Counter-magic and uncrossing
Ruqyah recitation
A Muslim practice of reciting Quranic verses and prayers over a person said to be touched by the evil eye, magic or a jinn.
Presented by ClearTrust Customs described as customs, free to read.
Ruqyah is the Islamic practice of reciting verses of the Quran and prayers for protection and relief, often over a person who believes they are affected by the evil eye, sihr (sorcery) or the possession of a jinn. Verses commonly used include al-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi and the last two chapters. It may be done by the person alone, or by a family member, or by a reciter known for it.
This is an outline of a custom, said as belief and practice. It is not instruction, it does not say that the rite works, and it is not medical advice.
What goes into it
- Quranic versesWordAl-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi and the last two chapters.
- Supplications (dua)WordPrayers taken from the hadith.
- Breath and handGestureSome reciters blow lightly and touch the person.
- WaterSubstanceSometimes recited over and given to drink, which scholars discuss.
- ReciterObjectA person known for piety and learning.
- Quiet roomSpaceA clean and calm place.
- Word
- Gesture
- Substance
- Object
- Space
Each part has an equal wedge. The ring shows what goes into the rite, not how much. Colour is the part's role.
The steps, drawn
Each drawing shows the kind of act in that step. Details differ from place to place, family to family and practitioner to practitioner.
Step 1: Cleanse Prepare with ablution, the ritual washing. Step 2: Gather The affected person sits with the reciter or with family. Step 3: Speak Verses and supplications are recited aloud. Step 4: Rest The person listens quietly or repeats the verses. Step 5: Close The session ends with prayers, and advice to seek medical help where there is illness.
Where it sits in the faith
Reports of the Prophet Muhammad's practice are cited as the basis, along with his saying that ruqyah is allowed so long as it contains no polytheism. Many scholars therefore accept recitation of the Quran and of recognised supplications, but reject the use of unknown words, amulets with spirit names or payment tied to claims. Different schools and scholars disagree on the limits, and some modernists doubt the whole idea of possession.
Commercial and harmful uses
In recent decades ruqyah clinics, YouTube recordings and travelling reciters have grown into a business in the Gulf, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan and Muslim communities in Europe. Cases of abuse are on record, including beating, burning or neglect of a sick person described as possessed, and in Saudi Arabia people have been tried for sorcery. Health agencies urge families to treat any serious illness or mental distress with a doctor as well as with prayer.
What it is for
- Seek protection from the evil eye
- Counter sorcery or the harm of a jinn
Who does it
Related entries
Also part of it, and being written: Ruqyah (The practice.).
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Sources and further reading
Original text and drawings by the EveryJaadu desk, written with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Closed or sacred detail is left out. If we have something wrong, tell us.
Photo credits on this page
The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.
- Evil eye: FocalPoint, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Jinn: VenusFeuerFalle, CC0, source