The Comprehensive Healing of Ruqyah for Every Disease
In classical Islamic medicine (Tibb-e-Nabawi), physical remedies like herbs and diet are heavily emphasized, but they are always paired with the ultimate source of healing: divine prayer and spiritual incantation, known as Ruqyah.
While many people associate Ruqyah strictly with protection against the evil eye or black magic, classical texts reveal that it is actually a comprehensive treatment for any physical illness or pain. Letās explore the profound supplications taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ļ·ŗ) and the Angel Jibraeel (A.S) for universal healing.
The Universal Ruqyah for Any Ailment
If you or a loved one falls ill with any disease, the Sunnah provides a beautiful, all-encompassing prayer.
Sayyiduna Abu Darda (R.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ļ·ŗ) said that if anyone suffers from an ailment, or if their brother falls ill, they should perform Ruqyah using these powerful words:
Transliteration: Rabbunallahulladhi fis-samaa’i, taqaddasas-muka, amruka fis-samaa’i wal-ardhi kama rahmatuka fis-samaa’i, faj’al rahmataka fil-ardhi, ighfir lana hubana wa khatayana, anta rabhut-tayyibeen, anzil rahmatan min rahmatika, wa shifa’an min shifa’ika ‘ala hadhal-waja’i.
Translation: “Our Lord is Allah Who is in the heaven. (O Allah!) Your name is holy, Your command alone is enforced in the heaven and the earth. Just as Your mercy is in the heaven, similarly bestow Your mercy on the earth, forgive our sins and mistakes, You are the Lord of the pure people. Send down some mercy from Your mercy and some cure from Your cure upon this pain.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
The Prophet (ļ·ŗ) assured that by reciting this, the patient will be cured by the command of Allah!
The Angelic Ruqyah
Even the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) himself received Ruqyah when he was unwell. Sayyiduna Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (R.A) narrated a beautiful incident where the Angel Jibraeel (Peace be upon him) came to the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) and asked, “O Muhammad! Are you ill?” When the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) replied “Yes,” Jibraeel (A.S) recited this famous and potent Ruqyah:
Transliteration: Bismillahi arqeeka, min kulli shay’in yu’dheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘ayni hasidin, Allahu yashfeeka bismillahi arqeeka.
Translation: “I perform Ruqyah on you with the name of Allah, from everything that harms you, from the evil of every soul or the eye of an envier, may Allah Ta’ala cure you, I perform Ruqyah on you with the name of Allah.” (Sahih Muslim)
This specific Ruqyah is highly recommended to be recited over anyone suffering from a fever, unexplained illness, or sudden weakness.
A Classical Misconception: Is Ruqyah ONLY for the Evil Eye?
When studying Hadith, one might come across a famous narration in Sunan Abi Dawud and Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) said: “There is no Ruqyah except for the evil eye or a sting.” Does this mean we are forbidden to use Ruqyah for a stomach ache, a fever, or a chronic disease?
Classical scholars brilliant clarify this misconception. They explain that this phrase is an Arabic linguistic device. It does not mean Ruqyah is exclusive to the evil eye and stings; rather, it means that nothing is more beneficial or powerfully effective than Ruqyah when treating the evil eye and venomous stings!
The Proof of Universal Ruqyah
The proof that Ruqyah is permitted for other diseases lies within the Sunnah itself. When Sahl bin Hunaif (R.A) fell ill, the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) explicitly clarified the meaning of this rule by saying: “For the evil eye, nothing is more beneficial than Ruqyah.” Furthermore, Sayyiduna Anas (R.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ļ·ŗ) explicitly permitted performing Ruqyah for:
- The evil eye
- Poisonous insect bites
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Eczema and skin ulcers (Namlah)
Conclusion
Ruqyah is not a mystical ritual reserved only for severe spiritual afflictions; it is a daily, accessible medical tool for the believer. Whether you are dealing with a common cold, a severe skin condition, or an unexplained pain, pairing your physical medicine with the majestic names and attributes of Allah is the true essence of Tibb-e-Nabawi!
Disclaimer: This article is an adaptation of translated historical wellness texts for educational purposes based on classical Islamic medicine (Tibb-e-Nabawi). Ruqyah should be practiced alongside, not as a replacement for, seeking professional modern medical treatment.