Ruqyah Shariah - HEALING THROUGH LISTENING
The Qur'ān is the actual word of Allāh (SWT), which has been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not only as guidance for all mankind but Allāh has also made it a spiritual cure and healing for all types of ailments; such as to expel demons, black magic and evil eye. We must understand that the Qur’ān benefits us in every aspect; socially, economically, spiritually and physically. Understanding of the cure (Shifā) in general is a cure in itself, and those who understand this achieve the blessing. Allāh (SWT) has clearly told us in the Qur’ān that the words of The Creator is a healing for all those who believe, therefore, when used with full conviction and seeking the Help of Allāh (SWT), is when this form of treatment can bring great miraculous cures to all forms of illnesses.
Allāh (SWT) says: “And We send down of the Qur’ān that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe”. (Sūrāt al-Isrā, 17:82]
DEFINITION OF RUQYAH SHARIAH
Ruqyah shariah in Islam is a recitation of the Qur’an, the use of authentic supplications and the seeking of refuge in Allah (SWT) using His Perfect Names and Attributes. All of these are means of treatment for a person suffering from ailments such as the Evil Eye, Envy, Jinn possession, Black Magic or other ailments such as fever, depression, cancer, etc.
TYPES OF RUQYAH SHARIAH AND ITS CONDITIONS
There are 2 types of Ruqyah:
• Ruqyah Shariah
• Ruqya Shirk'iyyah
Ruqya SharIah
This is Ruqya that is free from any forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and revolves around the recitation of the Qur’an, the use of authentic supplications and the seeking of assistance and refuge in Allaah (SWT) alone. Ruqya Shar'iyyah should meet 3 conditions as mentioned by the scholars, and it is from their consensus that the legalization of Ruqya is achieved when the 3 conditions are met. They are:
• It must be with the words of Allah (Qur’an), his names and his attributes.
• It must be in the Arabic language or a language that is clearly understood by the people.
• To believe that the Ruqya being done has no benefit by itself, but the benefits and cure are from Allaah alone.
**PLEASE NOTE**
These conditions can be found in ‘Fath Al-Bari’ and in the sayings of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah concerning healing the one who is possessed.
Evidence can be found in the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ in regards to Ruqya being allowed; this is encouraged in the following Hadith:
Awf Ibn Malik al-Ashja’i (RAA) narrated that he said to the Prophet ﷺ: “O Allah’s Messenger! We used to do Ruqya during the days of Jahiliyyah (pre-islamic era). What do you think of that?” He ﷺ replied: "Present your Ruqya to me; there is nothing wrong with it as long as it does not involve Shirk." (Sahih Muslim)
Therefore, Ruqya Shar'iyyah is permissible and legal in Islam.
Ruqya Shirk'iyyah
This type of Ruqya leads to sin and destruction upon the individual as it involves calling upon other than Allaah (SWT). It entails seeking assistance from the Jinn, Magicians, Horoscopes, Charms & Amulets etc. Therefore, it is clear that its practice is completely forbidden in Islam, which is evident from the above Hadeeth of the Prophet ﷺ.
