Types of Ruqyah: Shar'iyyah vs Shirk'iyyah

TYPES OF RUQYAH

It is crucial for every Muslim to understand that there are two fundamentally different types of Ruqyah: one that is permissible and blessed, and one that is forbidden and leads to destruction.

1. Ruqyah Shar'iyyah (Permissible Islamic Ruqyah)

Definition

Ruqyah Shar'iyyah is an Islamic healing practice involving Qur'anic recitation, authentic supplications, and seeking help from Allah alone, free from any form of shirk.

What is Ruqyah Shar'iyyah?

Ruqyah is an Islamic practice of reciting verses from the Quran and making supplications to seek healing and protection from ailments, both physical and spiritual. It is effective against illnesses caused by the evil eye, black magic, and possession by jinn.

Key Characteristics of Ruqyah Shar'iyyah:

• Uses only Qur'anic verses - All recitations are from the Holy Qur'an
• Uses authentic Prophetic supplications - Duas taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
• Seeks help from Allah alone - Complete reliance on Allah (SWT) for healing
• Free from shirk - Contains no polytheistic elements whatsoever
• Clear and understandable - Recitations are in Arabic or a language the person understands
• Based on Islamic teachings - Follows the methodology of the Qur'an and Sunnah

What Can Ruqyah Shar'iyyah Treat?

• Evil eye (Ayn)
• Black magic (Sihr)
• Jinn possession
• Spiritual ailments
• Physical illnesses (as a means, with medical treatment)
• Anxiety and psychological distress

The Ruling

Ruqyah Shar'iyyah is permissible and encouraged in Islam. It is a blessed practice that brings the believer closer to Allah and provides healing through His words.

2. Ruqyah Shirk'iyyah (Forbidden Ruqyah)

Definition

Ruqyah Shirk'iyyah is a type of Ruqyah that leads to sin and destruction upon the individual as it involves calling upon other than Allah (SWT).

What Does Ruqyah Shirk'iyyah Involve?

This forbidden type of Ruqyah entails:

• Seeking assistance from Jinn - Calling upon jinn for help or healing
• Consulting magicians and sorcerers - Going to those who practice black magic
• Using horoscopes and fortune-telling - Believing in or using astrology for guidance
• Using charms and amulets - Wearing talismans that contain shirk or unknown writings
• Reciting incomprehensible words - Using words that are not from Qur'an or Sunnah
• Making sacrifices to other than Allah - Offering animals or items to jinn or spirits
• Invoking dead people or "saints" - Seeking help from the deceased

The Ruling

It is clear that this practice is completely forbidden in Islam, which is evident from the Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ.

Why is Ruqyah Shirk'iyyah Dangerous?

1. It is shirk (polytheism) - The greatest sin in Islam
2. It nullifies one's faith - Shirk contradicts the testimony of faith
3. It brings no real benefit - Only Allah can truly heal and help
4. It invites more harm - Opens doors to further spiritual afflictions
5. It is deception by Shaytan - The devil deceives people into associating partners with Allah

How to Distinguish Between the Two

Aspect	Ruqyah Shar'iyyah ✅	Ruqyah Shirk'iyyah ❌
Source	Qur'an and Sunnah	Magic, unknown words, shirk
Help Sought From	Allah alone	Jinn, spirits, dead people
Methods Used	Clear Qur'anic verses, authentic duas	Charms, amulets, horoscopes, sacrifices
Islamic Ruling	Permissible and encouraged	Completely forbidden (Haram)
Result	Blessing, healing, closeness to Allah	Sin, destruction, distance from Allah

Conclusion

Every Muslim must be vigilant and ensure they only practice or seek Ruqyah Shar'iyyah - the permissible Islamic healing method that relies solely on Allah (SWT).

Avoid at all costs any practice that involves shirk, magic, or seeking help from other than Allah. Remember, true healing and protection come only from Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

"And when I am ill, it is He who cures me" (Ash-Shu'ara: 80)