❖ Healing from Magic or Jinn Possession Through Ruqyah and Adhkār
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Vol. 1, Kitāb al-Duʿā’, p. 478
◈ The Question:
If a person becomes ill due to magic or the influence of jinn, is it permissible to seek treatment through ruqyah (spiritual healing) and Adhkār? Please explain in light of Qur’an and Hadith.
① Seeking Treatment is Permissible in Sharīʿah
◈ Islam permits treatment for physical and spiritual ailments—including magic, jinn possession, or hidden illnesses.
◈ However, one must ensure that the healer (ʿĀmil or Rāqī) has correct beliefs and sound creed (ʿAqīdah).
② Prophetic Encouragement to Benefit Others
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever among you is able to benefit his brother, let him do so."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2199 / Dār al-Salām: 5728)
This Hadith shows the virtue of helping others with whatever means possible, including spiritual healing.③ The Command to Seek Treatment
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Tadāwaw (Seek treatment).”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 3855 – Authentic, also in al-Tirmidhī and al-Ḥākim)
Seeking treatment is not contrary to tawakkul (reliance on Allah); rather, it is a recommended practice in Islam.④ Prohibition of Ḥarām Methods in Healing
◈ Using prohibited substances or practices (e.g., alcohol, sorcery, or shirk-based taʿwīdh) is strictly forbidden in Sharīʿah.
Narrated by Ṭāriq ibn Suwayd al-Juʿfī:
He asked the Prophet ﷺ about using wine as medicine, to which he replied:
"It is not a cure, it is a disease."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1984 / Dār al-Salām: 5141)
Also, Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه said:
"Indeed, Allah has not placed your cure in what He has made ḥarām upon you."
(Musnad Aḥmad, Kitāb al-Ashribah: 130 – Authentic)
⑤ Valid Ruqyah Must Be Free from Shirk
◈ The Prophet ﷺ allowed ruqyah as long as it does not contain words of shirk or falsehood:
"There is no harm in ruqyah as long as it does not involve shirk."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Book of Medicine, Ḥadīth: 2200 / Dār al-Salām: 5732)
Therefore, ruqyah using Qur’anic verses and authentic duʿā’ is permissible and from the Sunnah.✔ 7 Sharīʿah-Based Principles for Treating Magic and Jinn with Ruqyah
➊ Seeking treatment for jinn possession or magic is permitted in Islam.
➋ One must approach a righteous, correct-belief healer or Rāqī.
➌ No treatment is allowed through ḥarām methods, such as wine, shirk, or superstition.
➍ Only authentic Qur’anic verses and prophetic duʿā’ should be used in ruqyah.
➎ Ruqyah that involves shirk, unknown symbols, or mantras is strictly forbidden.
➏ The effectiveness of ruqyah is by Allah’s permission, not by the words themselves.
➐ Ruqyah is part of the Sunnah and a means of spiritual healing, not a substitute for medicine or Tawakkul.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
