Ruqyah is the practice of seeking healing through the recitation of the Qur’an and authentic supplications from the Sunnah. 

It is a means of turning to Allah ﷻ for protection from harm, relief from illness, and tranquility of the heart. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age.” [Sunan Abu Dawud, 3855]. 

Ruqyah is one of those remedies, a spiritual treatment rooted in tawheed, reminding us that ultimate healing lies only with Allah. Below are ten signs that a person may benefit from Ruqyah healing, supported by the Qur’an and Sunnah.

1. Constant Unexplained Illness

If a person suffers from ongoing pain, weakness, or sickness that doctors cannot explain or cure, this can sometimes indicate spiritual affliction. 

2. Disturbed Sleep and Nightmares

Frequent nightmares, sleep paralysis, or waking in terror may point to the need for Ruqyah. 

3. Sudden Changes in Behavior

A person may experience mood swings, bursts of anger, or withdrawal from loved ones without explanation. Such shifts may indicate envy, the evil eye, or sihr (black magic). The Prophet ﷺ said: “The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the divine decree it would be the evil eye.” [Sahih Muslim, 2188]. Ruqyah can protect against such unseen harms.

4. Aversion to Worship

When someone finds it unusually hard to pray, recite Qur’an, or engage in dhikr despite desiring closeness to Allah, this may signal spiritual interference. Shaytan’s mission is to turn believers away from worship. 

5. Feeling Heavy or Restricted

Some feel unexplained tightness in the chest or heaviness in the body, especially when hearing Qur’an. 

6. Hearing Whispers or Negative Thoughts

Persistent waswās (whispers) that incite despair, fear, or even self-harm are signs that one may need Ruqyah. 

7. Strong Reactions to Qur’an Recitation

Some may cry, yawn excessively, feel dizzy, or even struggle to remain still when listening to the Qur’an. This is not a negative sign but an indication that the Qur’an is uncovering what troubles the soul. 

8. Intense Fear or Anxiety Without Cause

Unexplained fear, panic, or dread that does not match life circumstances can point to spiritual distress. 

9. Unexplained Barriers in Life

When obstacles appear again and again in work, marriage, or family life in ways that seem unnatural, this may point to sihr or hasad (envy). Allah ﷻ revealed about the magicians at the time of Musa (Moses): “They learned from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they will never harm anyone except by permission of Allah.” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102]. Ruqyah is a way of seeking Allah’s protection against such harm.

10. Constant Feeling of Being Watched or Followed

Some feel uneasy as if someone unseen is present, bringing discomfort or fear. This sensation may arise from jinn interference. 

How to Perform Self-Ruqyah Safely at Home?

Performing Ruqyah at home is safe and effective when done in accordance with Qur’an and Sunnah, free from innovations and prohibited practices.

1. Purify Your Intention and Place Your Trust in Allah

Begin with a sincere heart, knowing that shifā’ (healing) comes only from Allah. Avoid placing your reliance on the recitation itself, but rather on Allah, the One who made His words a cure.

2. Be in a State of Purity

Make wudhu if possible and choose a clean, quiet place. Facing the qiblah is recommended, as it aligns with humility and presence before Allah.

3. Begin With Basmalah and Praise

Say Bismillah, followed by praising Allah and sending salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, as this opens your du‘a.

4. Recite Qur’an Verses of Healing and Protection

The Prophet ﷺ and his Companions used specific passages for Ruqyah:

  • Surah Al-Fatihah [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5736]

  • Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) [Sahih al-Bukhari, 2311]

  • The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285–286) [Sahih Muslim, 807]

  • Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas (recited three times) [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5017]

5. Blow and Wipe Over Yourself

After reciting, blow lightly into your cupped hands and wipe them over your face, head, and body. This was the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ before sleeping [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5017]. You may also blow directly onto areas of pain.

6. Use Sunnah Du‘a for Healing

Among the du‘a taught by the Prophet ﷺ:

  • “Remove the harm, Lord of the people. Heal, for You are the Healer. There is no healing but Your healing, a healing that leaves no trace of sickness.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5743; Sahih Muslim, 2191]

  • Place your hand on the area of pain and say: “Bismillah” three times, then recite: “I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I find and fear.” [Sahih Muslim, 2202]

7. Optional Use of Water or Oil

It is permissible to recite Qur’an over water or olive oil and then drink it or apply it, as reported from some of the early scholars. This should be done with sincerity, remembering that the benefit lies in Allah’s will.

8. Repeat Consistently With Patience

Ruqyah is like medicine: it may require repetition over days or weeks. Healing may be gradual. Do not lose hope if results are not immediate. Allah ﷻ says: “And We send down in the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers.” [Surah Al-Isra 17:82].

9. Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not use amulets, strange rituals, or words without meaning. Do not pay for “guaranteed” cures. Avoid exaggeration and keep your practice pure upon the Sunnah.

10. Conclude With Du‘a and Tawakkul

End by asking Allah sincerely for shifā’, increase in iman, and protection from all harm. Trust that whatever the outcome, Allah is guiding you to what is best for your body and soul.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ruqyah is not limited to those with obvious spiritual afflictions but is a source of mercy and protection for all believers. Regular recitation of the Qur’an, the morning and evening adhkar, and the supplications of the Prophet ﷺ are shields against the unseen harms of envy, sihr, and whispers of Shaytan. If you experience some of these signs, approach Ruqyah with sincerity, patience, and trust that healing is in the hands of Allah alone. As Allah ﷻ reminds us: “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.” [Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:80].