What is Ruqyah?

Ruqyah is commonly translated in English as "incantation" which carries a negative meaning, since the word incantation is usually associated with magic, spells, and witchcraft. However, Ruqyah in Islam is the recitation of Qur'an, seeking of refuge, remembrance and supplications that are used as a means of treating sicknesses and other problems.)

Ruqyah are of two types:

1) Ruqyah Ash Shar'eeya 2) Ruqyah Ash Shirkiyah

Ar-Ruqyah Ash Shar'eeyah : mentioned above, it has three conditions. Ibn Hajar (rahimuhullah) said there is a consensus on the using of Ruqyah if three conditions are met:

1) It must be with the speech of Allah (Qur'aan) and his names and attributes.

2) It must be in the Arabic language, or what is known to be its meaning in other languages.

3) To believe that Ruqyah has no benefit by itself, but the benefits are from Allah.

This type of Ruqyah is permissible and is the main subject of this topic.

Ar Ruqyah Ash Shirkiyah: this contradicts the conditions of Ruqyah Ash Shar'eeyah and has in it Shirk, associating partners with Allah. It leads a person to his destruction in this life and the next and increases calamities and sicknesses. This type of Ruqyah is prohibited, from the statement of the Prophet (saws) This type includes: Magic (whether learning, practicing, or teaching it), Fortune telling, Horoscopes, superstitious belief, and at-Tameemah ( charms and amulets).