Prayer TimesAccording to Islamic law, it is permissible to perform ruqyah (spiritual healing) by reciting supplications and Qur’anic verses when afflicted by the evil eye, magic, jinn possession, fear, shock, illness, mental disturbance, or other such causes. The reality of magic, the evil eye, and jinn possession is affirmed in both the Qur’an and the hadiths of the Prophet (ﷺ). Reciting Qur’anic verses and supplications as ruqyah is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and a practice he taught his ummah.
The practice of spiritual healing is called “ruqyah” in Arabic. This means reciting verses from the Qur’an and supplications from the hadiths of the Prophet (ﷺ) over oneself or another person. For example, one may recite Al-Fatiha, Ya-Sin, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Ayat al-Kursi, and other surahs and verses as ruqyah.
One of the virtues of the Qur’an is that it is a cure and healing for the soul and body. The Qur’an is not only recited for the souls of the deceased; a person who is ill may recite its verses seeking healing.
In Surah Al-Isra, verse 82: “And We send down in the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe.”
This verse shows that the Qur’an has healing properties. The Prophet (ﷺ) would recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas as ruqyah, and he also said:
“Al-Fatiha is a cure for every illness.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) would also supplicate:
“O Allah! Lord of mankind, remover of harm, grant healing, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness behind.”
Today, many people are afflicted by magic, the evil eye, or jinn. People can protect themselves by reciting the morning and evening adhkar and performing ruqyah on themselves. Anyone may perform ruqyah on themselves or seek the help of a qualified imam. After reciting selected surahs and supplications from the Prophet (ﷺ), one may gently blow over the sick person.
If someone is afflicted by the evil eye and the person who caused it is identified, the water used for that person’s ablution can be used to treat the afflicted. In the hadith it is said:
“If one of you causes the evil eye to afflict another, let him wash himself for him.”
If it is confirmed that someone has been affected by magic, the relevant verses about magic should be recited repeatedly and abundantly.
As mentioned above, magic, the evil eye, and jinn possession are real. Therefore, a Muslim should regularly recite the morning and evening adhkar for protection. If afflicted by magic, one should recite the verses and supplications related to magic found in the Qur’an and hadith, perform ruqyah on themselves, or seek help from an imam who performs ruqyah.
Medet Kurmashuly
“Iman” magazine, No. 10, 2023
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.