invocation, recitation, remembrance, charity, fasting, cupping, honey, black seed, and other natural remedies.

The Sources and Types of Ruqya

The main sources of ruqya are the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). The Qur’an is the word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. The Qur’an contains many verses that are considered to be healing and mercy for the believers, as Allah says: “And We send down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe.” [17:82]

The Sunnah is the example of Prophet Muhammad in his words, deeds, and approvals. The Sunnah contains many authentic narrations that show how Prophet Muhammad and his companions performed ruqya for themselves and others. For example, it is reported that Prophet Muhammad used to recite Surat al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Qur’an) as a ruqya for curing poison and fever. He also taught his companions some specific invocations and supplications to seek refuge in Allah from various evils.

Based on these sources, scholars have classified ruqya into two main types: general ruqya and specific ruqya. General ruqya is the recitation of any verses or chapters of the Qur’an that glorify Allah’s names and attributes, praise His power and mercy, or seek His forgiveness and guidance. General ruqya can also include any authentic supplications or invocations that are not specific to a certain disease or problem. General ruqya can be performed by anyone, at any time, for any purpose.

Specific ruqya is the recitation of certain verses or chapters of the Qur’an that are related to a specific disease or problem. Specific ruqya can also include certain supplications or invocations that are prescribed by Prophet Muhammad for a certain disease or problem. Specific ruqya can only be performed by someone who has knowledge and sincerity, for someone who has faith and patience, and for a legitimate reason.

The Conditions and Etiquettes of Ruqya

Ruqya is not a magic spell or a superstition. It is a form of worship and a means of seeking Allah’s help and protection. Therefore, ruqya must be performed according to certain conditions and etiquettes that ensure its validity and effectiveness. Some of these conditions and etiquettes are:

• Ruqya must be performed with the intention of seeking Allah’s help and relying on Him alone. Ruqya must not be performed with the intention of showing off, earning money, or harming others.
• Ruqya must be performed with the permission and consent of the person who needs it. Ruqya must not be performed on someone who does not want it or does not believe in it.
• Ruqya must be performed with words that are in accordance with the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Ruqya must not include any words that involve shirk (such as calling upon other than Allah), bid’ah (such as adding or deleting from the religion), or falsehood (such as lying or cursing).
• Ruqya must be performed with respect and humility. Ruqya must not be performed with arrogance or pride.
• Ruqya must be performed with patience and perseverance. Ruqya must not be performed with haste or impatience.
• Ruqya must be accompanied by other acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and repentance. Ruqya must not be considered as a sufficient cause of healing.

The Benefits and Effects of Ruqya

Ruqya is a great blessing and a powerful weapon for the believers. Ruqya has many benefits and effects, both spiritual and physical, such as:

• Ruqya strengthens the faith and trust in Allah. Ruqya reminds the person that Allah is the only healer and protector, and that nothing can harm or benefit him except by His will.
• Ruqya purifies the soul and the heart. Ruqya cleanses the person from the effects of sin, evil, and ignorance, and fills him with the light of guidance, goodness, and knowledge.
• Ruqya increases the reward and the rank. Ruqya elevates the person in the sight of Allah and grants him more blessings and favors in this world and the hereafter.
• Ruqya cures the diseases and the problems. Ruqya heals the person from the harm of jinn, magic, evil eye, and other physical and psychological illnesses, by the permission of Allah.
• Ruqya protects the person and his family. Ruqya shields the person from the attacks of enemies, envy, and calamities, by the grace of Allah.