Ruqyah or Scam? How to Spot Fake Ruqyah (The Fish Raqi)
Some time ago, I met a family whose story still lingers in my mind. They had two children, both of whom had mysteriously lost the ability to speak and walk. Doctors, specialists, even professors tried to diagnose the cause, but no one could explain it. The parents were left heartbroken, exhausted, and desperate for answers. That desperation, as it often does, led them to seek help elsewhere, through Ruqyah.
A Family’s Desperate Search for Healing
The family began visiting several Imams who claimed to practise Ruqyah, hoping that perhaps the children’s condition was spiritual. Sadly, their hope turned into more suffering. These supposed “Imams” later turned out to be sorcerers. The situation grew worse instead of better. It’s tragic how people, when in pain, often become easy targets for those who exploit faith for money and power.
Then they heard of a so-called ‘Hoca’ from Turkey, a man famous for allegedly curing the blind and helping the paralysed walk again. Without hesitation, the family set off to find him. Their journey was driven by love and desperation, not by superstition. They simply wanted their children to get better.
The Deceptive Raqi
When they met the man, he seemed confident and kind. After briefly examining the children, he asked their parents to bring him 12 special fish. They were puzzled, but he insisted that a nearby fish shop would have the exact ones. Unaware of what this request truly meant, they followed his instructions.
When they returned, the man began cutting open each fish. He recited Qur’anic verses mixed with incomprehensible chants, words that no one understood, and then smeared the fish blood on the children. He tied each fish to their legs using bandages and ordered them to keep it for a week. Afterwards, he said, they must return for another “session” with new fish.
Days later, the parents learned that the so-called Raqi was, in fact, the owner of the very fish shop he had sent them to. That’s how he made his living, through deceit, through abusing the sacred practice of Ruqyah. Realising they had been tricked, they never went back. Alhamdulillāh, they found the truth before further harm was done.
Recognising the Difference Between Ruqyah and Sihr
True Ruqyah is pure, it’s based solely on the Qur’an, authentic Sunnah, and sincere du‘ā. It does not involve strange rituals, incomprehensible incantations, or bizarre requests like slaughtering animals or using blood. The moment someone demands odd items, money for “spiritual sacrifices,” or recites in languages you don’t understand, alarm bells should go off.
It’s heartbreaking, but many of these deceivers wear the cloak of piety. They quote Qur’an selectively, speak softly, and appear trustworthy, but their actions contradict the very essence of tawḥīd. They manipulate the vulnerable, turning a sacred healing into a tool of sihr (sorcery).
My Nasiha (Sincere Advice)
Please, before you seek Ruqyah, take time to learn its principles. Study how the Prophet ﷺ performed it. Familiarise yourself with the signs of a sahir (sorcerer): strange symbols, unreadable scripts, secret “amulets,” and the mixing of Qur’anic verses with unknown words. These are clear red flags.
If someone truly practises Islamic Ruqyah, they’ll never ask for anything haram, they’ll never exploit you, and they’ll remind you that all healing comes only from Allah. Knowledge protects you from deception. And sometimes, protection is better than any cure.
May Allah preserve us all from the traps of the shayāṭīn and their human allies, and grant shifā’ (healing) to every sick and suffering soul. Āmīn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is genuine Ruqyah?
Authentic Ruqyah is reciting specific Qur’anic verses and supplications taught by the Prophet ﷺ for healing, spiritual or physical. It’s free from superstition, magic, or innovation.
How can I identify a fake Raqi or sorcerer?
If a person uses unreadable symbols, mixes Qur’anic verses with unknown phrases, or requests strange objects (like animals, fish, or specific colours), they are practising sihr, not Ruqyah.
Is it permissible to charge for Ruqyah?
Yes, but only modestly and transparently. The Prophet ﷺ allowed it when someone genuinely benefited, but turning Ruqyah into a business or manipulating others for wealth is forbidden.
What should I do if I’ve been deceived by a fake Raqi?
Immediately repent to Allah, remove all items or “amulets” given to you, and recite Ruqyah on yourself or with a trusted person. Avoid contact with that individual again.
Can Ruqyah be performed at home?
Yes, you can perform Ruqyah on yourself and your family. It’s often more effective when done sincerely by the person seeking help rather than a stranger.
What Qur’anic verses are used for Ruqyah?
Common verses include Surah al-Fātiḥah, Ayat al-Kursī (2:255), Surah al-Baqarah 2:102, Surah al-Ikhlāṣ, Surah al-Falaq, and Surah an-Nās. All must be recited with full faith in Allah’s power.
Is using objects like fish or herbs part of Ruqyah?
No. Ruqyah involves only Qur’anic recitation and permissible supplications. Any ritual using animals, colours, blood, or water in unverified ways is sihr (sorcery).
Can a sorcerer pretend to be an Imam?
Yes, and that’s precisely how many deceive people. They wear religious clothing, speak kindly, and use Islamic language, but their practices reveal their corruption.
How can I protect myself from sorcery?
Recite the morning and evening adhkār, Ayat al-Kursī, and Surah al-Baqarah regularly. Keep your home free of music and shirk. Trust Allah alone for protection.
Should I expose a fake Raqi publicly?
If they continue harming people, yes, but do so carefully, with proof and integrity. Protecting others from deception is a form of sincere advice.
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