What Is Ruqyah?

Ruqyah Shar’iyyah refers to the recitation of Qur’anic verses and supplications taught by the Prophet ﷺ for healing, whether from spiritual, emotional, or physical ailments. It’s a form of worship, not a ritual or magic formula.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is no harm in Ruqyah as long as it does not involve shirk.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2200)

This means true Ruqyah must rely solely on Allah’s words and authentic du’as. The believer’s faith, sincerity, and tawakkul (trust in Allah) are the real sources of healing, not the voice, reciter, or even the medium.

The Power of Self-Ruqyah

The Prophet ﷺ frequently performed Ruqyah upon himself and encouraged others to do the same. He would recite Surah al-Falaq and Surah an-Nas, blow lightly into his hands, and wipe his body before sleeping.

“Whenever the Prophet ﷺ went to bed, he would cup his hands, blow into them, and recite Surah al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas, then wipe his body as much as he could.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5017)

This act is deeply personal, it strengthens faith and humility before Allah. Listening to Ruqyah can bring comfort, but reciting it yourself, with conviction, is far more powerful.

Is Listening to Ruqyah Audio Sufficient?

Listening to Ruqyah recordings may offer spiritual relief or help maintain an Islamic atmosphere, but scholars agree it’s not a complete substitute for personal recitation.

When you simply play a recording, you’re not actively engaging your heart, voice, or intention, all of which are essential in Ruqyah. The power of Qur’an lies in its recitation and reflection, not in the sound waves alone.

However, playing Ruqyah audio can be beneficial in certain cases:

• To purify the home and repel Shayatin.
• To help a sick or weak person who cannot recite themselves.
• To maintain remembrance of Allah in the environment.

Yet, healing comes through active worship, sincere supplication, and reliance upon Allah, not automation or passive listening.

What the Scholars Said

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin (rahimahullah) explained that while listening to recorded Ruqyah can have an effect, “it cannot replace Ruqyah performed by oneself or directly upon the patient.” He emphasised that the Prophet ﷺ and his companions recited Ruqyah personally, with presence of heart and reliance on Allah.

Shaykh Ibn Baz (rahimahullah) was asked whether recorded Ruqyah can cure. He replied:

“There is nothing wrong with listening to Ruqyah audio or letting someone else play it, but the Sunnah is to perform it oneself, reciting and blowing, as this carries greater reward and effect.”
(Majmoo’ Fatawa Ibn Baz, vol. 24, p. 410)

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that the impact of Ruqyah depends upon three things: the recitation itself, the reciter’s sincerity, and the patient’s receptiveness. Without presence of heart, the benefit may be limited.

Thus, recordings can support, but should not replace the living, heartfelt act of recitation.

Qur’anic Guidance and Reflection

The Qur’an is a healing for hearts, but its healing depends on one’s engagement and belief in its words:

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers.”
(Surah al-Isra, 17:82)

Notice that Allah says, “for the believers”, not merely “for those who hear it.” The heart’s response, humility, and trust are what turn sound into healing.

Similarly, Allah says:

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah, surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Surah ar-Ra’d, 13:28)

It’s the connection of heart, not just the playing of a verse, that brings tranquillity and healing.

How to Perform Ruqyah Properly

Here’s how to perform Ruqyah Shar’iyyah as practised by the Prophet ﷺ:

• Begin with sincere intention and tawakkul (trust in Allah).
• Be in a state of wudu.
• Recite Qur’anic verses such as Al-Fatihah, Ayatul Kursi (2:255), Al-Baqarah 2:285–286, and Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas.
• Blow lightly into your hands or water after recitation.
• Wipe over yourself or the affected person, or drink from the water.

These were the Sunnah methods. The Prophet ﷺ never relied on objects or recordings, only the living act of dhikr, du’a, and Qur’an recitation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)