What is Ruqyah and how to do it? Assalamu alaikum - by Asma bint Shameem

Assalamu alaikum, What is Ruqyah and how do we perform it? by Asma bint Shameem Ruqyah is reciting verses of the Qur’aan, authentic duas from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, or other permissible supplications, seeking healing from Allah alone for sickness, harm, the evil eye, magic, and similar harms. The key is placing your FULL trust and reliance in Allah, the Source of all cure and healing. The Prophet ﷺ used ruqyah for himself and others, and when he became ill, Aa’ishah radhiallahu anha recited for him. The Sunnah prefers doing it in odd numbers. The best is to recite ruqyah for yourself - there’s something special about it - though it is allowed for someone to do it for you or for you to ask someone else to do it. Aa’ishah radhiallahu anha said: when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was ill he would recite the Mu’awwidhatayn over himself and spit dryly; when his pain increased she recited over him and wiped him with his hand seeking its barakah. (al-Bukhaari, Muslim) Can you perform ruqyah for someone else? Yes. The Prophet ﷺ performed ruqyah for al-Hasan and al-Husayn radhiallahu anhum. Ibn ‘Abbaas reported that the Prophet ﷺ sought refuge for them with the words: “A’oodhu bi kalimaatillaah al-taammah…” - “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, poisonous creature, and the evil eye.” (al-Bukhaari) The Prophet ﷺ taught the Companions ruqyah for themselves. For example, when a companion had pain the Prophet ﷺ said: place your hand on the area and say Bismillaah three times and then seven times say: “Aa’oodhu bi ‘izzatillaah wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajid wa uhaadhir.” (Muslim) Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen explained ruqyah is of four kinds: that which is from the Sunnah (prescribed and mustahabb), that which is shirk or bid’ah (impermissible), that which is a permissible supplication not reported from the Prophet ﷺ (allowed), and mixed cases. The Prophet ﷺ said ruqyah is fine provided it contains no shirk. How to perform Ruqyah (practical steps): - Bring your palms together, recite the verses and authentic duas into your hands, then blow into them and wipe over yourself or the painful area. - You may put water (zamzam if available) and recite over it 3, 5 or 7 times, blow each time, then drink some and wipe with it over the painful spots morning, afternoon and before sleep. - Recommended Qur’aanic portions: al-Faatihah, Ayatul Kursi, the last two verses of Surat al-Baqarah, and the last three surahs. Add authentic Prophetic duas and blow on the water or into your palms. Specific short formulas mentioned in the Sunnah: - Put your hand on the painful spot, say Bismillaah three times, then seven times say: “Aa’oodhu bi ‘izzatillaahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhaadhir.” (“I seek refuge in the glory and power of Allah from the evil of what I feel and worry about.”) - Or say three times: “Aa’oodhu bi kalimaatillaahit-taammah min kulli shaytaanin wa haammatin wa min kulli ‘aynin laammah.” (“I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect words from every devil, poisonous creature and the evil eye.”) - Also recite three times: “Allaahumma Rabbann-Naas adhhib al-ba’s washfi anta ash-Shaafi, laa shifaa illa shifaa’uka shifaa’an laa yughaadiru saqamaa.” (A supplication asking Allah for a complete healing.) A simple ruqyah phrase to say for someone else three times: “Bismillaahi arqeek, min kulli shay’in yu’dheek, wa min kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin haassidin, Allaahu yashfeek, Bismillaahi arqeek.” (In the name of Allah I ruqyah you from all harm, from the evil of every soul or envious eye; may Allah heal you.) For yourself say: “Bismillaahi arqeeni, min kulli shay’in yu’dheeni… Allaahu yashfeeni, Bismillaahi arqeeni.” three times. Scholarly notes: - Ibn Uthaymeen permitted blowing into water or onto the hands after reciting Qur’aan and wiping, noting many of the salaf practiced this and it is effective by Allah’s leave. - Shaykh Ibn Baaz described the Prophetic practice of dry spitting (spitting without saliva) on the place of illness along with recitation such as al-Faatihah, Ayatul Kursi, and the Mu’awwidhatayn, and making the supplication for healing. Different valid methods from the Sunnah include: 1) Recitation alone. 2) Recitation with blowing of air. 3) Recitation with a little saliva when appropriate. 4) Recitation with wiping (placing the right hand on the sick). 5) Recitation while placing the hand on the painful spot then wiping. 6) Recitation with blowing and wiping. 7) Recitation and putting a finger (with minimal saliva) on the earth then on the sick (a reported Prophetic practice). 8) Recitation with salt in water then wiping the place of pain (a reported instance when the Prophet ﷺ was stung). A’ishah radhiallahu anha reported the Prophet ﷺ would place his forefinger on the earth and recite: “In the name of Allah, the earth of our land and the saliva of some of us may heal our sick by the permission of our Lord.” Scholars differed on whether the phrase refers specifically to Madeenah’s soil; the majority view is it applies generally. A final note: avoid any ruqyah that contains shirk, innovations, or words seeking aid from anyone other than Allah. Stick to the Qur’aan and authentic duas from the Sunnah or permissible authentic supplications. May Allah grant shifa and benefit; and Allah knows best. Assalamu alaikum.