Ruqya — the practice of reciting Qur’anic verses and authentic supplications for healing — is a blessed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It has helped countless Muslims find relief from spiritual, emotional, and even physical ailments.
Unfortunately, over time, many ruqya misconceptions have spread, causing confusion and even misuse of this powerful practice. Some people avoid ruqya because they think it’s superstitious, while others misunderstand its scope and conditions.
At Serene Hijama & Ruqya, we believe in authentic, Sunnah-based ruqya that aligns fully with Islamic teachings. In this article, we’ll debunk six common ruqya myths and reveal the Islamic healing truth ruqya as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
1. Myth: Ruqya Is Only for Possession or Black Magic
While ruqya is effective for cases of jinn possession, sihr (black magic), and evil eye, it is not limited to these issues.
Truth: Ruqya can also be used for:
Physical illnesses like headaches, fevers, or body pain.
Emotional distress such as anxiety or depression.
Many other chronic ailments.
General protection from harm.
Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ used ruqya for himself and his family, even for common ailments. (Bukhari & Muslim)
2. Myth: Only a Religious Scholar Can Perform Ruqya
Some believe that ruqya must be done by an imam, scholar, or specialist.
Truth: Any Muslim who knows the correct verses and has a sincere heart can perform ruqya for themselves and others, as long as they follow the Sunnah.
No special title is required.
Self-ruqya is encouraged.
Ruqya practitioners are simply facilitators, not miracle workers.
3. Myth: Ruqya Requires Strange Rituals or Objects
You may have heard of practices involving talismans, burning incense, or chanting in unknown languages.
Truth: Authentic ruqya never involves shirk (associating partners with Allah) or un-Islamic rituals.
Correct ruqya involves:
Reciting Qur’an (especially Surah Al-Fatihah, Ayatul Kursi, and the last 3 Surahs).
Using authentic duas from the Sunnah.
Blowing lightly over water or directly onto the person.
Anything outside of this — like writing verses in blood or seeking help from jinn — is forbidden.
4. Myth: Ruqya Works Instantly for Everyone
Some expect one session to solve everything immediately.
Truth: Healing comes from Allah, not the ruqya itself. For some, relief is quick; for others, it’s gradual. Ruqya is a means, not the source of cure.
Patience, repentance, and strengthening one’s relationship with Allah are key to successful healing.
5. Myth: Ruqya Can Replace All Medical Treatment
While ruqya is powerful, it does not mean you should abandon conventional medicine.
Truth: The Prophet ﷺ encouraged seeking medical treatment alongside spiritual healing. Ruqya complements — not replaces — other forms of care.
Balanced approach:
Use ruqya for spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
Seek medical help for physical diagnosis and treatment.
Combine both for complete holistic care.
6. Myth: Ruqya Is Dangerous and Can Harm You
Some avoid ruqya because they’ve heard stories of people fainting, screaming, or reacting violently.
Truth: These reactions may happen in cases of jinn disturbance, but authentic ruqya done correctly is safe. Any discomfort is temporary and part of the healing process.
Choosing a trustworthy, Sunnah-compliant practitioner ensures safety and prevents exploitation.
Conclusion: Ruqya Is a Mercy, Not a Mystery
The Islamic healing truth ruqya is that it’s a pure, prophetic practice meant to help believers find relief and protection through Allah’s words. By separating myths from reality, we can approach ruqya with confidence, sincerity, and the correct intention.
At Serene Hijama & Ruqya, we are dedicated to offering ruqya services that are authentic, safe, and Sunnah-based, ensuring your spiritual and emotional wellbeing is always our priority.
FAQs – Ruqya Myths & Facts
Q1: Can I perform ruqya for my children?
Yes, parents can perform ruqya for their children using authentic Quranic recitations and duas.
Q2: How do I know if my ruqya is authentic?
Stick to Quran and Sunnah sources, avoid rituals with no Islamic proof.
Q3: How long should I do ruqya?
There’s no fixed time — continue until you feel relief, and make it a regular habit for protection.
Q4: Do I need to pay for ruqya?
It’s permissible to accept payment, but it should never be exploitative.
Q5: Can ruqya be done remotely?
Yes, self-ruqya can be guided over calls or video, but in-person is often more effective.
