What is ruqyah and can I do it myself?

Yes, you can do ruqyah yourself, and it's actually the simplest and best way. Ruqyah means reciting Quran verses and authentic duas over yourself or someone else, asking Allah for healing and protection from illness, the evil eye or harm. You don't need a special healer, payment or rituals, just sincere recitation and trust in Allah, alongside normal medical care.

What ruqyah is

Ruqyah is a form of dua using the Quran and the words the Prophet ﷺ taught. It was practiced in his time and he approved it with one clear condition. When asked about incantations, he said: "There is no harm in the invocation as long as there is no polytheism in it" (Sahih Muslim 2200).

For illness: the Prophet ﷺ would recite al-Falaq and an-Nas and blow over his body when he was sick (Sahih al-Bukhari 5016).
For the evil eye: 'Aisha reported that he ordered ruqyah to be done against the evil eye (Sahih al-Bukhari 5738).
For others: some Companions treated a tribal chief who had been stung, using ruqyah (Sahih al-Bukhari 5736).

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌۭ وَرَحْمَةٌۭ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ "And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers" Quran 17:82

How to do it yourself

Recite: al-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi (Quran 2:255), and the last three surahs (al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, an-Nas).
Blow lightly and wipe: before sleeping, the Prophet ﷺ would recite al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas into his cupped hands, blow over them and wipe over his body, starting with his head, face and front, three times (Sahih al-Bukhari 5017).
Use the Prophet's duas: he would treat some of his wives by passing his right hand over the place of ailment and saying: "O Allah, the Lord of the people! Remove the trouble and heal the patient, for You are the Healer. No healing is of any avail but Yours; healing that will leave behind no ailment" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5743).
Jibril's ruqyah: when the Prophet ﷺ was ill, Jibril recited over him, "In the name of Allah I exorcise you from everything and safeguard you from every evil that may harm you and from the eye of a jealous one" (Sahih Muslim 2186).

For the Arabic wording of these duas, a pocket book like "Fortress of the Muslim" (Hisn al-Muslim) or a reliable dua app is very helpful.

Red flags to watch for

Anything unclear or secret: strange words, symbols, numbers or names you don't understand.
Asking for your mother's name or personal items: these are common signs of sorcery, not ruqyah.
Charms and amulets: the Prophet ﷺ said that "spells, charms and love-potions are polytheism" (Sunan Abi Dawud 3883).
High fees and fear-selling: be wary of anyone charging large sums to "fix" you.

Ruqyah and medical care go together

Ruqyah doesn't replace doctors, medication or therapy. If you're dealing with physical pain, depression, anxiety or intrusive thoughts, please see a medical or mental health professional too. Seeking treatment is part of trusting Allah, not a lack of faith. For daily protection, see What are the "three Quls" and when do I read them?

Key points

Ruqyah is reciting Quran and authentic duas for healing and protection.
You can and should do it yourself; no special healer is needed.
Avoid anything with unclear words, charms or shirk.
Use ruqyah alongside medical and mental health care.

Tip: Make the evening routine from Sahih al-Bukhari 5017 a habit: before sleeping, recite the last three surahs into your hands, blow lightly and wipe over your body three times.

What is ruqyah and can I do it myself?

What ruqyah is

How to do it yourself

Red flags to watch for

Ruqyah and medical care go together

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