PART 9 – Ruqyas
77. This Du’a Is Considered Shirk
Question:
Some people use the following supplication in the belief that it cures diabetes: “O my master, Messenger of Allah! May prayers and peace be upon you. You are my intercessor. Help me. I can do nothing. Please come to my rescue.” They also say, “O Messenger of Allah! Intercede on my behalf.’’ This is meant to ask the Prophet to pray for their healing.
Is this supplication allowed? Is it really as beneficial as they claim it to be? Please guide us, may Allah bless you.
Answer:
This Du‘a is considered major Shirk, for the supplicants are praying to the Messenger , not to Allah. Only Allah can answer prayers. To ask other than Him is major Shirk, and so is asking the Prophet for intercession after his death. Early Mushriks used to worship `holy men‘, who were considered intercessors with Allah. In this regard, Allah says, “(18) They worship beside Allah that which neither hurteth them nor profiteth them, and they say: These are our intercessors with Allah.’’ 1 He also says, “(3) And those who choose protecting friends beside Him (say): We worship them only that they may bring us near unto Allah.’’ (Az Zumar Surah, Ayah No.3.) This was condemned and forbidden by Allah.
Being major Shirk, that Du‘a must not be used at all, nor even uttered. In fact, Muslims must warn others against it. Such Shirk cannot be forgiven unless one repents and commits himself to the oneness of Allah.
Instead of Shirk supplications, there are in the Qur‘an, and the Hadith books, such as Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, established prayers for Ruqya treatment of diseases, diabetes included. For example, Al-Fatiha Sura is believed to possess healing qualities and to be a source of rewards and good. Such legal Ruqyas have been prescribed in order to keep Shirk ones away. On the one hand, Muslims must not be involved in Shirk practices or prayers. On the other hand, before using any Ruqyas, Muslims have to make sure that they are legal ones. This can be done by consulting reliable scholars as well as by consulting established Islamic sources.
Thus, you are well advised not only to keep away from that Shirk Du‘a, but also to tell others to refrain from doing it and to warn them against it. (Al-Multaqa mm Fatawa Al-Fawzan (A1-Fawzan‘s Selected Fatwas), Vol.2, p. 39.)
78. Selling Ruqyas and Amulets
Question:
What is the ruling on selling Ruqyas and amulets?
Answer:
A Fatwa has already been issued, banning the writing of Qur‘anic verses, prayers from the Sunnah or prayers from other established sources, on paper or plates, then wiping the writing with water to be drunk by patients seeking healing from diseases. Also, there is no evidence to suggest that the Prophet or his Companions did that. Therefore, the best thing to do is to follow his guidance and that of his companions. This is the Fatwa:
The Prophet allowed the Ruqya treatment with Qur‘anic verses and with supplications, provided that they are void of Shirk and incomprehensible statements. According to Sahih Muslim, Ibn-Awf narrated: “We used to perform Ruqyas at the Jahili (pre-Islamic) times. We asked the Prophet , ‘O Allah‘s Messenger, What do you think of that (Ruqya performance)? He replied, `Show me your Ruqyas. Ruqyas are valid so long as they are void of Shirk.‘ “(Sahih Muslim, Book of Peace, Hadith No. 2200.)
There is a consensus among the Ulama (Muslim religious scholars) that Ruqya treatment with Qur‘anic verses and non- Shirk supplications is valid on condition that it is firmly believed that no healing can take place without Allah‘s Will. As for wearing something around the neck, or other body parts, this is forbidden if it is non-Qur‘anic – in fact it is considered Shirk. According to Musnad Al-Imam Ahmad, Ibn-Hussain narrated: ―Seeing a man wearing a copper ring around his wrist, the Prophet said, `Take it off, for it will do nothing for you except make you weaker. If you die wearing it, you will have no success at all ‘ (Sunan Ibn-Majah, Book of Medicine, Hadith No. 3531. Musnad Ahmad, 4/445.)
As narrated by Uqbah Ibn-‘Amer, “If one wears an amulet, may Allah not grant him his wish, and if one wears a shell, may Allah grant him no peace’’ (Op. Cit.) Another Hadith in Musnad AlImam Ahmad says, “Whoever wears an amulet has committed an act of Shirk.’’ (Op. Cit.)Also, on the authority of Ibn-Mas‘ud, the Prophet said, “(Shirk) Ruqyas, amulets and love charms are Shirk’’ (Sunan Abu-Dawood, Book of Medicine, Musnad Ahmad, 1/381.)
On the other hand, if what is worn has Quranic writings, it is banned for three reasons: (a) the Hadiths banned amulets in general without exception, (b) closing the door of wearing Shirk ones; (c) preventing putting Quranic verses in degrading places and situations, such as toilets.
As for writing Quranic Suras or verses – for example, with saffron – on a slate, plate or paper, then washing it with water to be drunk for the purpose of gaining blessing, knowledge, wealth or health, etc., there is no evidence to suggest that the Prophet did such a thing to himself or to others, or that he gave permission to anyone to do it. There is no evidence in the sound Athar (heritage) to suggest that any of the Prophet‘s Companions did or permitted such conduct. Thus, the safest thing is to avoid it, and to recite, instead, the legally established Ruqyas. These Ruqyas use Quranic verses, Allah‘s Fairest Names and the Prophet‘s established supplications as well as other non-Shirk comprehensible prayers. They must be meant to please Allah and to seek His reward, help in affliction and relief of his suffering, and to ask Him useful knowledge. Suffice one to do that, for adherence to Allah‘s Shariah makes one in need of nobody else, and it He Who grants success.
Thus, the sale of amulets and incantations must be banned.‘ (Al-Juhani’s Fatawa Mu ‘asirah (Contemporary Fatwas), p. 12)
79. Using the Qur’an in Treating Physical Illness
(Majallat Ad-Da ‘wah (The Call Journal), Issue No. 1497, 1/2/1416 H.)
Question:
Can treatment with the Qur‘an cure physical illnesses, such as cancer, as effectively as it does psychological ones, such as the evil eye and possession by Jinn? Is there any evidence? May Allah reward you.
Answer:
There is in the Qur‘an and supplications – by Allah‘s permission – healing from all evil. This is supported by a great deal of evidence in the Qur‘an and the Sunnah. For example, Allah says in the Qur‘an:
“(44) Say: It [the Qur‘an] is for those who believe [in it] a guidance and a healing.’’ (Fussilat Surah, Ayah No. 44.)
“(82) And We reveal of the Qur‘an that which is a healing and a mercy for believers….’’ (Al-Isra Surah, Ayah No. 82.)
According to the Sunnah, whenever the Prophet fell ill, he would, on going to bed, recite three times into his own palms the Surahs of Al-Ikhlaas, A1-Falaq and An-Nas. After each recitation, he would rub with his hands whatever parts of his body he could reach, starting with the head, then the face and the chest. This was narrated by Aisha. (Ibn-Baz‘s Collection of Fatwas and Articles, Op. Cit., Vol.8 , P. 364.)
80. This Statement about Az-Zalzalah Sura Is False
Question:
A psychologically ill woman was told that if Az-Zalzalah Surah was recited unto water, then someone suffering from a difficult illness drank from that water, he would either die or be cured The woman drank from such water Later, she became pregnant. She gave birth to a healthy baby. After the child was weaned, the woman became pregnant again. When she was nine months pregnant, she fell ill, so she drank from the water The same day she delivered a dead baby. Months later, she became pregnant. In the eighth month of pregnancy, she fell ill, and she drank from the water. Her baby was born dead. In a later pregnancy, she became ill in her seventh month, so she drank from the water. The following night she gave birth to a baby girl, who was alive.
The woman was also told that Az-Zalzalah Sura would cause miscarriage if recited onto “black seeds’’, or that those seeds would cause it; she had no idea about such claimed effects. Is she to bear any responsibility because of the death of her babies?
Answer:
First, the statement that Az-Zalzalah Sura causes either healing or death and causes miscarriage is unfounded. In fact, it is a myth.
Second, no ransom or atonement is demanded of the woman in question, for her action did not cause her children‘s death. (Ibn-Baz’s Collection of Fatwas, VoL 2, p. 924.)
81. How to Protect Yourself from Witchcraft and Envy:
Question:
Is there some Du‘a that I can say to protect myself from the evil eye?
Is there some Du‘a that I can say to protect myself from witchcraft?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, and praise be to Him. As mentioned in the `sound‘ Hadiths, one can do the following for protection from all evils:
Recite the Suras of A1-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas three times after the Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers.
Seek refuge in Allah‘s perfect words from the evil of what He has created, morning and evening, three times each. Say three times in the evening and in the morning these prayers:
“In the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing on earth or in the heavens can cause harm, and He is the all-Hearing all- Knowing.’’ (Op. Cit.)
May Allah grant success to all Muslims. (Ibn-Baz‘s Collection of Faiwas, Vol. 2, p. 687)
82. Legal Treatment of Witchcraft:
Question:
I have heard one of the Ulama say: ―If someone thinks that he has been bewitched, he can be treated by putting seven Sidr leaves in a bowl of water, and reciting onto the bowl the following: Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Al-Kafirun and Al-Fatiha Suras, Al-Kursi and “(102) and that which was revealed to the two angels in Babel, Harut and Marut….’’ 3 How valid is that?
What does one have to do if one thinks he has been bewitched? Please advise us. May Allah reward you.
Answer:
There is no doubt that Sihr (magic) exists, and some of it is imaginary. However, it is by Allah‘s permission that it occurs and becomes effective. With respect to sorcerers, Allah says, “(102) And follow that which the devils falsely related against the kingdom of Solomon. Solomon disbelieved not; but the devils disbelieved, teaching mankind magic and that which was revealed to the two angels in Babel, Harut and Marut. Nor did they (the two angels) teach it to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve not (in the guidance of Allah). And from these two (angels) people learn that by which they cause division between man and wife; but they injure thereby no one save by Allah’s leave.” (Al-Baqarah Surah, Ayah No. 102)
Thus, Sihr can produce effects, but only by Allah’s permission, in terms of His worldly laws and His Divine Destiny. In fact, nothing can exist without His Decree and permission. As for witchcraft, it can be treated and cured. The attempt to bewitch the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is a case in point. When it happened, the magic was uncovered and foiled, and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was cured of it with Allah’s blessing. This implies that once the magic is uncovered, it can be foiled. Whatever evil incantations sorcerers do can never take place or work without the permission of Allah, Who is over everything competent.
Concerning treatment, the patient can treat himself with Ruqya if he is mentally well, or somebody else can perform the Ruqya unto him. The Raqi does Nafth unto the patient’s chest or some other body parts, reciting the following:
The Surahs of AL-Fatihah, AI-Ikhlas, AI-Falaq, An-Nas and Al-Kafirun, and AI-Kursi Ayah.
“(117) And We inspired Moses (saying): Throw thy staff! And Io! it swallowed up their lying show. (118) Thus was the Truth vindicated and that which they were doing was made vain.
(119) Thus were they defeated and brought low.” (Al-A’Raaf Sura, Ayahs No. 117-119)
“(79) And Pharaoh said: Bring every cunning wizard unto me. (80) And when the wizards came, Moses said unto them: Cast your cast! (81) And when they had cast, Moses said:
That which ye have brought is magic. Lo! Allah will make it vain. Lo! Allah upholdeth not the work of mischief makers. (82) And Allah will vindicate the Truth by His words, however much the guilty be averse.” (Yunus Sura, Ayaha No. 79-82)
“(65) They said: O Moses! Either throw first, or let us be the first to throw? (66) He said: Nay, do ye throw! Then Lo! Their cords and their staves, by their magic, appeared to him as though they ran. (67) And Moses conceived a fear in his mind (68) We said: Fear not! Lo! Thou art the higher. (69) Throw that which is in thy right hand! It will eat up that which they have made. Lo! That which they have made is but a wizard’s artifice, and a wizard shall not be successful to whatever point (of skill) he may attain.” (Taha Sura, Ayahs No. 65-69.)
It is recommended that AI-Ikhlas, AI-Falaq and An-Nas Surah be recited three times. Then, the Raqi should pray for the patient with these words: “O Allah, Lord of mankind! I beg You to remove the suffering. I beg You, as You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Yours, to bring about a healing that leaves behind no ailment.” (Op. Cit.) He should also say this Ruqya three times: “In the name of Allah I am performing this Ruqya unto you to get rid of what is harming you, of the evil of all souls and the effects of evil eyes. May Allah bring about healing. In the name of Allah I am performing this Ruqya unto.” (Op. Cit.) It is also recommended, while praying for the patient’s healing, to say these prayers, preferably three times: “I seek refuge for you in Allah’s perfect Words from the evil of what He has created.” (Op. Cit.)
‘The Ruqya described above is a useful treatment. It can also be performed onto water from which the bewitched patient drinks and washes his body. It can -by Allah’s permission -remove the effects of witchcraft. Adding to the water ground green Sidr leaves can have a healing effect, for this has been tried a lot, and we have found it useful -by Allah’s permission – in several cases. This Ruqya has proved effective in the treatment not only of bewitchment cases, but also of Rabt cases. In the latter cases, a husband cannot have an erection during intercourse due to the effect of magic. If the husband (called the Marbut) performs that Ruqya unto himself or has it performed unto him with or without water, the Ruqya will- by Allah’s permission be beneficial.
Such treatment with Ruqya is a means to cure; but it is only Allah Who brings about cure, and He is over everything competent; with Him are both the disease and the cure, and nothing occurs without His Decree or Destiny. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Allah has not created a disease without a cure, which becomes known to some while denying the others.” (Op. Cit.) This is a blessing from Allah, and He is the One Who guides the straight path. (Ibn-Baz’s Collection of Fatwas, Vol. 2, p. 688)
83. Is It Allowed to Uncover Women for Ruqya Purposes?
Question:
As you know, a lot of people suffer from diseases for which they cannot find medical treatment, so they resort to Allah’s Book (the Qur’an). They seek legal Ruqya treatment with religious scholars, and Qur’an reciters who are known to be pious and righteous. In the case of female patients, the painful spot may be in a woman’s head, chest, hands or legs.
Is it allowed to uncover any of those body parts for recitation purposes if necessary? How much can be uncovered, if allowed at all?
Answer:
Since Allah’s Book (the Qur’an) is the most beneficial cure, legal Ruqyas ought to be taught and learned so that people can benefit each other and treat difficult illnesses. Nonetheless, a Male Raqi is not to touch or see any part of a female patient’s body. A Ruqya is to be performed with her veil on. This is undoubtedly beneficial. Instead, ladies ought to learn how to perform Ruqyas so that they can treat female patients.
Allah is the One Who knows. (Allu’-Lu’ Al-Makeen fi Fatawa Ibn-Jibreen, p. 22.)
84. Legal Means to Foiling Witchcraft
Question:
How can Sihr be foiled by means of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and supplications?
Answer:
On the one hand, the treating Raqi should be among the best at recitation, the most committed to the Sunnah, the most practising of Shari’ ah and the farthest from sins and forbidden things. Treatment by a person possessing such qualities must – by Allah’s permission -be effective in foiling Sihr works. On the other hand, the patient himself ought to be a righteous, God-fearing person; Allah says, “(82) And We reveal of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy for believers though it increases the evil-doers in naught save ruin.” (Al-Isra’ Surah, Ayah No. 82.) Also, one has to believe that the Qur’an is a beneficial, effective cure. In other words, the Ruqya treatment must not be seen as experimenting, but must be firmly believed to remove the illness by Allah‘s permission. Repetition of the selected Quranic verses is recommended. Besides, the Muslim has to seek protection through the Prophet‘s صلى الله عليه وسلم prayers, and other established prayers from the Qur‘an and the Sunnah, and he should keep the daily and the nightly supplications. By doing so, Allah will keep him away from all conniving. (For more information on the value of Allah’s remembrance, you may consult Ibn-Al-Qayyim’s Al-Wabil Assayyib) & (Allu’-Lu’ Al-Makeen fi Fatawa Ibn-Jibreen, p. 22.)
85. How the Believer Can Protect Himself from Sihr
Question:
How can Atf, Sarf and Sihr be treated? How can the believer protect himself from them? Are there any supplications from the Qur‘an and the Sunnah for that purpose?
Answer:
There are a variety of treatments:
(1) Search is to be done to identify the sorcerer‘s work. If, for example, it is known that he has put some hair in a certain place, or writings on combs, that thing has to be removed from that place and destroyed. As a result, the magic is rendered ineffective, and the sorcerer‘s plan is foiled.
(2) If the sorcerer is known, he must be forced to remove his magic. In fact, he has to be threatened: Unless you remove what you have done, your neck will be struck with the sword. Even if he removes his magic, he has to be executed, for this is his due punishment, without having to persuade him to repent. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The sorcerer‘s punishment is a strike with the sword.’’ (Sunan Attirnidhi, Kitab Al-Hudud (Book of Penalties), Hadith No. 1460.)
(3) Ruqya treatment can be administered. It is effective in removing Sihr. It involves doing Quranic recitations straight onto the patient, or onto water in a container. The Raqi is to recite: Al-Kursi Ayah, the Sihr verses in Al-‘Araaf, Yunus and Taha Suras, and the Suras of Al-Kafirun, Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas. Then, he is to pray for the patient‘s healing. It is recommended to use the Prophet‘s established supplications, such as:
“O Allah, Lord of mankind! I beg You to remove the suffering. I beg You, as You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Yours, to bring about a healing that leaves behind no ailment.’’ (Op. Cit.) He should also say Jibreel‘s Ruqya, done on the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم: “In the name of Allah I am performing this Ruqya unto you to get rid of what is harming you, of the evil of all souls and the effects of evil eyes. May Allah bring about healing. In the name of Allah I am performing this Ruqya unto you.’’ (Op. Cit.) The Ruqya should be repeated three times, and so should the Surahs of Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
As mentioned earlier, the recitation can be done onto water in a container. The patient drinks some of the water and washes himself with the rest once – or more if necessary. With Allah‘s permission, the ailment will be removed. That Ruqya treatment has been mentioned by the Ulama. For example, the late Sheikh Abdurrahman Ibn-Hassan mentioned that in the chapter on An Nashrah in his book Fat-h Al-Majeedfi Sharh Kitab At Tawheed.
(4) Sihr can also be Also treated this way. Grind seven green Sidr leaves; put the ground leaves into water; recite unto the water containing the Sidr leaves, the above mentioned Ayahs and Suras; say the mentioned prayers; have the patient drink some of the water and wash his body with the rest. This treatment is also beneficial in Rabt cases, where a husband is so bewitched that he cannot have intercourse with his wife. The following are the Surahs and Ayahs to be recited in the Ruqya treatment of Sibr and Rabt:
– Al-Fatihah
– Al-Kursi Ayah:
“(255) Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep over taketh Him. F Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne included the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.’’ (Al-Baqarah’ Surah, Ayah No. 255.)
– “(106) (Pharaoh) said: If thou comest with a token, then produce it, if thou art of those who speak the truth. (107) Then he flung down his staff and lo! it was a:
serpent manifest; (108) And he drew forth his hand (from his bosom): and lo! it was white for the beholders. (109) The chiefs of Pharaoh‘s people said:
Lo! this is some knowing wizard, (110) Who would expel you from your land. Now what do ye advise? (111) They said (unto Pharaoh): Put him off (a while) him and his brother and send into the cities summoners, (112) To bring each knowing wizard unto thee. (113) And the wizards came to Pharaoh, saying: Surely there will be a reward for us if we are victors. (114) He answered: Yea, and surely ye shall be of those brought near (to me). (115) They said: O Moses! Either throw (first) or let us be the first throwers? (116) He said: Throw! And when they threw they cast a spell upon the people‘s eyes, and overawed them, and produced a mighty spell. (117) And We inspired Moses (saying): Throw thy staff! And lo! it swallowed up their lying show. (118) Thus was the Truth vindicated and that which they were doing was made vain. (119) Thus were they defeated and brought low. (120) And the wizards fell down prostrate, (121) Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, (122) The Lord of Moses and Aaron.’’ (Al-Araf Surah, Ayahs No. 106-122.)
– “(79) And Pharaoh said: Bring every cunning wizard unto me. (80) And when the wizards came, Moses said unto them: Cast your cast! (81) And when they had cast, Moses said: That which ye have brought is magic. Lo! Allah will make it vain. Lo! Allah upholdeth not the work of mischief makers. (82) And Allah will vindicate the Truth by His words, however much the guilty be averse.’’ (Yunus’ Sura, Ayahs No. 79-82.)
– “(65) They said: 0 Moses! Either throw first, or let us be the first to throw? (66) He said: Nay, do ye throw! Then Lo! their cords and their staves, by their magic, appeared to him as though they ran. (67) And Moses conceived a fear in his mind (68) We said: Fear not! Lo! thou art the higher. (69) Throw that which is in thy right hand! It will eat up that which they have made. Lo! that which they have made but a wizards artifice, and a wizard shall not be successful to whatever point (of skill) he may attain.’’ (Taha Sura, Ayahs No. 65-69.)
– Al-Kafirun Surah
– Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas Surahs – to be recited three times.
– Saying some Shar‘i prayers – preferably three times such as:
“O Allah, Lord of mankind! I beg You to remove the suffering. I beg You, as You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Yours, to bring about a healing that leaves behind no ailment.’’ (Op. Cit.)
“In the name of Allah I am performing this Ruqya unto you to get rid of what is harming you, of the evil of all souls and the effects of evil eyes. May Allah bring about healing. In the name of Allah I am performing this Ruqya unto.’’ (Op. Cit.)
If the prescribed recitations and supplications are done straight unto the patient, and if Nafth is done unto his head or chest, he will – by Allah‘s permission – be cured of Sihr. (Ibn-Baz’s Collection of Fatwas and Articles, Op. Cit., Vol. 8, P. 144.)
By Khaled al-Jeraisy
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