Was Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing) Practiced During the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Time?

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)

Evidence of Ruqyah in the Prophetic Era

Yes, spiritual healing (Ruqyah) was practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The following narrations provide evidence:

1. Ruqyah with the Quran

Narration from Imam Ibn Hibban
The Prophet (ﷺ) once visited Aisha (RA) and saw a woman performing Ruqyah for her. He said:

"عَالِجِيهَا بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ"

"Treat her with the Book of Allah."

[Sahih Ibn Hibban, Kitab al-Ruqa wa al-Tama'im, 464/13]
Authenticity:
Shaykh Al-Albani graded this narration as authentic in Silsilah al-Sahihah (Hadith 1931).

This highlights that the Prophet (ﷺ) approved the use of Quranic verses for spiritual healing, emphasizing reliance on Allah’s words for curing ailments.

2. Treatment for Spiritual and Physical Ailments

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) narrates:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"Indeed, Allah has not sent down any disease except that He has also sent its cure. Whoever learns it, knows it, and whoever remains ignorant, is ignorant of it. Except for death."
They asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is death?"
He replied, "It is 'As-Sam' (death)."
[Musnad Ahmad, 413/1; Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim, 445/4]
This hadith confirms that all ailments, whether physical or spiritual, have a cure except death. Spiritual healing (Ruqyah) is one such method endorsed by the Prophet (ﷺ) to treat spiritual and mental afflictions.

Key Points on Ruqyah

  1. Permissibility:
    • Ruqyah is permissible and was practiced during the Prophetic era as a means of treatment, provided it does not involve shirk or un-Islamic practices.
    • Quranic verses and authentic supplications are the primary tools for Ruqyah.
  2. Effectiveness:
    • The Quran, being the ultimate source of guidance and healing, is an effective means for curing spiritual and emotional ailments.
    • Ruqyah works for those who perform it sincerely, seeking Allah’s assistance.
  3. Limitations:
    • While Ruqyah is beneficial, it cannot prevent or cure death, as highlighted in the hadith.

Conclusion

Spiritual healing (Ruqyah) was an established and approved practice during the Prophet’s (ﷺ) time. It involves the use of Quranic verses and authentic supplications to seek Allah’s help for curing ailments. Muslims are encouraged to rely on Ruqyah for spiritual and emotional healing, ensuring that their methods remain in line with Islamic teachings.
 
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