Ruqyah (also ruqya or ruqia) is a term you hear often, but what exactly does it mean? In this article we explain what ruqyah is, which verses are often recited and how you can listen to it at home.
What does ruqyah mean?
Ruqyah literally means "protection" or "healing through recitation". It is the recitation of verses from the Quran and authentic supplications (duas) to ask Allah for protection and healing. The Prophet ﷺ himself recited ruqyah and encouraged it.
Important to know: healing and protection come from Allah alone. The words themselves have no power apart from Him.
Ruqyah according to the sunnah
Scholars consider ruqyah permissible if it meets three conditions:
- It consists of the words of Allah (the Quran), His names and attributes, or authentic duas.
- It is in understandable language, without unknown words or symbols.
- You believe that the ruqyah itself does not heal, but that healing comes from Allah.
Which verses are often recited?
- Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening of the Quran.
- Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 255).
- The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (verses 285 and 286).
- Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, the last three surahs of the Quran.
From the narrations (including in Sahih al-Bukhari) we know that before sleeping, the Prophet ﷺ recited Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, blew into his hands and then wiped them over his body.
Ruqyah as a daily habit
Ruqyah is not only for difficult moments. Many Muslims make it a regular habit, for example:
- reciting or listening to the morning and evening adhkar;
- Ayat al-Kursi and the last three surahs before going to sleep;
- regularly letting Surah Al-Baqarah sound in the home.
Do you have questions about ruqyah in a specific situation? Then discuss it with an imam or a trustworthy, knowledgeable person.
Listening to ruqyah at home
The Muadhin adhan clock has a built-in dua and ruqyah function, alongside the adhan at every prayer time and a Quran player with more than 100 reciters. This lets you play ruqyah or Surah Al-Baqarah in your home at the touch of a button, without reaching for your phone. Via Bluetooth you can also play it on your own speaker.
