Ruling on Online Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing) and Its Legal Status
✍ Fatwa by: Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on performing ruqyah (spiritual healing) online?
❖ Answer:
Definition of Online Ruqyah:
This refers to cases where:
– The patient is listening to ruqyah through a mobile device (e.g., via headphones or speakers).
– The patient is present live on a video/audio call, able to see and hear the reciter in real time.
✔ Legal Position:
◈ Permissible with Conditions:
Islamic scholars have allowed online ruqyah, provided certain conditions are met.
Although it does not carry the full effect of in-person ruqyah, it may still offer partial benefit.
❖ Important Guidelines:
① Partial Benefit Expected:
– The effect of online recitation may not be 100%, but can potentially deliver around 50% benefit.
– The blessing (barakah) of Allah’s words will still reach the listener.
② Listening Is Essential:
– The patient must be able to hear the ruqyah in real-time.
③ Not Equivalent to Ghāʾib Ruqyah:
– It is not sufficient to merely say, “I performed ruqyah for so-and-so” without any direct interaction.
– Physical or audio presence of the patient is a must during the ruqyah.
❖ Conclusion:
Online ruqyah is permissible under the following conditions:
– The patient is actively listening to the recitation.
– The reciter is delivering the ruqyah through his live voice.
However, in-person ruqyah remains more effective and preferred when possible.
