Ruqia (also spelled Ruqyah, رقية) is the Islamic practice of healing and protection through the recitation of specific Qur'anic verses and supplications (du'a). It is a form of spiritual healing used for ailments attributed to the evil eye (al-'ayn), envy (hasad), black magic (sihr), affliction by jinn, and physical or mental illnesses.
There are two distinct types of Ruqia:
* Ruqia Shar'iyya (Legitimate Ruqia): This is the only form permissible in Islam. Its validity is based on the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah).
* Ruqia Shirkiyya (Polytheistic Ruqia): This is forbidden (haram) as it involves shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Conditions for Permissible Ruqia (Shar'iyya)
For a Ruqia to be considered permissible, Islamic scholars stipulate it must meet three conditions:
* Source: It must use only the speech of Allah (the Qur'an), His names, or His attributes.
* Language: It must be in clear Arabic, or in another language if its meaning is clearly understood and free of forbidden elements.
* Belief (Tawhid): The practitioner and the patient must believe that the Ruqia itself has no power to heal, but that the cure comes only from Allah. The recitation is merely a means.
Forbidden Ruqia (Shirkiyya)
Any Ruqia that violates the above conditions is considered forbidden. This includes:
* Using talismans, amulets, or charms with unknown symbols or writing.
* Calling upon any being other than Allah (e.g., jinn, angels, deceased saints).
* Using incantations, magic, or spells.
* Performing rituals that contradict Islamic law.
Common Recitations in Ruqia Shar'iyya
Specific chapters and verses of the Qur'an are central to the practice of Ruqia. These include:
* Surah Al-Fatiha (Chapter 1)
* Ayat al-Kursi (Verse 2:255)
* The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
* The "three Quls":
* Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)
* Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113)
* Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114)
These are often recited over the afflicted person, or recited into one's hands and then wiped over the body, or recited over water which is then drunk or bathed with.
Note:
Sihr: Hidden.