Self-Ruqyah is the practice of reciting verses from the Holy Quran and authentic supplications taught in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, seeking healing and protection from Allah. Muslims can perform Ruqyah on themselves without depending entirely on another person.
Islam teaches that healing comes from Allah alone. The Quran and authentic Sunnah provide guidance for seeking help through prayer, remembrance of Allah, and lawful Ruqyah.
What Is Self-Ruqyah?
Self-Ruqyah means reciting Quranic verses and authentic supplications over yourself while asking Allah for healing, mercy, and protection. It is permissible when performed according to Islamic teachings and without practices involving shirk.
A person may perform Ruqyah while experiencing distress or while seeking Allah's protection. However, no particular symptom proves that someone has been affected by the evil eye, magic, or jinn.
How to Perform Self-Ruqyah Step by Step
Step 1: Make Your Intention
Begin by sincerely asking Allah for help and healing. Trust in Allah and remember that any healing occurs by His permission. You do not need a special ceremony or a particular location to perform Ruqyah.
Step 2: Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah attentively and ask Allah for mercy and healing. Its use as Ruqyah is established in an authentic narration in Sahih al-Bukhari.
Step 3: Recite Ayat al-Kursi
Recite Ayat al-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah. This verse describes Allah's greatness, knowledge, and absolute authority. An authentic narration in Sahih al-Bukhari mentions its virtue when recited before sleeping.
Step 4: Recite the Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
Read verses 285 and 286 of Surah Al-Baqarah. An authentic hadith mentions their special virtue when recited at night.
Step 5: Recite the Three Protective Surahs
Recite the following surahs:
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (112)
- Surah Al-Falaq (113)
- Surah An-Nas (114)
Aisha رضي الله عنها narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would recite these surahs, blow lightly into his cupped hands, and wipe them over his body before sleeping. This practice is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari.
Step 6: Make an Authentic Supplication for Healing
You may recite the following supplication reported in authentic hadith:
أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ، اشْفِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
Transliteration:
Adhhib al-ba's, Rabb an-naas, ishfi wa Antash-Shaafi, laa shifaa'a illaa shifaa'uk, shifaa'an laa yughaadiru saqamaa.
Meaning:
“Remove the suffering, O Lord of mankind, and heal; You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness behind.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5675 and Sahih Muslim 2191. Read in Sahih al-Bukhari. Read in Sahih Muslim.
Step 7: Blow Lightly Into Your Hands and Wipe Your Body
After reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas, blow lightly into your cupped hands and wipe over the parts of your body you can reach, following the established Sunnah.
How Often Should You Perform Self-Ruqyah?
You may perform lawful Ruqyah whenever you seek Allah's help. The Sunnah includes specific practices at particular times, such as reciting the three protective surahs before sleeping.
Avoid treating unsupported numbers, rituals, or strict schedules as necessary for healing. Follow established Islamic guidance and make sincere supplication to Allah.
Important Guidelines for Self-Ruqyah
- Seek healing and protection from Allah alone.
- Use Quranic verses and authentic supplications.
- Avoid charms, amulets, unknown incantations, and practices involving shirk.
- Do not accuse anyone of practicing magic or causing harm without reliable evidence.
- Do not assume every illness or emotional difficulty is caused by jinn, magic, or the evil eye.
- Continue appropriate medical treatment and consult qualified healthcare professionals when needed.
- Maintain regular prayer, patience, and sincere du'a.
Can You Perform Ruqyah Without a Practitioner?
Yes. A Muslim can recite the Quran and authentic supplications over themselves. You do not have to depend on a practitioner to perform personal Ruqyah.
If you choose to seek assistance from a Ruqyah practitioner, look for someone who follows the Quran and Sunnah, avoids prohibited practices, and does not promise guaranteed cures.
Conclusion
Self-Ruqyah is a way to seek Allah's help through Quranic recitation, authentic supplications, and trust in Him. Begin with Surah Al-Fatihah, recite established Quranic passages, and make sincere supplications for healing.
Allah is the ultimate Healer. Perform Ruqyah according to authentic Islamic guidance, avoid unsupported claims, and seek appropriate medical care when necessary.
Ruqyah Noor provides educational information about Ruqyah Shariah based on the Quran and Sunnah to help Muslims learn about lawful spiritual practices.